The Top 5 Strategies for Homework Success

Building a Resilient Learning Mindset

As students begin to achieve new learning milestones this school year, parents may find that their role as a “homework moderator” is kicking into gear. Homework given by our private Calgary elementary school has been intricately planned by teachers to help parents identify learning opportunities and apply lessons with application. Yet, it is hard to erase the common resentment homework can bring despite research that shows a positive relationship between long-term academic achievement and engagement in homework.

“Preparation” is a better word that can be used to describe homework as it gives early learners confidence in their abilities and asserts a positive orientation to the learning experience. Parents and teachers must frame homework in a positive manner to role model a go-getter attitude. To do so, we’ve listed the top 5 strategies you can employ this year to find a productive homework routine.

1. Help Your Child Visualize Priorities

In elementary school students are still learning how to associate the capacity of time with their activities. If your child uses an agenda in school, engage in a discussion with them about how much time they think each task will take. Maria Grosswald, an upper-elementary school resource teacher from New Jersey, emphasizes the importance of estimating time to plan for larger assignments and to set priorities. Grosswald explains that tackling the negative thoughts of homework begins with breaking assignments into steps where children can see the importance of staying organized to balance their commitments.

2. Embrace Consistency and Early Productivity

When you don’t have afternoon practices, set aside the time for homework your child’s teacher recommends before dinner. Consistently encouraging your child to use the afternoon for homework lessens the stress homework can have if a project or assignment is due the next day. Give your child the choice of when they start their homework before dinner so they can self-monitor their free time and snack time.

3. Lessen Distractions by Creating a Study Space

All humans are creatures of habit. When we develop consistency with a routine, it produces feel-good emotions connected to the activity. Homework is already a routine part of education. By creating an at-home study space dedicated to homework, you help manifest these positive feelings in your child’s homework schedule. Find a quiet spot in your house and personalize the space with images that maximize learning potential to bring your child joy.

4. Focus on Being Your Child’s Homework Communication Expert

Parents should not worry about completing assignments for their children. Our private elementary school keeps classroom sizes small and intimate, enabling parents to keep in close contact with teachers about the individual learning needs that arise as students complete homework. Parents should check in with their children as they complete homework to assess if there are any questions the student would like to address with their teacher. As well, parents should role model the behaviour they encourage their child to be completing by staying away from entertainment-based activities during homework time.

5. Remember to Ask for Help

Although homework is usually an individual activity that fortifies a student’s independent thinking, if your child runs into difficulties, they are not alone. It is okay to put the math sheet down for the afternoon and try again after your child has gotten their questions answered by their teacher. When students find they cannot complete their homework, they may attribute that to negative feelings about their abilities. It is important to reinforce that homework is a learning process and is meant to challenge their skills and provoke questions.

Homework Creates a Positive Life-Long Routine

Homework embodies a life-long system of learning, prioritizing, asking questions and challenging one’s skill set to grow. In elementary school, the role parents play in shaping homework as a rewarding experience plays a crucial role in academic achievement. It is our priority at Asasa Academy to teach with a level of excellence that prepares students and supports parents in their academic journey. To learn more about our processes and procedures, visit our academic handbooks.