Just the mere mention of math homework brings out strong feelings in most people, and, regrettably, these feelings are rarely positive. Most children dread it, and as parents, though you might try to maintain a positive game face, dread it too.
6 Tips & Tricks to Create and Stick to A Schedule
It’s easier for your child to focus when there is a clear understanding of when homework is expected to be completed.
Your routine can be the same everyday – directly after school, after 30 minutes of play, after dinner, etc.; or different depending on the day’s specific activities. If your schedule varies, take time on Sunday to outline a plan for the upcoming week.
Important: Include your child in the development of a routine that works for your entire family, and then stick to it – consistently!
Minimize Distractions
When setting up a homework space, think about: Noise – can your child hear siblings playing? the television in the background? Video games/toys/books/etc. – is your child surrounded by more tempting activities? Family activity – is your child sitting in the middle of the action, distracted by movement, conversations, and the hustle and bustle of family life?
Some people work better with calming music in the background, some need complete silence to think. Adjust the environment to serve your child’s specific needs.
Remember, if your child is struggling with a specific concept, each time they are interrupted they lose their place in the academic process. It requires additional energy to redirect their thoughts back to the task at hand, which increases the potential for frustration. This is an especially vicious cycle for children who lack the ability to complete homework independently and successfully.
Create A Designated Homework Space
To focus and get homework done with minimal fuss, your child needs a comfortable, organized space. Make sure all necessary supplies are available and easily accessible; this will limit the disruptions that come with searching for supplies.
Include supplies such as: pencils erasers and sharpener markers, colored pencils, crayons Lined and blank paper ruler scissors, glue and anything else that the specific assignment requires.
It helps if the desk and chair are the appropriate size for your child. Some children benefit from a ball chair, a wiggle seat, or an exercise band to bounce their feet on, this allows for a natural need for movement while working.
Pick a place in your home that can be a designated area for quiet work—one with minimal distractions.
If you don’t have a designated space, have each child make a portable supply bin that can be taken to a quiet area of the house. Allow them decorate, organize and stock their bin with supplies to get them involved and invested.
Eat A Healthy Snack
A healthy snack will wake up your child’s brain and increase their ability to focus.
Encourage Breaks
If a child has a lot of homework, or works at a slower pace, use a timer to plan breaks and adjust to fit individual needs. When the timer goes off, encourage them to complete a quick physical activity such as: jumping jacks, wall push-ups, crab walk, bear crawl. With your child’s input, outline a plan for the number and length of breaks ahead of time.
Motivation
Children must be inspired to work and can be motivated by many things: A family outing, good grades, special time with an adult or friend, a new toy or gift, verbal recognition and praise like candy or sweets, screen time, money.
Determine what motivates your child, and then incorporate it into your routine. Small rewards can be earned regularly, while working towards larger rewards over time.
Developing good homework habits will begin to feel like a reward in and of itself.
At Mathnasium of Niceville, we can help identify your child’s specific working style and needs, and take some of the math homework burden off your plate. We can also give you tips to help you design an individual homework plan that will work best for your family. Give us a call or text us! We’re here to help. Call (850) 987-6284 or visit mathnasium.com/math-centers/niceville.
Thanksgiving Math Fun at Mathnasium of Niceville!
Keep young minds sharp this Thanksgiving with two hands-on math activities from Mathnasium of Niceville — free for pickup at the center!
- Thanksgiving Color-by-Sum – Perfect for lower elementary students, this festive coloring sheet helps kids practice addition while revealing a hidden Thanksgiving picture.
- Thanksgiving Graphing Challenge – Designed for upper elementary students, this connect-the-dots graphing activity uncovers a secret holiday message through coordinate plotting.
Stop by to pick up your copies at Mathnasium of Niceville, 538 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, or call 850-987-MATH (6284). A fun way to mix math, creativity and Thanksgiving spirit!
