Happy Homework

By Aimee Hart

Homework is a concept that comes in many different forms. Homework can be a way for young children to revise what they have learnt in the classroom; it can be a way to build independence and responsibility and it can also be a way to ensure parents gain an understanding of what their children are learning. There is no clear evidence that homework boosts learning – in some circumstances it can have negative effects that can build an unhealthy relationship with learning but if it’s done right it can be a big support. Below are some tips to make sure you can set up the right routines and expectations for young children as they navigate their way through homework.

Establish a positive relationship with homework

Allow children to feel successful with work they do at home and try not to make it a battle or a chore. This is definitely easier said than done (I have an eight-year-old – I know.) It’s about knowing when is the right time to continue to push or to concede and take a break. It’s also about them seeing the benefits of rehearsing any sort of learning outside of the classroom.

‘Eat the Frog’

An idea coined by Brain Tracy which basically means to complete a task as soon as you get it. Get it done and then it won’t follow you around ‘ribbiting’ and reminding you of its incompleteness! This is a good mentality to build in children – especially those who are slightly older and are able to complete their homework independently. Eat the frog – don’t let it follow you around all weekend!

The right emotional moment

Try to find a time when your child is not tired or upset. More importantly try and find a time when you are not tired or stressed. From my own experience I know that my tolerance levels are a lot lower when I’m burnt out which often leads to arguments or conflict. If children feel you getting annoyed their natural response will be to think they aren’t good enough or not working hard enough to meet your expectations.

Don’t get caught up on the content

A lot of the time, especially in primary school, the homework that’s set tends to be set as a way to consolidate their learning. Which means it might be easy … or it might be hard! This depends on their experience that week within their learning or how they’ve found that particular topic. Don’t get caught up on this, if there was an issue then the teacher will have spoken to you. If your child really doesn’t get it then speak to them. Communication is key.

Learn along with your child

Take some time to look over what your child needs to do before you sit down with your child to do it. If it’s a strategy you know or a concept you’re familiar with then you will feel more empowered going into the task. If it’s something you are unfamiliar with, do a little research or ask your child to explain it to you. If you give them a chance to ‘teach you’ then you’re more likely to see them succeed. They also like the power of being the one in the know and hopefully they’ll repeat some key vocabulary from the lessons.

There are no set rules for homework, so schools decide how to manage this in their own way. Some set regular specific homework; some give out a list of activities at the start of each term; some are working on ensuring knowledge is discussed at home rather than activities completed. From a school’s perspective the main goal is that children see their learning extending outside of the classroom. There are endless opportunities for this in the wider world without being sat in front of a workbook. Teachers can spend hours prepping homework when research has shown very little evidence to support it. Often the parents complete the homework – or heavily edit it because there’s a fear or sending work in that’s wrong. Schools invest a lot of time in growth mind-set with children – mistakes are good, they help us learn. But I know, as a parent, you want your children to show they are capable no matter what. There’s a balance between the discipline of completing homework and the actual benefits of what it can do. As a teacher, as a deputy head, I have had long conversations about homework – at school and at home – and it’s a very difficult thing to get right. Creating a positive environment and relationship with work outside of school is the main takeaway from my article today. Don’t be afraid to get it wrong. Don’t let it create an argument. Do make sure the children know why it’s important. Celebrate learning together.