Here's Our Top Tips & A Few Resources To Help Your Kids With Their Homework

For most parents, helping kids with their homework brings them out into a cold sweat. What do you do if you don’t have all of the answers? What resource can you turn to for a little bit of help?

Hopefully, this article will give you a few ideas to help.

I’ll go through a few quick tips and then list some useful resources for you.

A fresh mind may be all that is needed, but when it's time to return to homework, ask how you can help.

Be There

First and foremost, kids need our help with lots of different things. The key is timing. When it’s convenient for you to give your attention might not be the right time for them. Here’s the thing. 

You need to be available and willing to help when they need it. Especially when they are struggling with a particular problem.

Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes and perspective can really help. Or, noticing that they are feeling frustrated and having the foresight to take them away and give them a break for a few minutes.

Discuss Homework

Now, this might seem a little obvious, but so many people don’t give the child a chance to talk about their schoolwork. 

They assume that because their kid hasn’t mentioned anything, that everything is OK.

In most cases, this is far from the truth. The reason why a lot of parents don’t ask is mainly down to the subject matter. 

If they don’t feel that confident about knowing the answer they, find it easier to only offer help when their child asks for it. However, there are plenty of resources that can help you help them answer the question.

Encouragement

The vast majority of the time parents need to sign their kid's homework. Instead of just signing their homework at the end, why not help and encourage them by praising when they write a well-written piece or help them organise their homework.

Help Your Kid To Keep A Routine

Some children prefer to do their home in the afternoon after school whilst others prefer to have a little relaxation time first or even have a meal. 

The best thing you can do is let your child decide what time best suits them. Once you do, try and get into the habit of sticking to that time on a daily basis.

Establish A Study Zone

It is very important to establish a routine with your kids. That also applies to where they study each day too. For that reason, get them to study in the same place where they feel comfortable. 

The workspace needs excellent lighting, be clear of ornaments and is clear from interruptions.

If the kitchen table is an ideal place for them to study. Ensure that you don’t have the radio or TV on at the same time they are studying as this could cause too much of a distraction.

Different Learning Styles

If you have two or more kids, don’t forget that they have different learning styles. Some kids prefer to study on their own and with no distractions. Whilst other kids prefer to study with a sibling or even friends. 

We mentioned distractions earlier. Even though for many kids, a radio can be a distraction. 

Having light music playing in the background may well be your kid's preference. If this is the case, then allow them to have the music on while they study.

Read Together

When you think about it. You are your kid’s first teacher. For that reason, it makes sense that you should read to them on a regular basis. 

Not only is this fantastic for bonding with them. You also have the ability to introduce them to new stories and new concepts to aide with their school work. 

The benefit of doing this regularly is quietly encouraging kids to enjoy hearing stories so that they feel excited to read themselves stories.

Better still, if there are two parents, you can take it turns to read them stories. This will further reinforce just how much fun can be had by reading.

Top 10 Resources:

• CK12: Deeply understand Math & Science concepts through personalized pathways, AI-driven insights, and interactive content!
• Discovery Education: Experience a variety of powerful and engaging resources designed to fuel a cultural shift around STEM teaching and learning.
• Khan Academy: Math and more
• Notability: Powerful, simple note-taking app
• PowerMyLearning: K-12 resources
• Purdue Online Writing Lab   OWL houses writing resources and instructional material. Students—no matter their skill level— and members of the education community will find information to assist with many writing projects.
• Quizlet: Search millions of study sets or create your own. Improve your grades by studying with flashcards, games and more
• SparkNotes: Your source for help with Shakespeare and English literature, plus history, math, biology, and more
• Spelling City: Boost success in vocabulary, spelling kids can work and test independently customise activities for any subject
• Study Island: a leading academic software provider of standards-based assessment, instruction, and test preparation e-learning programs.
• Virtual Nerd: ***Bonus**** Over 1,500 video lessons covering Middle Grades Math through Algebra 2.