Where homework is set for your child, it is important that you support your child with it. Below, we have highlighted 3 areas that we believe are crucial in helping your child engage with their homework.

 

We appreciate that such support may not always be possible, but we feel it is crucial to highlight areas that have a positive impact to a child’s progress and attainment. As always, please do speak to your child’s school to see if they can support with anything you are not able to provide.

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1. Creating a positive learning environment

2. Offering assistance when needed

3. Fostering good study habits

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1. Creating a positive learning environment

 

a) Establish a Homework Routine. The ideal scenario is to set a consistent time and place for homework. This routine helps your child know when homework is expected to be completed and creates a structured environment for them to work in.

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b) Create a Dedicated Workspace: Designate a quiet and well-lit area for homework. Ensure it's free from distractions like TV, video games, or loud noises.

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c) Provide Necessary Supplies: Make sure your child has access to all the materials they need, such as textbooks, notebooks, pens, and internet access. Please do speak to your school to understand what they will provide and what you are expected to. Many schools will support parents from lower-income households with the purchase of these items, although this is not a guarantee or a legal entitlement.

 

2. Offering assistance when needed.

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a) Stay Informed: Get to know your child's curriculum, upcoming tests and assessments, and any homework deadlines. Where possible, do attend parent-teacher meetings and communicate with your child’s teachers regularly to understand their progress and any challenges they may face.

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b) Offer support and encouragement: Encourage your child to ask questions when they are struggling. Be patient and offer guidance rather than providing the answers. Encouragement and positive reinforcement can boost your child’s confidence and have a positive effect on how they engage with homework and learning.

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c) Set Realistic Expectations: Understand your child's abilities and limitations. Don't push them so hard that they view learning as a negative, but also don't let them procrastinate or shy away from challenge. Find a balance that works for your child.

 

3. Fostering good study habits

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a) Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks: Help your child break larger pieces of homework into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the work seem less daunting and helps them stay organised.

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b) Time Management Skills: Teach your child time management skills. As they get older, encourage them to use tools like planners or calendars to help organise themselves around deadlines. For younger children, setting homework time limits can be an excellent way to ensure they engage with homework and still have time to spend with their family and friends, before an early night’s sleep.

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c) Provide a Homework Checklist: Help your child to create a checklist to ensure they've completed all their homework assignments. This can help them stay organized and accountable.

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e) Limit Screen Time: Set limits on screen time for non-educational activities during the school week. This helps prevent distractions and ensures your child has time to focus on their homework.

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f) Be a Role Model: Demonstrate the importance of learning by showing interest in their schoolwork and engaging in your own reading. If you or any other member of your family are studying, do use it as an opportunity to show your child what good studying habits should look like.

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g) Encourage Reading: Encourage your child to read regularly. Reading not only improves language skills but also fosters a love for learning and expands vocabulary.

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h) Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your child's accomplishments, whether big or small. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue working hard and maintain great study habits.

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i) Balance Extracurricular Activities: While extracurricular activities are valuable, ensure they don't overwhelm your child to the point where they can't manage their homework effectively.

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j) Be Mindful of Stress: Pay attention to signs of stress or anxiety related to homework. If your child seems overwhelmed, work with them to find strategies to manage their workload.

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And finally...

Remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be flexible and willing to adjust your approach to homework based on your child's needs and feedback. Ultimately, your goal is to create a supportive and encouraging environment that promotes their academic growth and success.

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For more information on the purpose of Homework in the English school system, please click here. Please also note that depending upon the stage of schooling your child is at, as well as your child’s school’s homework policy, your child may not be set regular homework, or indeed at all.

If homework is something that you are concerned about, please go to the Engaging Schools section on how best to communicate with your school on this topic. For instance, you may wish to speak to your child’s school on how you both can work together to ensure their homework is completed.