The term has really started! With a new term comes new homework, new tests and new vocabulary to learn. Helping children with homework can look different. Some like it, some don't - but either way, you can always use some tips and tricks on study technique to make homework more fun and effective. Doing homework with your babysitting is a perfect opportunity to have fun, but also to learn as much as possible. Below are some tips and general advice that can be used when reading homework with children.
How you can help children with homework
1. Choose a quiet study environment
First of all, start by choosing a good, quiet place to do your homework. Preferably choose a place that has as few distractions as possible, such as TVs, mobile phones and computer games. This is important to create peace and quiet and to maximise concentration. Children like routines, so choose a place and perhaps a time where you always do your homework.
2. Have a positive attitude
A good attitude is the key to effective homework. This means being supportive, calm and positive about schoolwork, which in turn motivates children and increases their confidence when it comes to homework. It is important not to stress children and not to give negative comments, such as "you have to finish this by tomorrow" or "this seems difficult". This is actually counterproductive as it stresses children and blocks their thinking, which does not help with homework. Instead, make sure to encourage the child even when the subject is a bit difficult, and to give praise when the child makes an effort to understand.
3. Try reading aloud
One tip is to read homework aloud to the child, including maths problems and numbers, as this helps learning. Of course, everyone has different learning styles and it's good to try out different methods to see which one works best for your child. Reading comprehension is also important to understand the text and thus understand the subject. Try reading the homework out loud and then explaining the content, and talking about the task itself before solving it.
4. Link homework to a leisure interest
The easiest way to make homework more fun is to include what the child enjoys and/or does outside school. If you are doing English vocabulary, try to include the child's favourite songs in the homework, or make up your own English vocabulary linked to one of the child's hobbies. In maths, for example, try to work out the area of a football pitch, hockey pitch, swimming pool, etc.
5. Provide assistance when needed
Sometimes the child is quite self-sufficient and it can be perceived as a bit of a burden when someone tries to help. Of course, this also depends on age, older children tend to be more self-reliant and smaller children may have a greater need for help to understand homework. It is important to show that you are there if help is needed, that you are supportive. You can't force children to do their homework, but you can motivate them! It is also important to remember not to take on the role of a teacher, but to be a helper with homework. If the child feels frustrated by something that is difficult to understand, provide comfort and support, and remember that learning something new is not always easy.
Helping children with homework - Bonus tip
Did you know that Hey Kiddo is part of Studybuddy - one of Sweden's largest homework help companies? Now there is also Studybuddy Junior, specially designed for reading homework with children. Check out the service and get a study buddy to help with homework from an early age.
