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Homework can be a hassle for the whole family. And while it’s a necessary part of your child’s academic career, it doesn’t have to be an everyday headache. While there isn’t a magic fix to make your child fall in love with homework, there are strategies that can make it a bit easier.
Here are some of my go-to tips for homework help:
1. Checking in with basic needs
It’s important to set yourself and your child up for success. One of the most important parts of this is ensuring basic needs are met. Things like making sure you and your child have a snack and something to drink before starting that math worksheet can eliminate any unnecessary stress and “hangry” feelings. Also, it’s important to be mindful of your child (and your own) day before starting the homework. If you have all been up with the flu, and didn’t sleep well, it might not be a good time to start that spelling practice.
2. Routine, Routine, Routine
Having a routine is key. Structure is something we all innately crave, and when things are unexpected, oftentimes that can lead to anxiety and stress. Establishing and keeping a schedule after school (even if it’s first we have a snack, then homework, then screen time, then dinner) can make that time much less stressful.
3. Environment is Key
Imagine if you walk into your office at work, and there is a toddler in the middle of the office having a tantrum. Or you walk in, and there is a TV and a comfy couch there instead of your desk. It would be pretty hard to concentrate on that report you need to finish, or in that meeting you attend. The same logic applies to your kids! Whenever possible, and whenever space allows, finding a quiet distraction free environment is important. Also, an appropriate height chair and desk is also important for ensuring your child can tolerate longer stretches with homework. A good rule of thumb is 90/90/90 – your elbows, knees and hips should be at 90-degree angles for optimal ergonomics.
4. Worksheet Adjustments
Worksheets don’t have to all look the same. If your child has difficulty visually attending to crowded worksheets or seems overwhelmed by the number of questions or problems on a worksheet, blocking might be a good option. Use a sticky note, or blank piece of paper to isolate one question at a time. Or try scanning the worksheet, taking a screen shot of each problem and copying them onto a word document one or two at a time. It may seem labor intensive, but it is a good strategy for keeping your child engaged with their homework.
5. Pencil Grasp and Letter Formation
If handwriting is what is causing the homework troubles, check out our blog on handwriting help. Pencil grips are a good option for supporting appropriate grasp patterns, and writing on a slant board can help with wrist isolation when writing. It’s more comfortable and less fatiguing to write using only wrist and hand movements as opposed to using whole-arm movements starting from the shoulder.
6. Taking breaks is OK
Movement breaks, snack breaks, and rest breaks are all a good thing. The work will still get done, even if your child takes a 2-5 minute break. I recommend having activities your child can pick from when they do ask for a break. For example, a movement break could look like a quick walk around the block, animal walks, or jumping jacks. Or a rest break away from distractions and preferred toys can be helpful too. Remember, we all need breaks every once in a while, and just because the homework seems easy to your adult brain, doesn’t mean it’s not a challenge for our little ones.
If homework is a challenge for your little one, and you feel like they might benefit from additional support, contact our office for a complimentary consultation.
KAELYN GREEN
Kaelyn Green is a licensed occupational therapist at Valued Voices. She is certified by the University of Southern California in Sensory Integration and is an advocate for addressing underlying sensory functioning in order to improve occupational performance. She is passionate about meeting children and families where they are at and seeks to tailor interventions to the unique needs of her clients. When she is not working, you will find Kaelyn taking care of her two goldendoodles, working in her garden, or taking trips to the Central Coast.
