Homework is a fact of life for kids, but it’s often not something that parents are so familiar with.
As a result, many parents are unsure of how to help their kids with homework and what to expect from teachers.
Here are some tips on how you can help your child succeed at school:
Let Your Child Do the Work
As your child begins to work on their homework, you must let them do the work themselves.
It will teach them how to learn from their mistakes and help build confidence in their abilities as they tackle new challenges. However, you should still check over their work to make sure that they have completed all of the steps correctly and understand what they are doing.
If there are any problems or questions about what needs to be done next, help guide the process by asking questions about why certain steps were taken or how those decisions were made instead of simply doing the work for them (this can hinder learning).
If your child gets stuck on something while completing a project or assignment, try giving them some guidance as opposed to just telling them exactly what step-by-step instructions should be followed next, this will encourage critical thinking skills!
A good rule of thumb is if something doesn’t work out right away then don’t be afraid to ask someone else who has experience doing similar projects before trying again yourself, this could mean talking with another parent or teacher who may know more than either one of us alone does!
Give Praise and Rewards
Rewards can be given for any level of achievement, from a simple task completed to an outstanding performance.
The reward should be given immediately after the task is completed, and should not be tied to grades or other external factors. For example, if your child gets an A on their math test but doesn’t receive praise because he failed another subject in school, then praise him when he gets home instead.
You should also avoid giving rewards too often so they don’t lose their impact!
Stay involved without hovering
Ask questions to make sure your child understands the material and can answer your questions about it.
If you’re not comfortable asking the teacher for help, consider asking a tutor or another parent who has experience with the subject matter (and whom your child respects).
Don’t do their homework for them! The point is to teach them how to solve problems on their own so they are prepared when they go off into the world as adults who can pay bills and cook dinner without having their parents look over their shoulders every step of the way.
Get to know the teacher and other parents
If your child is struggling with homework, it can be helpful for you to know what kinds of assignments are being given out in class.
Not only will this give you an idea of what types of homework problems might appear on exams, but it also makes it easier for you to help your child if they come home with questions about particular assignments.
In addition, getting acquainted with other parents can provide opportunities for talking about how they’re helping their children with schoolwork or seeking advice on how best to approach certain topics at home.
Understand the basics of the subject yourself
Before you can help your child with homework, you must understand the basics of the subject yourself. You’ll be much better equipped to answer their questions and direct them to resources when necessary if you have a solid grasp of what they’re learning.
Teach your kids how to learn
There are many different methods for learning, some people prefer reading books or listening to lectures while others prefer hands-on activities like building models or playing video games, but regardless of which method works best for each student, all children should learn how to ask questions and find information to make sense of concepts at their own pace.
For more information on learning styles, check out our recent blog post.
Teach your kids how ask questions
Asking questions is an invaluable skill because well-informed students tend not only to do better on tests but also develop a deeper understanding of any given topic than those who don’t actively seek answers beyond what’s provided by teachers or textbooks (and sometimes even these sources aren’t enough).
Even if there isn’t an obvious answer available right away, or ever, it’s still worth asking why something happens rather than simply accepting whatever assumption has been passed down through generations without question.
There are a lot of ways parents can help their kids with homework
Helping your child with homework can be a challenge, but it’s also an important part of supporting their education and setting them up for success in the future.
By following these tips, you can make the process smoother and more effective for both you and your child. Remember to let your child do the work themselves, give praise and rewards for their achievements, stay involved without hovering, get to know the teacher and other parents, and understand the basics of the subject yourself.
By doing so, you’ll be giving your child the tools they need to succeed academically and in life.
Good luck!
Did you know that you can try booking a free tutoring lesson through our website? We offer one free session, per student, per subject! So why not make the most and try out where we can offer your child extra support?
If you have any questions regarding our services, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions or do not hesitate to reach out to us.
