According to a 2006 survey by the National Education Association titled "Bridging the Homework Divide," middle school students alone are putting in an average of one to two hours of homework a night. While the number sounds high, a little planning and a regular routine will help minimize the stress.
Set a Designated Homework Space
Whether it's a desk or the dining room table, children need to have a regular place to sit down every day and do their homework. The space needs to have plenty of light and away from distractions. The coffee table in front of the television is not conducive to completing schoolwork.
The Best Time to Do Schoolwork
School dismissal times will partially dictate the best time for children to do homework. Kids often need a break before starting their homework. The earlier the homework is done the better because the information is fresh on the child's mind. Getting started late may result in a child being too tired to concentrate.
Keep School Supplies on Hand
There's nothing more frustrating for a child than to sit down to homework and not have the necessary supplies to get the job done. Setting up an area in the house for supplies and keeping it stocked is also key to homework success. A cupboard in the kitchen or some shelves in a closet will work out great.
Knowing what to keep in the homework supply area is half the battle. Here is a list of the basics to have on hand at all times.
- Notebook paper
- Unlined paper (computer paper)
- Graph paper
- Index cards
- Pens and pencils
- Colored pencils
- Scissors
- Glue or glue stick
- Calculator
- Protractor
- Dictionary
- Thesaurus
More supplies might be needed, depending on the course load or the number of projects students may be assigned.
Make a Homework Plan
If students have homework for more than one class, deciding what to do first may also eliminate stress. A homework plan is key.
- Make a list of assignments and break into categories: reading, problems or questions to answer, or studying.
- Break the work into chunks. If reading a chapter is the requirement, read first and mark that off the list. Move on to the next assignment.
- Move the priority items, like studying for a test, to the top of the list.
Don't Do the Children's Work
It can be very tempting for parents to step in and do some of the homework if they see a child struggling or stressing. The key word is "don't!" Children need to learn to work through their problems. Doing the work for them makes them more dependent and prevents them from learning important coping skills. Offer guidance, but don't actually do the work.
Homework time does not have to be stressful. A designated space and time for the work, along with a plan and plenty of supplies will go a long way toward a successful study session.
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