Homework Helpers:
Keeping Kids On Track With An Organized Workspace

Homework is a fact of life for most school kids – and their parents. For Crystal and I keeping our kids on track starts with creating a positive and well organized workspace.

Crystal home schools her three children and I run an after school program. Together we have come up with a list of ideas we feel go along way to encouraging and enhancing homework completion.

First and foremost, develop a homework routine. In our house, timing is a big issue. My eight year old son needs to play for a while when he gets home, while my 11 year old daughter usually heads straight up to her room (after grabbing a snack of course) and starts her homework right way.

Either approach works great so long as there is some consistency regarding the time (and place) homework is done. Developing a schedule may also help avoid procrastination. Just because your child may not have homework on a particular night, doesn’t mean they can’t use their ‘homework time’ for pleasure reading or working on an upcoming project.

We’ve also learned having your child play a role in selecting where school work is done is VERY important. While a desk works for one, it may not work for the other. The kitchen table may be a better option. Regardless of the location it is important to select a spot with adequate lighting, one that is comfortable for working, and is as free from as many distractions as possible. Large, clutter-free working surfaces are best.

Homework time is also a good time for the whole family to pursue quiet activities e.g. paying bills, reading, writing etc. Not only does this provide a good work environment, it models positive behavior as your child sees you working at things that require effort. You may also consider a ‘no phone call’ policy during this time.

If your child’s school doesn’t enforce the use of a homework agenda, create you own. Both agendas and checklists have become invaluable tools in our home. Keeping a running ‘to do’ list helps not only my kids keep on top of assignments, but it reminds them about what materials they need to take to class. Crossing completed items off the list gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Help your child develop a homework plan and estimate together how long each assignment should take. Also assist him in prioritizing homework assignments in the order in which they should be done. Starting with one that’s not too long or difficult is a good idea as long as he doesn’t save the longest or hardest assignments for last.

Teach your child how to manage his time and structure long-term school projects. Understanding how to break down big assignments into smaller more manageable steps will be important to your child’s overall academic success.

Pay close attention to due dates. When dealing with assignments like science fair projects, your child should not only note project requirements and due dates but also his plan of attack. Post required steps like visits to the library or the purchase of materials.

Talk with your child about the importance of not leaving school until he checks his assignment list and makes sure he has any necessary books and materials.

Having the phone numbers of a few responsible classmates he can call will go along way to helping your child if he has a question about his schoolwork. His teacher may also be willing to assign a responsible buddy for this purpose.

Keep on top of school supplies and storage areas. Making sure your child has all the necessary supplies shows him that you take his work seriously.

Help children stay organized by encouraging them to get in the habit of putting textbooks, binders, signed notes, and other necessary materials inside their backpack as soon as they are finished with them. And finally, keeping their backpack in the same location every night eliminates last minute panic.