FOUR SUCCESSFUL WAYS FOR PARENTS TO ASSIST THEIR CHILDREN WITH HOMEWORK

Homework plays a vital role in a child’s educational journey as it serves various purposes:

• Fostering Independence: Homework encourages children to develop self-reliance by tackling tasks on their own.
• Cultivating Responsibility: It instils a sense of responsibility in children, as they are accountable for completing their assigned work.
• Reinforcing Classroom Learning: Homework helps consolidate the knowledge gained in the classroom, reinforcing the learning process.
• Elevating Academic Performance: By reinforcing learning and practice, homework can lead to improved academic achievements.
• Preparing for Future Learning: Completing homework on time prepares them for upcoming class activities and new learning material.

In order to reap these benefits, a strong partnership between parents and school is vital. Parents play a significant role in their children’s education, impacting their academic success and attitudes towards learning. When parents actively engage in their children’s education and providing support in their schoolwork, the overall outcome is typically more positive for the child.

Below are four effective approaches to assist your child with their homework:

1) Offer Supportive Guidance

Encourage learning through mistakes instead of providing direct answers. Guide your child by helping them understand their assignment instructions and review their completed work. Allowing them to figure out the answers on their own nurtures problem-solving skills and builds their confidence. With increased opportunities to independently find solutions, they’ll become more self-reliant and less dependent on you for help.

2) Establish a study routine

Recognise that different children may have varying preferences when it comes to homework time. Some may prefer to tackle it immediately after school, while others may have after-school engagements or prefer a short break first. Determine a suitable time and dedicated space for homework completion, ideally free from interruptions and distractions. Encourage them to adhere to this routine consistently, as it fosters positive homework habits in their life.

3) Strike a balance between schoolwork and leisure

All children need leisure time, so it’s essential to find a balance between studying and engaging in activities that interest them outside of their school curriculum. Assess the amount of homework assigned and establish a reasonable time frame to complete it. It is important to ensure that they do not exceed the recommended homework time, enabling them to complete their tasks efficiently and preventing homework from becoming an overwhelming or burdensome ordeal.

4) Find ways to make homework engaging

An effective method to engage children in their continued learning is by connecting their schoolwork to real-world issues. Engage in discussions with them, highlighting how the subjects they are learning are relevant beyond the classroom. Offer concrete examples on how the material relates to current events and how it aligns with their personal interests. By doing so, you can help them foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subjects they study.

The Kumon programmes are not intended for students to solely rely on to support their school homework. Instead, our Maths and English programs are specifically designed to foster independent thinking and cultivate strong problem-solving skills, empowering children to become confident learners. Daily worksheets are provided to students, allowing them to enhance their abilities and fundamental study skills. When combined with their regular schoolwork, these programmes equip them with the necessary tools to excel academically.