Homework Help

Advice, tips and tricks for success

by Laura Boycourt

S

ome kids breeze through their homework while others complain and fight every night to get their assignments done. After talking to a few study skill experts here are a few tips.

When to Do Homework

One of the biggest homework questions of all is when a child should hit the books. It just depends on the individual student. Kathy McIntosh, founder of Capital Learners, a tutoring service in the greater metro D.C. area, says that for students who are involved with sports or extracurricular activities, study time is variable; it’s all about figuring out when a student is most productive. “It really depends on what works for the kid,” she says, “what time they feel like they’re most alert, and also the time that they’re allowed to do homework” (based on time constraints from extra-curricular activities). Kaitlin Gaj, director of the Baltimore-based Total Tutoring Services agrees. “Some students do well with coming straight home and immediately doing their homework while they are still in that ‘school frame of mind.’ Other families find that their children need to take a break and decompress before shifting into homework time. For these students, playing outside, having a snack or just having time to relax in their own home works well.” For older students, when it comes to doing homework after dinner, Paul Rivas, founder of Smith Rivas Study Skills & Academic Coaching in Washington, D.C. recommends trying to avoid it, although it’s not always possible due to after-school commitments. Ideally, students would get home, have a snack, clear their head and relax for a bit, then try to tackle it prior to the evening meal or within an hour before going to bed.

Good Homework Habits

The experts say establishing good learning habits at home is key for homework success, and setting a good example for students is at the top of the list. Young students “learn best from repetitive, modeled behavior,” says McIntosh. Parents should show kids what it means to settle in and turn their attention to their work. She says this includes turning off the television, taking away distractions, and setting ground rules. Although they may not have much in the way of nightly homework, McIntosh stresses the importance of reading for younger students. “Even if there’s no homework given, definitely read 20 minutes a day with kids,” she says, citing research that shows the impact reading can have on a child’s vocabulary development and knowledge of the world. Limiting distractions is big in Rivas’s book, too. “If you can see your phone, even if it’s turned off, it is distracting you,” he says. Rivas also thinks older students should take breaks, whether or not they think they need them. Powering through is not a good idea, he says, and don’t stay up super late. “The demands of a high school schedule make it impossible to be a night owl.” Parents can help students develop good learning habits by encouraging and modeling the right kind of homework behaviors and being a motivator, says Duke’s Dr. Cooper. “Homework provides a great opportunity for you to tell your child how important school is. Be positive about homework. The attitude you express about homework will be the attitude your child acquires.” He also explains that letting children see parents in the learning zone is also important. “Be a role model. When your child does homework, don’t sit and watch TV. If your child is reading, you read, too. If your child is doing math, balance your checkbook. Help your child see that the skills they are practicing are related to things you do as an adult,” Cooper explains.

Parental Involvement

When is a helping hand justified? The experts say a gradual progression of independence is just the ticket. For young children, it’s okay for parents to hold a student’s hand through the early days of homework, then begin taking steps back and assisting if help is needed. “The ultimate goal is for kids to be independent learners,” McIntosh says. For older students, parents can continue to offer support but should eventually be ready to step back. “As they get into middle school,” says Gaj, “parents can assist their children in mapping out bigger and more long term projects and help them to develop good time management skills. In high school, parents can continue to provide a quiet study space and support, but let the student take the reins and have the responsibility to complete the assignments on their own.” Students need an organized space to do their work. Students should study in an area that’s free of noise, distractions and interruptions. Alternatively, kids might like to rotate their workspace, and study in different areas of the house. Learn to be flexible, because your tests won’t be administered in a comfortable room at home.