Homework Blues: Improving Your Child's Study Habits

Do you find yourself constantly battling with your kids to study and do their homework? You are not alone. The truth is, kids are not born with the study habits needed for them to do well in school. They must be taught.

Homework gives children a chance to review what they learned in class. It also teaches them to work independently and encourages self-discipline and responsibility.

Good habits are best formed at a young age, but it is never too late to start. Use the following guidelines as a place to begin with your kids. The more involved your children are in the discussion, the more likely they will develop good study habits that will follow them into high school and beyond.

• Determine a good study time. Some kids work better right after school; some need some downtime first. You may need to work around an after-school activity, team practice or religious school. Set a schedule and stick to it. If there is no homework one day, have them use this time to read or work on long-term projects. It's important for children to get used to studying every day.
• Get organized. Pin up a school calendar where your child can record assignments and then check them off when they're completed. Have pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, calculator and paper handy. This will also show how much you value their study time and space.
• Avoid interruptions. Take messages if the telephone rings and turn off the TV and cell phones. Don't let children play video games until homework is done. The fewer distractions, the better.
• Take a break. Research shows how long children in different grades can stay focused:
  • First- and second-graders - about 15 minutes
  • Third- and fourth-graders - about 20 minutes
  • Fifth- and sixth-graders - about 30 minutes
  Use a kitchen timer to allot 15 to 30 minutes for focused study, and then give your kids a five-minute break. This will help them be more focused during the set study time.
• Find a comfortable study space. Make sure that the study area has good lighting and is kept at a comfortable temperature. Provide a table or desk that has enough space for writing.
• Ask to see your child's work on a regular basis. Show interest in what your child is learning. Ask questions. Many children have planners where they are required to write down their homework for the day or week. This is another way you can help them stay organized and on top of their assignments.
• Stay connected with the teacher. If you see grades that are below par, ask to meet or speak with the teacher to see what your child can do to improve. Most teachers are glad to give parents their school extension and/or e-mail address.
• Give children the responsibility for their own homework. Children need to know that ultimately, they are responsible for doing their homework and for studying. The parents' role is to provide support. If you put too much effort into your children's homework, they will not learn how to do it themselves. They will also not learn the consequences of being lazy and getting poor grades. Let your kids see that their own hard work can reap benefits they can be proud of.

Most important, emphasize progress in your children's school work - not perfection. At the end of a marking period, talk to your kids about how they can improve their grades. Let them know you have high expectations, but that the key is that they always do their very best. Putting extra thought and effort into their work should be rewarded, too - not just perfect grades.

Related Articles Closing the Book On Homework? Learning Disabilities in the School-Aged Child

External Sources Thinkport. Study habits. Accessed December 17, 2007. Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). Homework improvement: A parent's guide to developing successful study habits in children before it's too late. Grades 4-8. Accessed December 17, 2007.

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