Making homework time fun and interactive

It is that time of the year. We have made the tough transition from summer vacation to school and all of the things that come with it. Homework is one of them. Homework can be a tense time in many homes as children do not seem to be able to prioritize their time and meet our expectations.

Here are a few tips for making homework time smoother:

1. Designate a time for homework. During this time turn off the electronics and if possible have everyone engaged in some sort of learning.

2. Ask questions. "Did you finish your homework?" Usually they say yes or they do not have any. Ask to see what they completed. Check their work for penmanship, and accuracy. Talk to them about what they completed. "Show me how you came up with this answer" or "spell this for me." If they say they don't have any check their backpacks then guide them towards books, workbooks or something to study.

3. Even in the age of computers and iPhones, spelling and handwriting are important skills for learning. There is brain research that tells us these skills help with more advanced learning skills. Try having a child to spell a word in the air with a finger as they call out the letters, ask them to write the word on your back or their leg with a finger, ask them to write the word on paper several times while calling out the letters or allow them to use sidewalk chalk to write out words. Help with handwriting by printing a ditto they can trace and providing them with models. As they learn give lots of praise.

4. Look around in the child's vocabulary books and ask them what different words mean. If they are right ask them to confirm by using a dictionary. Then let them play with it. If they like to draw allow them to write the vocabulary word, write the meaning in their own words making an arrow between the vocabulary word and the definition, then if they want, have them to draw a picture that represents the word.

5. Articulate to children the difference between homework time and studying. Homework is teacher assigned. Studying is the extra time we take to ensure we understand concepts, review something or learn something new.

6. When students are writing show them how fun it is to use a Thesaurus to find the best word to communicate their thoughts.

7. Add some laughter and smiles. Sit close. Use the time to learn about your children's friends. "Who did you play with today?" "What did you do to help someone at school?" "What did you play?" "What did you learn today?" Its another opportunity to set the chores and entertainment aside and bond with our families and to demonstrate the importance of life-long learning.
8. If homework time turns into a battle you have several options: Get a tutor, request that the teacher sends home a sample of the most complex problems and the steps with how to solve. These days kids are taught specific methods for problem-solving and parents need to know what they are in order to assist with homework.