Making Homework Fun Education News from Alleyn's | www.alleyns.org.uk Frances Buckley, Teaching and Learning Coordinator at Alleyn’s Junior School, talks about how we can make our children’s homework something we can all look forward to. f you sometimes find it difficult to motivate your child to do their homework you are not alone! When a child has already spent much of their day sitting with a pen in their hand, it is unsurprising that they will not always want to go back to something similar after school. Here are some tips to help you not only get through those times but to make it fun and something your child looks forward to.
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Being There At the end of a long day you might not feel like sitting down to do homework with your child, but your child will be so much happier if you are next to them. A younger child is likely to need your continued help but when they become more independent as they get older, rather than leaving them to go it alone, why not try doing some household admin on your computer next to them while they are working? Your presence will be reassuring, and they can check in with you easily if they are uncertain about something.
Inject Some Humour We all know how good laughing feels. Laughter causes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, and these promote a sense of wellbeing. You can harness that power in helping your child to learn, and enjoy the process of learning, creating a virtuous circle that leaves them feeling positive and confident - the best state of mind to learn. Just remember that healthy laughter happens with others rather than at the expense of others.
Motivation & Planning Create a homework chart with your child. Younger children can decorate it or colour it in. Put it somewhere at their eye level where it will serve as a visual reminder and add a sticker each day after they’ve done their homework. When they’ve collected all their stickers for the week, they get a reward you have agreed beforehand. 20 | SE21 - December 2021
Brain Fuel A hungry child will be unfocussed and unmotivated, and you can also create a positive association in your child’s mind between homework time and eating a favourite (healthy) snack – they will come to look forward to both! Chopped fruit or cheese in a bowl for them to munch while they work are both good options.
Homework Playdates Consider inviting one of their friends over to do homework together. They can gain a lot from learning with a friend and you are likely to earn brownie points with the friend’s parent or carer! Follow up with a nice tea and there will be positive associations all-round!
Taking It Further If your child is inspired by a particular topic, try to extend their knowledge in that area. It could be an exhibition, a film or anything that will allow them to follow that interest the topic has sparked. Looking into the things that truly interest will the most fun of all!
