Homework: How to do it
Homework is the unloved compulsory program for students. It is important to follow a few rules so that doing your homework does not become a torture. We will show you how to ensure a good learning atmosphere and how to help your child with their homework.
When it comes to doing homework, every child is different. Some work independently and are done after a short time, while others need more time and support. You should provide a suitable workplace so that your child can work and learn in peace.
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ToggleThe right workplace for homework
Your child should be able to do their homework in peace without being distracted by noisy siblings, televisions, radios or ringing mobile phones. A tidy desk on which your child can spread out their work materials is ideal. A height-adjustable and anatomically shaped chair is beneficial for a healthy posture. You should also make sure that there is sufficient lighting when doing your homework.
Time to do homework
There is no general rule as to when a child should best do their homework. The best time to learn is different for each child and often depends on how they are doing on the day. While some children want to get their homework off the table immediately after school, others need some time to rest or let off steam. However, you usually recognize quickly when your child needs a break and when it can work well and concentrate. Agree with your child when they should do their homework, it doesn’t have to be the same time every day. It is important that your child keeps this time free from appointments and can work undisturbed.
Some children need more time to do their homework, some less time. From a legal point of view, homework should be calculated in such a way that it can be completed in one day in the following times:
- In first and second grade in 30 minutes.
- In third and fourth grade in 1 hour.
- 90 minutes in fifth and sixth grade.
- In the seventh to tenth grades 2 hours .
Keep track with homework book
In order to keep track of the tasks, it makes sense for your child to keep a homework diary. In it, they should write down what homework they have in which subject and by when they have to do it. This way, homework cannot be forgotten so easily and you can make a homework plan together with your child in which you organize the homework sensibly and, if necessary, divide it over different days. This ensures stress-free homework.
problems with homework
It can happen again and again that a child has problems with homework. Try to find out why your child finds it so difficult to complete the tasks. Does it have difficulties in finding the solution, does it not understand the task or is it daydreaming and cannot concentrate properly ? In any case, you should not leave your child alone with his problems, support him and give him helpOffer. If it often happens that your child takes an above-average amount of time to complete the tasks in a subject, even though they are working with concentration, you can also ask the parents of other school children if they have similar problems. If several parents are of the opinion that the tasks are too difficult or that too much is being assigned, a clarifying discussion with the teacher concerned will help .
Help with homework?
If your child gets stuck with their homework, you should offer them the opportunity to get help from you. However, sitting next to it from the start is not necessarily beneficial. Then your child relies too much on your tips and tries less to find the solution themselves. Even constantly telling the results will not help your child in the long term. It is better to give help, for example by reformulating the task, explaining it or breaking it down into sub-steps. Above all, your child should learn to work independently.
If your child does not get any further despite your explanations and assistance, it is sometimes helpful to solve the first part of the task, for example the first sentence of an essay or the first step of a math problem. Sometimes this help is needed to make the “penny” drop, but use it sparingly!
If your child is still not able to cope with their assignments, it is sometimes better to tackle the assignment at a later point in time. If the solution is still not found, you should stop the homework and leave the teacher a note with your signature in the exercise book, in which you briefly describe the situation. That way, the teacher knows what’s going on and can help if necessary.
When your child is sluggish with their homework
Children who take an above-average amount of time and often lose their mind often need someone to spur them on. But sitting next to the child for hours is tedious and takes time. If your child is dawdling with their homework, you should agree with them that you will only be there for them and help them for a certain period of time, when the tasks are easy to do. If the homework is completed before the time is up, the remaining time can be used to play together. An alarm clock set for a reasonable working time can also give your child a sense of time and encourage them.
Reward homework?
If your child has done its homework, you should praise your child, especially if it has completed the tasks largely independently and in a reasonable amount of time. This motivates your child and gives him self-confidence. Even small rewards, such as sweets, are allowed from time to time, but should not become the norm. Your child should learn that doing homework is an obligation that comes with school and doesn’t need to be rewarded.