School homework starts earlier than ever, with even nursery age children being given simple tasks to complete during their home time.<\/p>\n
Though some children will relish this extra curricular work and attack it with gusto, others will need more than a little persuasion.<\/p>\n
ZooBooKoo<\/strong> are used to the difficulties that homework can bring, having designed and created educational toys to support a child’s learning for more than ten years.<\/p>\n They have put their expertise together to create ten tips for parents newly struggling with the age old difficulty of stimulating their child’s learning out of school hours.<\/p>\n 1. When and where for homework<\/strong><\/p>\n Decide with your child a regular (daily \/ weekly as appropriate) time slot to do homework and stick to this. Check with your school as to the appropriate length of time for homework for your child and explain this to your child. Choose a place to do homework: Decide with your child where homework is to be completed eg at the kitchen table, specific desk\u2026 Initially you will need to be seated with your child, but with time you will be able to be busy with other tasks, but in the same room. Inevitably the kitchen tends to be the best place. Be ready to sit down if the child needs support.<\/p>\n 2. Avoid distractions<\/strong><\/p>\n Turn off the TV, the Xbox, the DS and the computer \u2013 unless required. You need to help your child focus on their homework.<\/p>\n 3. Help get them started<\/strong> 4. Child completes homework (not parent)<\/strong> 5. Patience and praise<\/strong> 6. Look, say, cover, write<\/strong>
\nIf your child has understood the work at school they will be able to explain what they have to do. You may need to gently ask some questions and\/or inform, if the child did not understand. You may need to openly discuss how to get started and discreetly point them in the right direction.<\/p>\n
\nEnsure your child completes the work \u2013 you can explain where necessary but do not provide answers. This is a great opportunity for your child to think for themselves \u2013 encourage this.<\/p>\n
\nYou may have to explain some things several times. Resist temptation to rush your child. Consider this quality time \u2013 try to be relaxed and jolly this is not a chore, it should be fun. If your child associates homework with quality time with you they will be more likely to do it and enjoy the routine. Praise your child often, particularly their efforts and not just final efforts: \u2018I really like the way you are sitting their doing your homework\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n
\nYour child is unlikely to learn by just looking at work, so encourage them to LOOK at it, SAY it out loud, COVER it up, then WRITE it out.<\/p>\n