10 Primary Homework Tips for Parents
Primary school is when children first get introduced to the idea of homework. Some schools give out more than others, but no matter the volume, it’s a great opportunity to set a routine with your children and build solid study skills.
Unfortunately, homework is universally unpopular. Many children won’t automatically choose to do homework - others will do anything they can to avoid it. That’s why it’s so important for parents to get kids actively involved in homework and build good habits. After all, homework in primary school is about more than just the curriculum, it can also help build vital skills children need for school and life in general.
If you want to get your children more involved in homework without a fight, try some of our expert tips for primary school students.
Our 10 Top Homework Tips
1. Align Your Expectations
While we all want our children to be their best and excel in their education, pushing more homework on them than necessary is not the way to do it. Make sure the homework they’re doing (and the amount of it) is in line with their age and learning level.
2. Make It Fun
Homework doesn’t have to be a chore! In primary school, children are still learning so many different skills and these can be explored in fun and interactive ways. It’s not all work sheets and reading! Have fun with it and incorporate interactive activities into homework time - write stories using household toys, do counting and maths using blocks or lego, make slime or play-doh to learn about science, or measure the heights of family members.
3. Go Beyond The Academic
While a lot of their homework content will be academically based, that’s not all your child needs to learn. At this age, they’re still learning and honing skills like fine motor skills, empathy, creativity and more. Mix it up to make it fun - homework could be maths sheets, playing outside or even cooking.
4. Split It Up
Kids don’t have great attention spans, so it’s unlikely they’ll be able to sit in one spot, focussing on one subject for a big chunk of time. Split up subjects that they’re working on to keep it interesting and do something different every day.
5. Have A Set Homework Time
Routine can work really well for younger kids - especially those who don’t love doing their homework. If they have a set time they know is homework time, it’s easier to get them into good habit and create consistency around doing homework - and there’ll be fewer arguments about them wanting to watch TV instead.
6. Find Their Learning Style
Kids learn differently and are drawn to different things. Lots of learning is done digitally these days, but that doesn’t mean it’s your child’s preferred way to do it. Are they hands-on? Visual learners? Auditory learners? Try a few things, find what works best, and then encourage that learning during homework time. If you’re struggling to understand how your child best learns, private tutors can help.
7. Encourage Them To Share
When you’re young, learning new things can be very exciting. Taking an interest in what your child is learning, and having them explain or show it to you, not only gets them involved but it helps them understand and remember ideas and concepts better. It’s also a great way to get the whole family involved in learning.
8. Consult Their Teacher
Teachers can give you guidance into your child’s strengths and weaknesses. What do they need extra help with? What do they struggle with or shy away from the most at school? You can use homework time to give them extra support with the more challenging work.
Engaging an online primary tutor can help you give them this support.
9. Set Goals
Having a purpose or a goal can be very motivating, even for younger children. Find something that they want to achieve and use homework time as a way to work towards it. This could be achieving a certain score on a test, reading a particular number of books, or improving handwriting. Remember to regularly remind them of their goal and show them how they’re progressing to keep them motivated.
10. Reward Their Efforts
Rewards don’t have to be big to be extravagant, but it’s important to recognise and celebrate the work your child has put in. Rewards could look like words of encouragement and praise after each homework session, extra screen time at the end of the week, or a new toy or day out when they achieve their set goal.
Don’t Wait To Get Started
It can be hard for parents to know if they’re doing homework the ‘right’ way, if they’re pushing their children too hard or not hard enough. The most important thing is to take an interest in your child’s homework and do what you can to find a routine that works for everyone.
If you’re not sure where or how to start to give them the best study foundations, primary school tutoring is a great option that takes the pressure off. You’ll know your child is getting one-on-one support from experts that’s customised to their level and learning style.
For more information about private tutoring for primary school students, contact Little Geniuses today.