The process of following up on all your child’s assignments and homework becomes a hustle of carrying on multiple tasks at a go. Whether school projects or daily assignments, those notorious pop quizzes included, a parent is left with that burning question of how to help out their kids be organised enough without taking full control over them. If you are one of them grappling with it all, don’t worry! This guide will take you through setting up a simple yet quite effective system where homework tracking is not such a chore for parents but rather collaboration with their kids.
1. Set up a specific place for doing homework
Making children aware that there is a particular time and place for doing the homework also encourages the children to do the homework. It could simply be a neat and quiet place with appropriate desk space for books and writing material. More like this is where all the work gets done!
Having an established area also emphasizes that this is a working space which is important especially to the child when it comes to changing from a no homework setting to a homework setting as it makes it easier. Alternatively or additionally, you could even have a white or corkboard placed somewhere near the work area to remind the child about the assignments that are due soon. Such strategies become very useful especially when there are many things to remember within a specified time frame.
2. Get a homework calendar or a homework planner
Nowadays, school children lead very hectic lives, and a calendar helps in this regard. Most recommended is to make a homework planner or even a wall calendar which can fit a child’s study corner. Their subscribed nation should start immediately when tasks and their deadlines are assigned to them. The process is also made even more interesting with the use of a couple of colored pens to divide the subjects.
3. Use homework applications with technology integration
Let’s face it; technology is the order of the day. So, why not take advantage of this fact? There are several applications designed for tracking homework whose aim is to help students (and their parents!) Control homework assignments, grades, and timelines.
Management apps like Google keep, or to do list, make it possible to schedule reminders for tasks and even break down the work into smaller steps. If they have a school tablet or phone, then these apps could be of great help by notifying them as the school work deadlines approach. Also, let’s be honest; a reminder message from the app may work better than a stick-on paper on the refrigerator door.
4. Introduce time management practices in a day to day basis
There is a need for discipline if one is to be on top of schoolwork. Assist your kid in creating a timetable that will see them do their homework every day without fail. Perhaps, it is immediately after returning home from school or after taking some snacks. Let it be a time however that allows them concentration and also rests them for some time after a busy day.
Creating a set day and time helps to introduce order and also fosters a sense of completion towards homework as a structure is established making it hard to fall behind in work. Even if they do not have much or any homework on a particular day, the time can be used to go over their notes or get ready for some creative writing, other projects or even leisure reading!
5. Keep checking in from time to time as more work is not required
Every parent has the responsibility to direct their children; however letting the children do their job is also very essential. Aim for a compromise that you and that child can both live with. For example, you may look at the assignments together just once a week, or simply check in each evening for a few minutes to see what the child has on the agenda.
6. Formulate and provide rewards
Inspiration is a powerful strategy, especially for children. Dividing the work into small pre-determined targets, and appreciating completion of each stage discourages the perception of doing homework. Rather, it becomes associated with achievement. For instance, you may decide to have daily studies and even complete the work. After successfully completing these goals, treat them to something they very much enjoy: perhaps, these could be a pizza or a movie, or any other thing they like et cetera.
It isn’t always the case that this process is undertaken purely for rewards. There are great lessons that come with it too. It assists kids in understanding the effort needed to achieve something which in turn pays them back with a feeling of satisfaction. On the other hand, it makes the aspect of doing homework interesting and builds up to something to look forward to.
7. Give attention to executive abilities
Orienting oneself with the significance of school supplies tends to assist better with ensuring homework is completed. Put in place the basic things such as a binder with labeled dividers for every subject. Ask your kid to keep all filled-up worksheets, notes and assignments in their relevant sections so that they do not have to search for anything.
Another whose importance cannot be ignored is to prepare a “homework list” and review it before bed each day. This is an easy method for children to perform a final inspection on tasks remaining and tasks that have been done. They will be able to check off each of the items, which will give them a sense of accomplishment and accomplishment is encouraging.
8. Establish channels of communication with the teachers
This cannot be overemphasized: develop an amicable rapport with the teachers of your child. Often, they do not have a problem providing information on forthcoming assignments, as well as what is required of the student. If you find that your child is unable to keep up with the pace, please talk to the teacher and find out if they can be of assistance in any areas.
9. Promote breaks and decrease pressure
We understand that homework can be intensive after all other assignments, but of course, there should be no pressure to push without breaks in between. It is always a good practice to encourage some short breaks within lengthy tasks to protect the mind from any kind of stress and fatigue. A brisk drink of water, a light snack or even stepping outside for a short game before getting down to work for ten minutes does wonders in enhancing one’s focus and concentration at work.
10. Appreciate improvement, not idealism
Lastly do not forget to absolutely know that no matter what, not every single day will be a success. Achieving success and mastering every single task is not the endgame. Both of you may have to learn about the increase in difficulty levels of homework. Rejoice in the little victories, such as submitting an essay at the right time or doing better in difficult subjects. It is vital to appreciate such moments because it enhances their self-assurance and encourages positive involvement.
Helping your child to complete his or her homework is not an issue that has to be fought over every day. There are ways to relieve such tensions, by having a structure in place, employing a little act, and providing assistance when necessary. It’s not only about completing the tasks, it’s also about instilling responsibility, time management skills, and a zeal for learning that will make your child more successful in the future.
At Delhi Public School DPS Warangal, we take pride in knowing that checking the homework and assignments of our child is not just an act of organisation but nurturing a love for learning, helping him or her work out his personal problems, and making him or her blossom with confidence and thrive holistically. With just a few effective strategies, parents can encourage their children to lead better-organised and inspired lives- and make homework tracking a positive, enriching experience.