Helping with Homework
The following is taken directly from: http://blog.soniclearning.com.au/2012/10/homework-tips-for-parents-how-to-help
Should I help my child with their homework?
As a parent, your input is vital to help your child develop coping and organisational skills. But doing your child’s homework for them can be counterproductive, reinforcing laziness or an “I can’t do it” attitude. Instead, writes Jimmie, a mother and teacher, strike a balance by providing your child with the support they need without doing their homework for them.
Should I help my child with their homework?
As a parent, your input is vital to help your child develop coping and organisational skills. But doing your child’s homework for them can be counterproductive, reinforcing laziness or an “I can’t do it” attitude. Instead, writes Jimmie, a mother and teacher, strike a balance by providing your child with the support they need without doing their homework for them.
- Choose a suitable environment. ”Doing homework away from where I do recreation helps me focus,” says high school student Camille. A suitable homework area is free from clutter, noise, and distractions.
- Encourage your child to have a go, then ask for help after making a genuine effort. “Whenever I get stuck,” says Camille, “I go though my school notes first – sometimes I can work it out on my own. When that happens, I understand the work much better. But when this doesn’t work, I ask my parents for help.”
- Read the question or assignment out loud. Children who have difficulty picking out main ideas may benefit from you stressing the key words in the question.
- Re-word or break down a difficult question, without giving away the answer. This will help your child understand what they need to do. Help them focus on learning the skill, rather than just on the answer they need to give.
- Wait. Give your child time and don’t interrupt them while they’re thinking, even if you can see they’ve made an error. They might find that error without your input.
- Don’t hover. Provide help when your child needs it, and encourage them to ask you for it.
- Praise your child. Praise good effort rather than just correct answers.
Check out this YouTube video for more tips.