Avoiding the Homework Hassle

Homework can be such a struggle at home.  I know that I am already dreading the battles at the kitchen table that we might have!  At every parent teacher conference I have been a part of, parents bring up the struggles and hassles of doing homework at home.  Today I ran across this blog that pretty much nails the ideal homework routine.  As kids get older and have more after school activities, this might be more difficult to accomplish, but it's a great plan to implement early.

If I had a dollar for every time a student told me they didn't have TIME to do their homework or it was too late when they got home to work on it....I would have a very fat shopping account!  As a teacher I tried to instill the value and importance to doing their homework.  It's part of their responsibility as a student.  Relating school to life is always a good thing so I would say, "What would happen if Mrs. Sieh came to school and didn't have her lesson plans done for the week?"  The kids undoubtedly say, "You would get fired!"  Well, it wouldn't be acceptable that is for sure.  Not completing their homework doesn't mean they would get fired from 3rd grade, but its the skills, lessons, and discipline they are learning in 3rd grade (or whichever grade they are in) that they will carry with them into adulthood.

Being disciplined to sit down and do homework before playing or going to special activities is a life long skill.  Students will only be set up for success by doing this and will be able to self manage a lot better.  It gets harder and harder to teach them that when they are in high school or college.

Sure there are times when I haven't always liked homework.  Even when I was taking graduate classes at UNL.  It is probably safe to assume everyone has not enjoyed it at some point.  Still, it is a necessary part to the learning process.  Students spend their day learning skills so homework is a chance to reinforce and practice those skills.  I tell parents even if students don't bring home assigned homework, they should be reading every night for at least 15 minutes and practicing some kind of math skill or flashcards.

So take some time as a family and sit down and come up with a plan for homework.  Let everyone get involved in creating an inviting homework space.  Try to make it a little fun so students don't mind sitting down to do their homework.  Read the link below to get some ideas on creating a great homework routine.

http://simpleasthatblog.com/2014/09/5-simple-tips-stress-free-homework-time.html