As warmer weather finally arrives and spring fever begins to hit, getting kids to study will get harder. A quiet, relaxing environment at home for homework and studying is important to get kids to crack down when the urge to be outside hits!
Having a workspace for kids is the first step. Whether that is the kitchen table, a desk in their room or a workspace in the basement, having a designated place to work every time will help with organization.
Carol Taylor, Kearney mother of two, says, “I think if you have a certain place to do homework, it keeps them more apt to know that's their place to study and do homework. If they do it anywhere, they're more likely to misplace papers and then have to go on a hunt all over the house.”
The kitchen table is the place for the two children of Liberty’s Melissa Jones. She says, “It has good lighting and few distractions. I keep pencils, erasers, rulers and calculator on hand.”
It’s also important to recognize that as they get older, their needs might change. Karla Schaeffer, Kansas City, has discovered that her high school daughter Anna likes to do her homework in her room, while her younger son Michael works at a desk downstairs. As children get older, responsibility can shift to allow such arrangements.
Make sure distractions are at a minimum. Taylor says that TV is a no, but music is a yes.
“I think music is a good way for them to calm down and it helps them think. But if I see it's getting in the way, it's turned off,” Taylor says.
On this point, Jones disagrees. “They need no outside distractions. They are already easily distracted.” Experts also say that cell phones should not be allowed during homework or study time due to the diversion they could cause.
The U.S. Department of Education recommends a set time each day to do homework, but sometimes that is not practical.
“It's hard to have a plan because each kid is different and then activities throw a wrench into the schedule. I've had to learn to be flexible--just like almost every other aspect of parenting,” Schaeffer says.
Also essential is a snack. As Schaeffer says, if the kids are hungry, they can’t concentrate. She usually serves a snack with protein, such as cheese and crackers or peanut butter.
Plus, “they can't use the excuse of being too hungry to do work,” Taylor says.
S itting down with your child, especially when he is younger, is important to help keep him on track. Reading, paying bills or balancing your checkbook are ways to set a good example for your child that can lead to good study habits.
Checklist for a successful homework area at home
- Table or desk
- Pencils, erasers, pens and markers
- Bulletin board to hang reminders, due dates, schedules or artwork
- Computer in a visible place in the house
- Extra writing paper
- Poster board for special last-minute projects
Jennifer Higgins is a freelance writer, teacher, mother and wife fromKearney.