Let's do it differently this year. Look over the "Homework Set Up Plan" below for some ideas. Why, oh why, do we keep doing things that don't work? It's because we don't plan. We're usually on survival mode.
Take just a few moments to think about doing homework with a plan this year. Just start somewhere (like maybe with the plan outlined below) and keep reworking it until it "works".
Make sure you sit your kid(s) down and briefly introduce the idea before school starts. Review it several times before "the big day"!
Oh sure, you'll get push back because they don't want to be reminded that school's starting, but you do it anyway. It's sure to be a shock to them when they start working that they don't get long winter and spring holidays and summers off, unless, of course, they work as teachers!
For a moment, put yourself into your kid's shoes...
Everyday, just when they think they’ve escaped school, here comes homework! They get resistant and arguments erupt. Then, angry feelings interfere with bedtime.
Start with a protein snack. No soda! Take a break or get right into it, their choice.
Provide a workplace with all materials to reduce those “getting ready to get ready” behaviors.
Review the work. Separate the materials into piles. Estimate the time needed to finish each one and label the pile. Decide the order that each task will be done. Schedule breaks.
Work through independent tasks first. Then, the ones where they need some help, finally, sit next to them for those tough assignments. Timing themselves will show how long it took.
After it’s done, ask them to rate their attitude and effort. You rate them, too. Offer rewards for making homework a positive experience.
Just do the best you can, Claudia
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