What's your Homework Routine?

Children as early as pre k are getting some type of homework. For the little ones it is often optional but for the kindergarten years the routine begins. In some cases it is as much a lesson in organization for you as much as it is for the kids. Whether your kids love homework or down right hate it you should have some rituals in place.

To begin with, look at your schedule. Take into account what time your child gets home. If your child has activities on some days you must differentiate your routine. Keep in mind how tired your child will be when they walk in the door. In some cases it may be a good idea to get some homework done before the extra curricular activity begins, if possible.

For a typical day here are some suggestions:

When you get home make time to wash hands and have a small snack. Allow 10-15 minutes of "unwinding" time. Some children enjoy talking about what they did during the school day others do not. Don't push or interrogate your kids. If they want to talk, they will. If they don't, make small talk about the weather ("What a beautiful day !"), tell your child about what you did during YOUR day or enjoy the silence. Children need time to process, being away from an activity and allowing for quiet time helps them to make sense of the experiences they have had during the day .

Once unwinding time has finished there should be a designated place for your child to do homework. Your space should be clutter free, well lit, with appropriate seating. Have all your supplies in one place so that they can be easily found. A child sized desk where the child's feet touches the floor is best but no real harm is done if they are at the family dining table. Have children go into their backpacks and take out homework sheets, books, notices, etc. and bring them over to the homework area. Take notice of how your child takes care of their belongings. If they tend to be sloppy, be careful not to criticize. You can gingerly suggest another way to keep order. If your child tends to become reactive to your suggestions, mention to your child's teacher your concern. They might do a class lesson addressing the issue (probably other kids are doing it too!) in order not to single out any one child.

When it is time for homework to begin there should be no television, computer or any other distraction. In some cases families like classical music on while work is being done. Make sure this practice is appropriate for your child and will only enhance their concentration. You may quickly discuss the previous days homework if it was marked and sent home. Take a look at all work that needs to be done and discuss with your child what should be done first. I like to encourage children to do what they like the least, first. This way it will be done and they can end with a subject that they feel good about.

If your child can work independently let them do their work and they can bring it to you to check. Make sure you ask them to proof their work before they bring it to you. Always look for things to praise first, "wow your handwriting has really improved". Be very careful about pointing out too many mistakes. One or two suggestions is enough. Give them a chance to explain what they have done or read what they have written back to you. If the homework has mistakes let the teacher see that your child is having trouble. You can include a note to your child's teacher about your concerns. If your child needs more guidance, ask them first how their teacher taught them earlier in the day. If they are unable to remember or make a mistake try to ask questions that will help lead your child to the correct conclusion. It is important to be aware that many of the techniques you were taught in school are much different than today. Try to avoid modeling "the way you were taught". It can often lead to confusion. If your child is unable to do their homework. Request a meeting with your child's teacher so you can learn the current techniques being used in the classroom and discuss any other support your child might need.

Try to do all homework in one block period of time if it is not too much for your child. In the case that they need breaks keep them to no longer to ten minute intervals. After your child completes one subject and you have checked their work, they can move on. Make sure they have put their name on top of their work as well as the date along with any other appropriate headings required by the school. Once children are done with all of their homework have them place it neatly into their folder, notebook and place everything they will need into their backpacks for the next school day. Nothing is worse then searching for important papers and projects in the morning.

For whiners and other creative techniques that make homework time miserable make sure you discuss that homework is not a choice. All children in their class are required to do this. It is important practice and can help them feel good about what they know. You can use incentives to help with motivation. You can use a chart like the one mentioned in my previous post regarding the end of the school year. It is also okay to mention that the television, computer, being read to by you, talking on the phone or playing with friends cannot take place until the homework is done properly. Make sure you discourage rushing or sloppy work. If your child is really giving you a hard time, require them to write a note to their teacher describing why they are not doing their homework and make them sign it. You can discuss with the teacher if they will carry out consequences in the classroom.

In the end, the earlier you get children to create good habits with homework the better they will become at owning the task. It is a lifelong lesson...After all, does your homework ever end?