Top 10 tips for quarantined parents
Times and customs have changed radically from one day to the next. With the state of alarm, most if not all of us have to adapt quickly to the new way of life.
Since we cannot go out and the children are with us at home, we have an obligation as parents to keep them doing their homework and studying. Many schools already have online portals where they can communicate with their students, but we also have to know how to manage this situation at home.
Here are 10 tips on homework.
1. Establish a routine
The first step in creating a positive pathway to your child's homework is to create a routine. This means parents need to engage with their children about homework time.
This means helping students to designate a specific time and location where they can comfortably and routinely do their homework and assignments without being disturbed.
Some families keep the TV off during the week and record their favourite programmes for weekend viewing. Following this rule consistently can prevent power struggles between parents and children.
In addition, if a child is comfortable working independently in his or her bedroom, then parents should allow that freedom and choice for the child; however, if the child's homework is incomplete or if his or her grades drop, then parents should immediately intervene and enforce a different homework strategy and routine.
2. Create boundaries
As the homework routine is clearly delineated and consistently applied, parents should simultaneously create clear boundaries for their child as well.
This may imply that the a teenager's mobile phone should be switched off during homework time, or that a child's television or radio should be switched off until homework is completed.
3. Organisation
In the case of younger children, a parent may need to create a task calendar in which both the parent and the child can have access to see it clearly.
This can helping the child to learn to plan ahead and to create a timetable for long-term primary and secondary school projects.
In the case of secondary school children, this may mean a parent talking to their teenager about setting progress goals for each day's homework.
4. Responsibility
Regardless of a child's age or grade level, a parent should immediately demand the child's your child's personal responsibility for homework and assignments.
Parents should have clear rules about writing down homework in a notebook or remembering to bring all necessary school materials, such as books or calculators. If a child does not keep his or her side of the bargain, then the stated consequences must be enforced.
5. Create a "Learning Space
For many children, a 'learning space' that is set aside specifically for homework can allow them to mentally enter a 'school mode' when they are at home..
This may mean a small office with pens, paper and the necessary tools for homework. Regardless of the child's needs, parents should create free space for the child to complete their tasks without interruptions or distractions.
6. Teaching prioritisation
Children are gradually assigned more homework as they progress through the grades.and parents can intervene and teach children to prioritise their homework.
If a project is due within a week, a parent can helping your child to set up a schedule for small tasks each dayor if a child is feeling overwhelmed, a parent can help their child to make a list of all the things you need to doand then number each task to prioritise academic responsibilities.
7. Check your child's progress
While public schools send report cards and progress reports, many schools now post grades and assignments online.
Parents can talk to your child's teachers about the best way to check your child's progress. during the semester and the school year so that students can perform to their full potential without falling behind or experiencing difficulties.
8. Allowing freedoms when they are earned
If a child successfully complies with all homework rules and expectations, parents can allow certain freedoms appropriate if your child seems to excel in homework and schoolwork.
For exampleIf a child asks for a change in homework time or a change in the "learning space", parents should experiment with new freedoms as the child gradually outgrows his or her own academic responsibility. As long as the child seems to be understanding and excelling successfully in his or her homework and academic work, parents can consider new privileges and rewards for your child's achievements.
9. Be a study partner
Many times, especially when a child feels overwhelmed with homework, parents can offer support by simply helping your child to study.
This implies ask the child questions, teach study strategies or simply help the child to get organised. Sometimes the simple act of paying attention to a child during difficult tasks can boost the child's morale and effort.
10. Encourage and support
The most important thing a parent should do is to serve as a motivating academic cheerleader. Homework should not be a punishment or a dreaded time. Approach homework with a positive attitude, and consistently reward the child with a positive verbal attitude... =)
