My 12-year-old son came home from school this week with distressing news.  The amount of homework his teacher has been giving him each week is about to increase.

In the early days, the idea of having as much time as you like at home to do your work, with no teacher staring over your shoulder, sounded like the perfect scenario. 

But as time went on and he made his way through primary school – homework became the great annoyance.  Something that interrupts his ability to watch TV, to go outside and shoot hoops or to sit and do nothing for an entire evening.

On afternoons with organised sport, homework is something that needs to be squeezed in between training, down time, shower, dinner and bed. 

This recent announcement from the school is geared at further developing student agency, encouraging students to take ownership and accountability of their learning and improving development of initiative and problem-solving skills.  To develop positive study habits.

The aim is to also prepare the students for the expectations they will face next year when starting high school. All valid points – but incomprehensible to a pre-teen.

So how can I encourage my son to knuckle down and get it done each week?

The Victorian Government has the following tips:

Encourage a homework routine

Help your child to do their homework at the same time everyday.

Some children concentrate better in the mornings. Some are better in the afternoons. Choose a time that works best for your child.

Having a regular homework time will set your child up with good study habits. This will help them throughout school and beyond.

Set up a comfortable space

Your child will find it much easier to do their homework if they have a comfortable space.

This could be a space in their bedroom, in your study or in the family room. If you don’t have a space at home you could think about going to a library.

A good homework space:

• is comfortable – not too hot, not too cold and has plenty of fresh air
• is quiet
• has good light – use a good lamp or overhead light if the space is dark
• has all the things they need to do their work: think about stationery, a computer, a printer
• is free from distractions such as the television or computer games.

 Think about a study group

Some children study better with others. If you think this would help your child you could start a study group with a few of their friends.

Take turns hosting the group at each house.

Talk to your child about their homework

Don’t be afraid to talk to your child about what they are learning.

Ask them:

• what is easy
• what is difficult
• what they find interesting about it

By starting a conversation you will be able to help them plan their homework and suggest resources they can use to help with their work. Encourage them to tackle the difficult work first while they are fresh.

Celebrate their successes and achievements

Attend school events, productions or award ceremonies your child is in. Show them your support.

It will be a challenge, but the consequence of not doing homework at my son’s school is Homework Club – and that would be worse than any homework task known to man.

Source: Homework | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)

 

Brought to you by Brighton Grammar School

Annabel McLean is a mother of two and works at Brighton Grammar, an all-boys school in Melbourne. This article is about Parenting, Education