My daughter came home from her first day in 5th grade, WITH HOMEWORK! I was a little surprised but decided it was a good introduction to the new responsibilities for the “big kids” on campus. My daughter said, “Mom, we have to get ready for next year. In middle school we will have a lot of homework!”.

Homework at our house usually runs pretty smoothly. Although, we have definitely had some issues, including crying spells and resistance. My kids know homework or “school time” is part of our daily routine. For the most part, my kids have had some type of educational enhancement, homework or reading almost every day since they were four years old. Now, before you decide I am a mean mom that never gives their kids a break, you should know that I disguise many of these as fun activities.

For instance, when we are practicing math facts, some days they may use worksheets or flashcards. Other times, we play games that reinforce addition, subtraction, reasoning or probability. I have found many of my kids favorite games (Pokémon, Age of Mythology, Scrabble, Battleship, Clue, etc.) provide practice for basic math facts, spelling and problem solving. In addition, I have even used a trip to Dave & Busters to teach them concepts such as probability, estimation, addition, subtraction and multiplication.

Over the last five years, I have found several ways, including the “5S Plan” to avoid some of the homework hassles.

Set Expectations

Kids should understand what is expected during homework time. After the first day back to school, ask your child these questions…

Why do you think you have homework?

Do you think practice is important when you learn a new skill?

Do you find it easier to complete a request when you know what is expected?

What did your teacher tell you about homework?

These questions can lead you into some dialogue about their view on homework. It will also help them understand the reason why and the best way to handle homework. You can avoid “lecturing” when you discuss what you and their teacher expect.  Then you can come up with a plan together that will help them succeed in meeting those expectations.

Schedule

My kids know when they get home from school, they have a snack and start their homework. If they want to have a friend come over after school, they all need to work on their homework. This usually speeds up the process and I do set a limit. I don’t want them to spend the entire play date doing their homework. Plus, when the play date is over, if your child is done with their homework, it does not interfere with your evening routine.

Every year, you should sit down with your child and make a weekly schedule. Most teachers will provide a homework schedule that includes which subject on which day and a weekly test schedule.

We include reading every day, basic math facts several times a week and review information for upcoming tests. Set a schedule with your child and place it in a common area that is easily accessible. Depending on the age of the child, they may need to fill out a new schedule each week.

Spot

Your kids should find a comfortable “spot” to do their homework.  The kitchen table can be used as a homework station and you can keep homework supplies in a nearby cabinet. If you have a computer station at home, this may be a good homework “spot”, since many students use computer games to review math and spelling. In addition, they write reports, research information and learn new skills.

Keep your child’s learning style in mind when finding a “spot”. Some kids focus with background noise, while others need a quiet area. If you have more than one child, they probably have different learning styles and requirements. In addition, if you have a child that needs supervision or occasional help, they may prefer an area within close proximity to a parent. 

Supplies

Once they find a “spot”, they should gather all supplies they may need during their homework time.  Kids can prevent wasting time looking for supplies by putting together a supply box or tub. Gather all homework supplies (paper, pencils/pens, rulers, scissors, a dictionary, calculator, etc.) in a box or plastic tub. The supply tub can easily move from homework station to a cabinet when completed. 

Note: Every time you need a new item to complete homework, add it to the homework tub. You should avoid spending time looking for supplies which becomes an easy distraction. 

Study

Homework time should include a time to review and study. Kids do not automatically know how to study and need to learn these techniques. Once again, learning style needs to be considered. Do they learn by writing, listening or doing?

We use the illustration of an investigator solving a problem. He needs to know what the problem is and then search for clues that lead him to the answer. When my kids have a hard time with reading comprehension, I ask them to become an investigator. Search the story for the clues that matter, those are the important facts.

Additional information

Parenting expert and author, Michele Borba was recently featured on the TODAY Show during their Back to School Feature, “Finding Homework Success”.  Click here to watch this segment. For more information, read her article, "15 Ways To Cure The Homework Headache".

Michele is one of my favorite people to follow on Twitter. She provides great parenting information and is always willing to help others. She has a true passion to inform and teach practical parenting techniques and she just released a new parenting book, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. Click on the title to find out more or purchase the book.

I will follow up with some short articles that give more details to the “5S Plan”.  In the meantime, check out these other MomsMaterial articles…

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Please comment below with any other resources you have found that may help others avoid the homework hassle.