Update: This article was last updated on 5th June 2024 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Every time my 8-year-old niece sat down to do her homework, she would end up crying. Just hearing the word “homework” word would trigger stress for her. After thorough research and observation, we found solutions. We realized she learns faster when she is taught using videos, pictures, and real-life examples. We adopted these and now she breezes through her work.
Homework is tasks assigned by teachers to be completed by students at home. While the intention behind assigning homework is to benefit students, a survey has shown that it can have unintended negative consequences. A survey conducted by MetLife revealed that homework gives them additional stress, while parents feel that homework is not meaningful or effective in helping their children learn.
The question now is how to make homework interesting and enjoyable for children.
Here are some ways in which homework can be fun and productive.
1. Work Together
After a long day at work and school, homework time can feel like a chore for both parents and children. Making this time productive can inspire your kids to complete their assignments. While your child works at the table, join them and tackle some items on your to-do list, such as:
- Returning emails
- Answering text messages
- Online banking
- Reading and sorting mail
- Paying bills
By working alongside your child, you model how to focus on tasks that aren’t particularly exciting. Plus, you’re there to help with questions and spend quality time together.
2. Form a Study Group
Making homework more enjoyable can be achieved by forming a study group for your child. Invite a few classmates over for a homework session. The group can read together and help each other with questions. Studying in a group has several benefits, including:
- Sharing common goals
- Utilizing each other’s strengths
- Accountability beyond oneself
- Hearing concepts explained in various ways
- For younger children, guide the group and keep them focused. For older kids, you can take a more hands-off approach.
Recommended Reading: [Parent’s Guide] What to do when your child is not interested in learning?
3. Ensure Your Child Isn’t Hungry – Offer comfort food!
Some say a child’s attention span is their age multiplied by three or four minutes. This means a five-year-old can focus for about 17 minutes. After a full day of school, it can be even harder to concentrate.
Kids face many distractions, but hunger doesn’t have to be one of them. Comfort food can be a game changer before homework. You have to find the comfort food of your child. It can be
- Fruits
- Peanut butter
- Crackers
- Sandwiches
4. Use Rewards and Incentives
If you’re unsure how to motivate your child to do their homework, try incorporating rewards.
These incentives don’t need to be big or costly. Some effective ideas include:
- Stickers
- TV shows
- Tablet time
- Video games
- Treats
Having something enjoyable to look forward to can be a great motivator. Kids might focus better on their work to earn their reward, even if it’s small.
5. Change the Scenery by Going Outside
After spending most of the day indoors at school, a change of scenery can make homework more enjoyable. Find a spot outside that isn’t too distracting but still offers a pleasant environment.
Fresh air can boost concentration and productivity. During breaks, play a quick game or run around in the yard. These activities can also serve as extra incentives.
6. Turn Homework into fun activities
Transforming homework into fun can make it feel less like a chore and more like fun. Kids are more likely to remember what they learn when they enjoy the process. But how can you make regular homework assignments fun?
Here are a few ideas:
- Use small toys or treats to solve math problems
- Practice spelling with alphabet refrigerator magnets
- Write answers on a whiteboard
- Use videos to explain maths
- Use pictures to teach GK
7. Create a Special Homework Space
Creating a dedicated homework space in your home can make homework more enjoyable for kids. Choose an area with minimal distractions and foot traffic to help them focus. Keep this space organized to save time finding materials like pencils or paper.
Making the setup a special activity for your kids can also help. Let them decorate and personalize their area. A few DIY crafts can make a big difference. The goal is to create a place they enjoy spending time in.
8. Make Homework Time a Routine
Children thrive on structure. Implementing a consistent after-school routine can reduce stress and provide a sense of stability. Consider setting a specific time for homework as part of your household’s routine.
A routine doesn’t have to be dull. Involve your child by letting them prepare snacks or choose background music to play quietly.
9. Let Your Child Play Teacher
If your child resists homework, letting them play teacher can be a great way to get them excited. After all, you wouldn’t yell at your teacher.
Have them teach you and a few stuffed animals how to work through their homework questions. This approach can enhance their understanding of new concepts and is fun for them to take on a leadership role, even if just for an hour.
10. Seek Professional Help
It can be extremely frustrating trying to get a child to do their homework. As parents, it’s important to stay calm and recognize when it’s time to seek additional support. Reaching out to professional therapy services, like Kids SPOT, can help make homework time less stressful.
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- 5 Math Projects for Middle School Students
- 5 Best Science Project Ideas for Kids
- 10 Invention Ideas for School Projects
- Top 5 Math Project Ideas for Kids
- 6 Robotics Project Ideas for High School Students in 2023
11. Use a Timer
Some children struggle with working for extended periods without a break, so using a timer can be effective in helping them complete homework without complaints. For instance, if your child has 20 math problems, you can say, “Finish the first 10 questions, then we’ll take a 5-minute break, and after that, complete the next 10 questions.”
Many children need a mental break and will work more efficiently when they know they can take one. At the end of the task, they can choose an activity they enjoy. If your child gets easily distracted, a timer game can help keep them focused on the task at hand.
Conclusion: These are general options, but what suits your child will depend on their likes and dislikes. Spend time talking and observing them to understand what they enjoy. Then customize these options to suit your child’s unique needs.
Remember that staying engaged with your child’s homework comes down to figuring out what works best for them.
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Thank you for the tips. Homework is an essential part of the learning process but it can be challenging to stay motivated and engaged. and the key is to remain consistent.
Is Punishment a solution for making kids do their homework by themselves?
Negative enforcements like punishment, shouting etc can make your child rigid and do their work by force, instead try positive reinforcements like motivation, rewards, appreciation etc.