Assistance Needed: Homework Issues
On this week's #CoffeeBreak, my weekly series on Google Plus, we discussed ways to make homework time more fruitful for the whole family. I chatted with Kim Vij from The Educators' Spin, Jacquie Fisher from Edventures with Kids, and Melissa Taylor from Imagination Soup to tackle common parent questions about homework.
Making Homework Enjoyable
We addressed several questions on the show, providing families practical tips to implement at home. Here are parent concerns we addressed during the episode, plus some thought-starters:
- How do I get kids hyped about doing homework? It's a nightly struggle.
- To tackle this battle: Connect homework to students' interests, simplify tasks, and make it enjoyable with game-based learning.
- What should I do when a child keeps forgetting homework at school?
- For forgetful kids: Develop a routine, use reminders, and turn forgetfulness into teachable moments about responsibility.
- What if I think the homework is far too easy for my child?
- For advanced learners: Offer alternative challenges or enrichment activities to push their boundaries and keep them engaged.
- Should I review the homework each night?
- For designing watchfulness: Check homework for completion, ask questions, and offer guidance but let kids take the lead.
- How do I keep younger siblings occupied while I'm helping my older kids with their homework?
- For sibling harmony: Create homework "stations" with engaging activities for each child, fostering independent learning.
- What can I do to help younger students focus on homework after a long day at school?
- For focus fam: Offer brain breaks, use active learning techniques, and set a positive, calm environment.
On a Homework Roll? Try these Guest Ideas!
For more homework inspiration, here are some helpful blog posts from our special guests:
Exciting After School Activities from The Educators' Spin
Creating Excitement for Homework by Kim {via Melissa and Doug blog}
Exciting After School Activities Board by The Educators' Spin
Comprehensive Guide for Homework Help and After School Activities from Edventures with Kids
Daily Math Practices from Edventures with Kids
Unlimited Free Kids Books Online for Reading Practice from Edventures with Kids
The Case Against Homework from Imagination Soup
Supporting Struggling Readers from Imagination Soup
Literacy and Learning Board for Kids from Melissa Taylor
Do you have thoughts on homework? Share your after school activities and ideas for children aged 5 and beyond! If you're a blogger, we'd love for you to join the fun with your crafts, activities, or playtime projects. Don't forget to comment on at least one post before yours. Your link-up gives us permission to share your work on our After School Pinterest Board or feature you in next week's After School Party! Keep up with us and join our After School Enrichment Community.
Hosts of the 2013 After School Party:
The Educators' Spin, Afterschool for Smarty Pants, Boy Mama Teacher Mama, Coffee Cups and Crayons, Little Wonders' Days, Mama Smiles, Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational, The Measured Mom, This Reading Mama, What Do We Do All Day?
[1] https://www.edutopia.org/blog/value-homework-homework-motivation-amy-goetzman
[2] https://www.expertschools.com/blog/make-homework-fun/
[3] https://magicschool.io/ai-tools-teachers/
- To make homework an exciting part of your home-and-garden lifestyle, consider implementing game-based learning or connecting it to your children's interests, as suggested by Kim Vij from The Educators' Spin.
- For those seeking guidance in education-and-self-development beyond homework, check out resources like the comprehensive guide for homework help and after school activities from Jacquie Fisher at Edventures with Kids, or look into Melissa Taylor's literacy and learning boards for independent learning opportunities.
