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40 Top Parenting Tips for Navigating Homework Challenges

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

• October 6, 2023

Navigating the intricacies of homework assignments can often feel like a maze for both parents and children alike. As someone deeply involved in child development and having worked closely with many educators, I've gathered a wealth of insights into establishing a solid homework routine. 

This article is a compilation of those tried-and-tested homework tips, aimed to ease challenges and enhance productivity. Whether you're looking to foster a deeper connection with your child's teacher or seeking effective strategies to prioritize tasks, I'm here to guide you.

Homework Tips for Parents: Break the Stress and Boost Learning Hacks from a Children’s Psychologist

Homework tip: setting up the environment.

• Establish a Routine: Set a specific time and place for homework to create consistency and predictability.
• Routine Consistency: Keep the routine consistent, even on weekends, so the child knows what to expect.
• Provide a Quiet Space: Ensure your child has a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable place to work, free from distractions. 
• Limit Distractions: Keep TVs, mobile phones, and other distracting electronics off during homework time.
• Limit Overall Stimuli: A clutter-free workspace can reduce distractions. Try to minimize items on their workspace that they might fidget with or get distracted by.
• Stay Organized: Use planners, calendars, or apps to keep track of assignment due dates.
• Equip the Space: Stock the homework area with essential supplies such as pencils, paper, erasers, and rulers

Homework Tip: Instruction Support

• Clear and Concise Instructions: Ensure instructions are short and to the point. Use visuals and watch for body language signals that show understanding.

• Break Tasks Into Manageable Chunks : If an assignment is extensive, break it down into smaller steps to make it more manageable.
• Chunking Information: Divide information into smaller, more digestible chunks. This can make the work seem more manageable.
• Set Time Limits: Use a timer to allocate specific amounts of time for each task, helping children stay on track.
• Timers: Use a visual timer, so they can see how much time they have left to work. This can make the passage of time more tangible.
• Teach Time Management: Help them prioritize their tasks, tackling more challenging or urgent assignments first.
• Stay Involved: Regularly check in with your child about their assignments and progress, offering guidance when needed.
• Interactive Tools: Consider using interactive educational tools or apps that can make learning more engaging for them.
• Ask Them To Explain What The Task Is: Gage what your child understands before they start the task. This will help set them in the right direction and give you a sense of what they know.

Homework Tip: Brain Hacks

• Physical Activity: Encourage short bursts of physical activity during breaks, like jumping jacks or a quick walk around the block. Physical activity can help increase attention span.
• Encourage Breaks: For longer homework sessions, ensure kids take short breaks to rest their minds and bodies.
• Offer Healthy Snacks : Brain-boosting snacks can help maintain energy and focus during study time. Fizzy drinks such as a seltzer-magnesium drink can stimulate and calm the brain.
• Shorter Work Periods: Divide homework time into shorter, more frequent sessions. For instance, instead of a continuous 30-minute session, try three 10-minute sessions with short breaks in between.
• Visual Schedules: Use visual aids like charts or diagrams to outline the tasks that need completion. This can help them understand what's expected and track their progress.
• Tactile Tools: For some children, using tactile tools like stress balls or fidget toys can help them channel their extra energy and maintain focus.

• Background Music: Some children focus better with low-volume, non-distracting background music or white noise. But others are stressed by it , so play around and do what works best for them (not you!). 
• Color Coding: Use colors to categorize and prioritize tasks. This can help visually differentiate and organize their work.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or even short meditation sessions can help center their attention.

Homework Tip: Monitoring, Communication and Positive Reinforcement

• Stay Positive : In your own mindset. Focus on the effort and improvements, not just the end result. Praise hard work and resilience.
• Encourage Independence Over Time: While it's essential to offer support, allow kids to complete assignments on their own as they build skills before you check the work. This fosters responsibility and self-reliance.
• Be Available for Questions: Make sure your child knows they can come to you if they have questions or need clarification on a topic.
• Connect Learning to Real Life: Help your child see the real-world applications of what they're learning to make it more engaging.
• Review Completed Assignments: Go over finished homework to ensure understanding and check for errors, but avoid doing the work for them.
• Explain Consequences and Establish Rewards: Positive reinforcement can motivate your child. Consider rewards for consistent homework completion.
• Encourage a Growth Mindset: Teach your child to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Emphasize the value of persistence and learning from mistakes. Talk to kids about how regular practice builds skills even when the learning is hard!
• Positive Reinforcement: Reinforce positive behavior immediately. If they've focused well for a short span, reward that effort to encourage repetition of the desired behavior.
• Active Participation: Encourage them to engage actively with their work, such as reading aloud or teaching the content back to you. This can reinforce their understanding and attention.
• Regular Check-ins: Check in more frequently during their homework sessions, offering guidance, encouraging movement to support brain alertness.
• Immediate Feedback: Give immediate feedback on their work. This keeps them engaged and lets them know they're on the right track.
• Open Communication: Ensure your child feels comfortable discussing their challenges with you. Sometimes, they might have insights into what might help them focus better.

Long Game Parent Homework Tips

• Stay Informed: If your child has a diagnosed attention disorder, like ADHD, stay updated with the latest strategies and recommendations specific to their needs. You can join our CALM Brain Parenting Community for science-backed solutions to support attention and learning. 
• Stay in Touch with Teachers: Regular communication with educators can give insights into how your child is doing and where they might need additional help. They may benefit from school accommodations or more formal IEP support .
• Seek External Support: If focus issues persist, consider seeking help from a tutor, educational therapist, or counselor familiar with attention challenges.

Reflecting on these pivotal parent homework tips, it becomes evident that with the right strategies, we can turn potential struggles into stepping stones for success. By instilling a consistent homework routine and maintaining open communication with your child, we're setting the stage for academic achievements. 

Each child is a unique individual, and it's crucial to discover what resonates best with them during homework time. It is also important to look for root causes better and better understand why your child is struggling . 

With these tools at your disposal, I'm confident in your ability to lead your child through the myriad tasks and challenges that lie ahead. Together, let's make every homework session a journey of growth and discovery and tamp down frustration!

Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.

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10 Top Homework Tips for Parents

In this empowering article, we present a comprehensive guide to help parents become active partners in their child's academic journey. Homework plays a vital role in reinforcing learning, promoting responsibility, and building valuable study habits. However, it can also be a source of stress and frustration for both children and parents.

Discover a wealth of practical homework tips, strategies, and best practices that will transform homework time into a positive and productive experience. From fostering a conducive study environment to establishing a consistent routine, we explore how parents can create a supportive atmosphere that encourages their child's academic growth.

Explore effective communication techniques that bridge the gap between parents and teachers, ensuring that parents are well-informed about assignments and can offer timely assistance when needed. Uncover the importance of setting realistic expectations, acknowledging the uniqueness of each child's learning style, and avoiding undue pressure.

We'll also delve into the art of motivation and encouragement, understanding the delicate balance between supporting independence and providing guidance. Learn how to turn homework into a collaborative effort, where parents act as mentors, helping their children navigate challenges and celebrate achievements.

Incorporating insights from education experts and experienced parents, this article serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking to be proactive advocates for their child's academic success. Whether you have a kindergartener or a high schooler, these homework tips will empower you to create a positive learning environment at home and foster a lifelong love for learning in your child. Embrace this opportunity to strengthen the parent-child bond through shared educational experiences, paving the way for a brighter and more rewarding academic future.

Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, every child will eventually need clear and consistent help with their homework. As homework can directly impact a child’s success in the classroom and his or her overall educational development, a parent’s involvement provides a child with encouragement, support, and direction. By using positive steps proven to boost student performance, parents can intervene before a child’s struggles with homework begin to surface.

The Importance of Homework in Cognitive Development

While children often perceive homework as a form of punishment from their teacher, practicing classroom skills at home is an integral part of the developmental process. As Nucleus Learning explains, homework serves a myriad of essential purposes for both instruction and reinforcement. Most fundamentally, homework allows students to practice skills learned in school with autonomous engagement outside the classroom. As there is a limited amount of time in each school day, children are forced to accept the educational contract that they must put in the effort both in and outside of school to master all of the required material.

Adding to this, homework allows students to “Investigate on their own, learn how to find answers to questions, show that the teacher does not have an answer to everything.” Homework allows a student to more thoroughly learn and understand the material instructed; furthermore, actively engaging in homework teaches students how to become advocates for their own learning, as they can engage in an inquiry-based process of asking questions and seeking out more answers and discoveries.

Further expounding on the importance of homework, Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, the educational author of Kids, Parents and Power Struggles , asserts that parents play an immense role in a child’s successful engagement and completion of homework assignments. As she explains, “What most people don't realize is how much support their kids need with homework… It isn't something where you can just say, 'He's 10 or 12 or 15, he should just do it.’’”

Instead, a parent’s foundational support in helping their children understand and practice homework sets the child up for the scaffold of evolving responsibilities. If a child fails to acknowledge his or her responsibilities with completing mandated assignments from their teacher, the child may be heading down a dangerous path of irresponsibility, which can later impact a child’s ability to thrive in their first job or professional realms of life.

The Top Ten Homework Tips for Parents

1. Establish a Routine

The first step in creating a positive homework pathway for your child is primarily creating a routine. This may mean that parents may have to compromise with their children on the working conditions for homework time. As The Seattle Times further explicates, “That means helping students designate a set time and place where they can comfortably — and routinely — hit the books without being disturbed. Some families keep the TV off on weeknights and tape favorite shows for weekend watching. Following such a rule consistently, Kurcinka says, may avoid parent-child power struggles.” Adding to this, if a child is comfortable independently working in his or her bedroom, then parents may need to allow this freedom and choice of the child; however, if a child’s homework is incomplete or if their grades drop, then parents should immediately step in and enforce a different homework strategy and routine.

2. Create Boundaries

As the homework routine is clearly outlined and consistently enforced, parents should simultaneously create clear boundaries for their children as well. This may entail that a teenager’s cell phone must be turned off during homework time or a child’s television or radio must be off until assignments are complete.

3. Get Organized

For younger children, a parent may need to create a homework calendar that both the parent and the child can clearly access and see. This may help a child learn how to plan ahead and create a schedule for long-term elementary and middle school projects. For high school kids, this may mean a parent talks with their teen about setting progress goals for assignments daily.

4. Accountability and Responsibility

Regardless of a child’s age or school grade, a parent must immediately require their child’s personal accountability for homework and assignments. Parents should have clear rules about writing down assignments in a notebook or remembering to bring all necessary homework materials, such as books or calculators, home each night. If a child fails to hold up their end of the bargain, then the established consequences should be enforced.

5. Create a “Learning Space”

For many children, a “learning space” specifically set aside for homework can allow them to mentally enter into a “school mode” at home. This may mean that a small office is stocked with pens, paper, and necessary tools for assignments; however, on the other hand, this also may mean that a child may need to access the library each day for homework (if they are too distracted at home). Regardless of a child’s needs, a parent must create a free space for a child to complete assignments without disruptions or distractions.

6. Teach Prioritization

Children are gradually assigned more homework tasks as they progress through the school grades, and parents can intervene and teach children how to prioritize their homework assignments. If a project is due in a week, a parent can help their child set up a timeline for small daily tasks. Or, if a child is feeling overwhelmed, a parent can help them make a list of everything that must be done and then number each task to prioritize the academic responsibilities.

7. Check Your Child’s Progress

While public schools send report cards and progress reports, many schools post grades and homework assignments online. Parents can speak with their child’s teacher(s) about the best ways to check in on the student’s progress throughout the semester and school year so that students are able to consistently perform to their potential without falling behind or struggling.

8. Allow Freedoms When Earned

If a child successfully meets all of the outlined homework rules and expectations, parents can allow certain appropriate freedoms if their child seems to be excelling in their tasks and schoolwork. For example, if a child asks to change their homework time or “learning space,” parents should experiment with new freedoms as the child gradually excels with their academic responsibility. Parents can consider new privileges and rewards for their child's achievements as long as the child seems to be successfully comprehending and excelling in academic pursuits and assignments.

9. Be a Study Buddy

Many times, especially when a child feels overwhelmed with a task or assignment, parents can offer support by simply helping their child study. This involves quizzing a child, teaching a child study strategies, or also just helping a child get organized. Sometimes, giving a child attention during difficult tasks can boost a child’s morale and effort.

10. Encourage and Support

Most importantly, a parent should serve as a motivational academic cheerleader. Homework should not be a punishment or a time that’s dreaded. Approach homework with a positive attitude and consistently reward the child with positive verbal feedback. Children do not require material treats or presents for success; moreover, they thrive on verbal support and encouragement. For example, if a child consistently does their homework without complaining, remind them each day, “I love how you always do your assignments with such a great attitude. I admire your ability to do what’s assigned with such an adult work ethic!” When compliments are specific and meaningful, a child will feel more confident and motivated to continually follow through with his or her responsibilities and performance.

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Khan Academy Blog

Making Homework Easier: Tips and Tools for Parents 

posted on September 20, 2023

By Stephanie Yamkovenko , group manager of Khan Academy’s Digital Marketing Team.

Homework can present challenges for parents and children alike. You naturally want to provide support for your child’s learning journey and ensure they are reaching their full potential. In this blog post, we will delve into practical strategies to assist your child with their homework. From fostering understanding and offering encouragement to breaking down tasks and implementing rewards, we will explore a variety of effective approaches to help your child achieve academic success.

Step 1: Set Up Your Child for Success

Your child’s study environment can have a significant impact on their homework performance. Create a space that is free from distractions like the television, smartphones, or noisy siblings. The study space should be comfortable, well lit, and have all the necessary materials your child might need, such as pens, papers, and textbooks. If your child’s workspace is noisy or uncomfortable, they may have difficulty focusing on their homework, resulting in lower productivity. 

For example, if you live in a small apartment, consider setting up a designated corner with a small desk or table where your child can focus on their work. You can use dividers or screens to create a sense of privacy and minimize distractions.

If the only place to do homework is in the dining room or kitchen, try to establish a routine where the area is cleared and organized before study time. This can help signal to your child that it’s time to concentrate and be productive.

Remember, it’s important to adapt to your specific circumstances and make the best of the available space. The key is to create a dedicated study area that promotes focus and minimizes interruptions regardless of the size or location of your home.

Try Confidence Boosters for Your Child Here!

Step 2: make it fun.

It’s important to make homework fun and engaging for your child. Here are some examples of how you can do it:

• Use games : Incorporate educational games like card games, board games, or puzzles that align with the subject your child is learning. For instance, use Scrabble to practice spelling or Sudoku to enhance problem-solving skills.
• Turn it into a challenge : Create a friendly competition between siblings or friends by setting goals or time limits for completing assignments. Offer small rewards or incentives for accomplishing tasks.
• Make it interactive : Use hands-on activities or experiments to reinforce concepts learned in class. For science or math, conduct simple experiments at home or use manipulatives like blocks or counters to visualize abstract concepts.
• Use technology : Explore online educational platforms or apps that offer interactive learning experiences. There are various educational games, virtual simulations, and videos available that can make homework more enjoyable.
• Incorporate creativity : Encourage your child to express their understanding through art, storytelling, or multimedia presentations. For example, they can create a comic strip to summarize a story or make a short video to explain a concept.

Remember, by making homework enjoyable, you can help your child develop a positive attitude towards learning.

Step 3: Use Rewards

Rewards can be a powerful motivational tool for children. Offering positive reinforcement can encourage them to complete their homework on time and to the best of their ability. 

Here are some examples of rewards our team has used with their children:

• Extra screen time: “I use Apple parental controls to add screen time on their iPad.”
• Access to a favorite toy: “My eight year old has a drum kit, which drives us all up the wall. (Thanks, Grandma!) But when they’ve been doing a lot of school work, we put on headphones and let him go nuts.”
• Praise for a job well done: “Specific, measurable praise is what works best.” 
• Trip to the park: “A trip to the park is good for everyone, especially for the kids to run around with the doggos.”
• Movie night: “I know every word and song lyric in Moana ; we now reserve showings for good behavior.” 
• Stickers or stamps: “Gold stars were such a thing growing up in the 80s; turns out they still work.”
• Stay up a little later: “An extra 30 minutes feels like a whole day for my young ones; use this reward with caution as it can become the expectation!”

So, celebrate your child’s efforts and encourage them to continue doing their best.

Step 4: Break Down Difficult Tasks

When facing daunting homework assignments, follow these step-by-step instructions to break down the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks:

• Understand the requirements and scope of the task.
• Break down the assignment into individual tasks or sub-tasks.  
• Splitting the middle term
• Using formula
• Using Quadratic formula
• Using algebraic identities
• Determine the order in which tasks should be completed based on importance or difficulty. 
• Start with the easiest task. Begin with the task that seems the least challenging or time-consuming.
• Progress to more challenging tasks: Once the easier tasks are completed, move on to more difficult ones.
• Take breaks: Schedule short breaks between tasks to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
• Check completed tasks for accuracy and make any necessary revisions.
• Finish the remaining task(s) with the same approach.
• Celebrate small achievements to boost confidence and keep motivation high.

By following these steps, you can make daunting homework assignments more manageable and less overwhelming for your child.

Step 5: Get Targeted Help

If your child is struggling with homework, it might be worth considering seeking personalized assistance. You have the option to search for professional tutors or explore online tutoring platforms, such as Khan Academy’s AI tutor, Khanmigo .

This AI tutor can offer personalized guidance and support tailored to your child’s specific needs, helping them grasp complex concepts and practice essential skills. Incorporating this approach can effectively complement your child’s learning and enhance their homework performance.

Enhance your child’s learning and boost homework performance!

Homework can be a challenge for both parents and children. But with the right approach, you can help your child overcome difficulties and support their learning. Encourage and understand your child, create a comfortable environment, break down difficult tasks, use rewards, get professional help when needed, and make it fun. With these tips and techniques, you can help your child achieve success, develop a love for learning, and achieve academic excellence. Remember that each child learns differently, so it’s essential to adjust your approach to meet their unique needs.

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The best way to learn and teach with AI is here. Ace the school year with our AI-powered guide, Khanmigo. 

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Top 10 Homework Tips

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Kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their homework — it shows kids that what they do is important.

Of course, helping with homework shouldn't mean spending hours hunched over a desk. Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study and organization skills, explaining a tricky problem, or just encouraging kids to take a break. And who knows? Parents might even learn a thing or two!

Here are some tips to guide the way:

• Know the teachers — and what they're looking for. Attend school events, such as parent-teacher conferences, to meet your child's teachers. Ask about their homework policies and how you should be involved.
• Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure kids have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies — paper, pencils, glue, scissors — within reach.
• Schedule a regular study time. Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period; others may prefer to wait until after dinner.
• Help them make a plan. On heavy homework nights or when there's an especially hefty assignment to tackle, encourage your child break up the work into manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for the night if necessary — and take time for a 15-minute break every hour, if possible.
• Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, loud music, or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about an assignment can be helpful.)
• Make sure kids do their own work. They won't learn if they don't think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions. But it's a kid's job to do the learning.
• Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about assignments, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
• Set a good example. Do your kids ever see you diligently balancing your budget or reading a book? Kids are more likely to follow their parents' examples than their advice.
• Praise their work and efforts. Post an aced test or art project on the refrigerator. Mention academic achievements to relatives.
• If there are continuing problems with homework, get help. Talk about it with your child's teacher. Some kids have trouble seeing the board and may need glasses; others might need an evaluation for a learning problem or attention disorder.

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Strategies to make homework go more smoothly.

Routines and incentive systems to help kids succeed

Writer: Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP

Clinical Expert: Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP

Here is the best guide to helping kids do homework successfully that we’ve seen, published by the National Association of School Psychologists on their website, NASPonline.org . Our thanks to NASP for sharing it with us.

There are two key strategies parents can draw on to reduce homework hassles. The first is to establish clear routines around homework, including when and where homework gets done and setting up daily schedules for homework. The second is to build in rewards or incentives to use with children for whom “good grades” is not a sufficient reward for doing homework.

Homework Routines

Tasks are easiest to accomplish when tied to specific routines. By establishing daily routines for homework completion, you will not only make homework go more smoothly, but you will also be fostering a sense of order your child can apply to later life, including college and work.

Step 1. Find a location in the house where homework will be done. The right location will depend on your child and the culture of your family. Some children do best at a desk in their bedroom. It is a quiet location, away from the hubbub of family noise. Other children become too distracted by the things they keep in their bedroom and do better at a place removed from those distractions, like the dining room table. Some children need to work by themselves. Others need to have parents nearby to help keep them on task and to answer questions when problems arise. Ask your child where the best place is to work. Both you and your child need to discuss pros and cons of different settings to arrive at a mutually agreed upon location.

Step 2. Set up a homework center. Once you and your child have identified a location, fix it up as a home office/homework center. Make sure there is a clear workspace large enough to set out all the materials necessary for completing assignments. Outfit the homework center with the kinds of supplies your child is most likely to need, such as pencils, pens, colored markers, rulers, scissors, a dictionary and thesaurus, graph paper, construction paper, glue and cellophane tape, lined paper, a calculator, spell checker, and, depending on the age and needs of your child, a computer or laptop. If the homework center is a place that will be used for other things (such as the dining room table), then your child can keep the supplies in a portable crate or bin. If possible, the homework center should include a bulletin board that can hold a monthly calendar on which your child can keep track of longterm assignments. Allowing children some leeway in decorating the homework center can help them feel at home there, but you should be careful that it does not become too cluttered with distracting materials.

Step 3. Establish a homework time. Your child should get in the habit of doing homework at the same time every day. The time may vary depending on the individual child. Some children need a break right after school to get some exercise and have a snack. Others need to start homework while they are still in a school mode (i.e., right after school when there is still some momentum left from getting through the day). In general, it may be best to get homework done either before dinner or as early in the evening as the child can tolerate. The later it gets, the more tired the child becomes and the more slowly the homework gets done.

Step 4. Establish a daily homework schedule. In general, at least into middle school, the homework session should begin with your sitting down with your child and drawing up a homework schedule. You should review all the assignments and make sure your child understands them and has all the necessary materials. Ask your child to estimate how long it will take to complete each assignment. Then ask when each assignment will get started. If your child needs help with any assignment , then this should be determined at the beginning so that the start times can take into account parent availability. A Daily Homework Planner is included at the end of this handout and contains a place for identifying when breaks may be taken and what rewards may be earned.

Incentive Systems

Many children who are not motivated by the enjoyment of doing homework are motivated by the high grade they hope to earn as a result of doing a quality job. Thus, the grade is an incentive, motivating the child to do homework with care and in a timely manner. For children who are not motivated by grades, parents will need to look for other rewards to help them get through their nightly chores. Incentive systems fall into two categories: simple and elaborate.

Simple incentive systems. The simplest incentive system is reminding the child of a fun activity to do when homework is done. It may be a favorite television show, a chance to spend some time with a video or computer game, talking on the telephone or instant messaging, or playing a game with a parent. This system of withholding fun things until the drudgery is over is sometimes called Grandma’s Law because grandmothers often use it quite effectively (“First take out the trash, then you can have chocolate chip cookies.”). Having something to look forward to can be a powerful incentive to get the hard work done. When parents remind children of this as they sit down at their desks they may be able to spark the engine that drives the child to stick with the work until it is done.

Elaborate incentive systems. These involve more planning and more work on the part of parents but in some cases are necessary to address more significant homework problems. More complex incentives systems might include a structure for earning points that could be used to “purchase” privileges or rewards or a system that provides greater reward for accomplishing more difficult homework tasks. These systems work best when parents and children together develop them. Giving children input gives them a sense of control and ownership, making the system more likely to succeed. We have found that children are generally realistic in setting goals and deciding on rewards and penalties when they are involved in the decision-making process.

Building in breaks. These are good for the child who cannot quite make it to the end without a small reward en route. When creating the daily homework schedule, it may be useful with these children to identify when they will take their breaks. Some children prefer to take breaks at specific time intervals (every 15 minutes), while others do better when the breaks occur after they finish an activity. If you use this approach, you should discuss with your child how long the breaks will last and what will be done during the breaks (get a snack, call a friend, play one level on a video game). The Daily Homework Planner includes sections where breaks and end-of-homework rewards can be identified.

Building in choice. This can be an effective strategy for parents to use with children who resist homework. Choice can be incorporated into both the order in which the child agrees to complete assignments and the schedule they will follow to get the work done. Building in choice not only helps motivate children but can also reduce power struggles between parents and children.

Developing Incentive Systems

Step 1. Describe the problem behaviors. Parents and children decide which behaviors are causing problems at homework time. For some children putting homework off to the last minute is the problem; for others, it is forgetting materials or neglecting to write down assignments. Still others rush through their work and make careless mistakes, while others dawdle over assignments, taking hours to complete what should take only a few minutes. It is important to be as specific as possible when describing the problem behaviors. The problem behavior should be described as behaviors that can be seen or heard; for instance, complains about h omework or rushes through homework, making many mistakes are better descriptors than has a bad attitude or is lazy.

Step 2. Set a goal. Usually the goal relates directly to the problem behavior. For instance, if not writing down assignments is the problem, the goal might be: “Joe will write down his assignments in his assignment book for every class.”

Step 3. Decide on possible rewards and penalties. Homework incentive systems work best when children have a menu of rewards to choose from, since no single reward will be attractive for long. We recommend a point system in which points can be earned for the goal behaviors and traded in for the reward the child wants to earn. The bigger the reward, the more points the child will need to earn it. The menu should include both larger, more expensive rewards that may take a week or a month to earn and smaller, inexpensive rewards that can be earned daily. It may also be necessary to build penalties into the system. This is usually the loss of a privilege (such as the chance to watch a favorite TV show or the chance to talk on the telephone to a friend).

Once the system is up and running, and if you find your child is earning more penalties than rewards, then the program needs to be revised so that your child can be more successful. Usually when this kind of system fails, we think of it as a design failure rather than the failure of the child to respond to rewards. It may be a good idea if you are having difficulty designing a system that works to consult a specialist, such as a school psychologist or counselor, for assistance.

Step 4. Write a homework contract. The contract should say exactly what the child agrees to do and exactly what the parents’ roles and responsibilities will be. When the contract is in place, it should reduce some of the tension parents and kids often experience around homework. For instance, if part of the contract is that the child will earn a point for not complaining about homework, then if the child does complain, this should not be cause for a battle between parent and child: the child simply does not earn that point. Parents should also be sure to praise their children for following the contract. It will be important for parents to agree to a contract they can live with; that is, avoiding penalties they are either unable or unwilling to impose (e.g., if both parents work and are not at home, they cannot monitor whether a child is beginning homework right after school, so an alternative contract may need to be written).

We have found that it is a rare incentive system that works the first time. Parents should expect to try it out and redesign it to work the kinks out. Eventually, once the child is used to doing the behaviors specified in the contract, the contract can be rewritten to work on another problem behavior. Your child over time may be willing to drop the use of an incentive system altogether. This is often a long-term goal, however, and you should be ready to write a new contract if your child slips back to bad habits once a system is dropped.

Click here to download the homework planner and incentive sheet .

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A parent’s guide to homework: tips to help kids achieve school success

Lyndsey Frey - Writer September 21, 2022

Monitoring homework can be a challenge. How do you strike the right balance when it comes to helping or prodding your child to successfully complete homework?

Katrina Hermetet, PhD , a pediatric clinical psychologist, nationally certified school psychologist and program director of Akron Children’s School Success Clinic , recommends families start with a designated homework area. Make sure this area is as distraction-free as possible and has all the materials that may be needed during homework.

In addition, she encourages families to have a scheduled “homework time” that stays relatively consistent throughout the school year. A printed schedule is helpful for younger kids to visually see their schedule for the evening. She recommends no more than a half-hour break after school, with no technology during that break. Start as early in the afternoon as possible; attention, working memory and frustration tolerance all diminish as the day goes on.

This will hopefully create a homework habit for the child and, in turn, lead to less frustration when starting school work.

“Research has shown that it takes about 30 days to change a child’s habit,” said Dr. Hermetet. “So if you start a homework habit now, by Halloween it should be a consistent family routine.”

Still struggling to get your children to complete their homework successfully? Dr. Hermetet answers your top questions to offer some guidance and reduce frustration when it comes to the “H” word.

How much parental help is appropriate?

Encourage your children to start homework independently. I recommend parents set the boundary that they will check work and help with difficult problems at the end of each assignment. This will encourage the child to independently problem-solve and self-regulate when feeling overwhelmed with a problem.

If a child is stuck on a problem, encourage your child to look back through notes, homework or the book to find a similar problem to use as a guide. This may also be a good time to take a short break. Sometimes a break will help refresh, decrease frustration, and improve problem-solving abilities once your child has calmed down.

During times when a child truly does not appear to understand and has attempted to solve the problem, it is OK to help work through the problem.

Should a parent review homework once completed?

It is good to review homework so that you are aware if your child is struggling in a particular area.

If there seems to be ongoing concerns related to comprehension, it’s a good idea for a parent to communicate challenges your child is having and discuss additional support with the teacher. Otherwise, the teacher will have no way of knowing if kids are struggling.

If homework becomes overwhelming, visually break down work into manageable chunks and encourage quick breaks to help your child reset.

What advice can you offer for kids that always complain about homework, or struggle with it?

Visually break work down into manageable chunks. You can fold the paper into thirds, or use a folder to cover part of the page. This can decrease the feeling of being overwhelmed and prevent them from focusing on upcoming homework problems.

Once homework has started, breaks throughout are good if your child is becoming overwhelmed or frustrated. Breaks should be 2-3 minutes and include some kind of motor activity (i.e., walk, snack, restroom break). If a child struggles to come back to homework after breaks, try switching assignments rather than leaving the table. This gives the child a break from a frustrating problem or difficult subject, and typically helps reset and refresh.

Lastly, set accuracy goals to encourage your child to give their best effort rather than rushing through work. Instead of saying, “You can have a break when you’re done with math” say, “You can have a break when you get five right in a row.”

If homework assignments become overwhelming, should parents speak up?

There are various strategies, such as starting earlier in the evening and taking breaks throughout, that may improve time management and decrease frustration during homework.

In addition, you can check to see if your school offers a homework club. Changing a child’s environment by coming home could be a problem. Some kids, especially those with underlying issues, may do better staying in school to complete their work and come home afterwards.

However, if there are ongoing problems related to your child’s comprehension of the material or ability to complete the work, talk to the teachers and explore possible problems or barriers. The child may need a hearing or sight evaluation, or may fit the criteria for a 504 or individual education plan (IEP) to address learning disorders or other behavioral concerns.

It’s a good idea to discuss the workload with the teacher if strategies to improve time management and frustration tolerance have been implemented and homework continues to negatively impact sleep and the ability to engage in enjoyable activities. As a parent, the teacher is your partner in your child’s school success. Don’t hesitate to reach out for any reason.

For more information or to schedule an appointment in Akron Children’s School Success Clinic , call 330-543-8050.

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About Lyndsey Frey - Writer

Lyndsey Frey is a freelance writer based in Cleveland, Ohio. She specializes in blogging and content publishing, search engine optimization and social media marketing. Her work has been published online and in regional and national publications, such as Inside Business, Cleveland, Akron Life and Internet Retailer magazines.

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Helping Kids with Homework: 11 Easy & Do-Able Tips for Parents

Tips for Smart Parenting 09/21/2021 11 minute read

Homework is the bane of every student, as it is for the parents.

As a matter of fact, homework is not even necessary in the first place.

Before you react, there are countless studies to validate this claim. But even if we go on a hard-fought, well-thought, debate on whether homework is important or not, homework is here to stay. 

That said, helping kids with their take-home assignments is a duty we have to fulfill. But how exactly do we do it?

Below are actionable parenting tips to help your kids with their homework without doing it for them!

You might be interested:  How to Support Kids Learning Science and Why it Matters?

Parenting Tips on How to Do Homework with Kids

We used to believe that parental availability and support while kids do their assignments is key for their class success. "The more involved parents are, the better off they would be," so to speak. 

But that is a misconception and sometimes may even be counterproductive. As Kathleen Reilly said:

“When parents are overly immersed in homework, they deny kids the chance to become more independent and confident. Worse, it can breed anxiety along the way.” 

Helping kids with homework means that you offer your support but never treat the assignment like it's your responsibility. It's challenging, but kids need to do homework on their own because the assignments deal with lessons already discussed in class. Plus, answering homework by themselves is a good way to teach independent learning .

With that in mind, here are the homework tips for parents:

1. Work Out a Working Routine

Believe it or not, children love routines because they create structure .

This helps children feel more secure because they know what to do and what's expected of them.

Face it, nobody likes homeworks. But make it easier for your kids to do their's by doing routines such as below:

What time should they start? Set a definite time when they should do their homeworks. Will it be right after they arrive from school? Should they play for an hour first? Would they do it after shower time or after dinner?

Where is their homework place? The place they choose is likely the area they feel most comfy working in. That element adds extra help when doing homework. Find a place and stick with it.

If you have multiple kids, distinct routines for each are fine. What matters is that you enforce discipline and commitment to the schedule. Write the details on a sheet of paper and post their routines on the wall!

2. Make a Homework Plan

The routine simply tackles the when and where kids do their assignments. A homework plan focuses on how they do it. 

Doing homework needs to be systematic , both for you and the child. Approach homework from a systematic point of view and you save yourselves time and whine.

The example below is the system I found most suited for my children. You can follow it or fashion your own process, whichever works best. Here's what my kids do:

Read  the directions of the homework, twice.

Determine the goal and the steps needed to achieve it.

Divide the assignment into several chunks (if logically possible).

Set time limits for each portion and mark each as complete when finished.

Helping kids with homework is not about giving them all the answers. It's about  strategizing on how to finish the homework effectively and efficiently.

3. Monitor, Don't Correct

Let's get back to basics .

What is the purpose of homework?

Homework allows teachers to gauge what the students understood in class. That said, mistakes are welcomed.

But since most parents dread the idea of making mistakes, they try to  correct each flaw too often all for a perfect remark.

Word of advice: Teachers are well-aware of how your kids perform in class, so they know the truth.

My point is, remove the notion of absolute perfection from your kids.

It's okay to make mistakes, as long as they learn how to correct them on their own ! There should be no pressure on them to avoid mistakes at all costs. Encourage an atmosphere of growth. But, make it clear to your kids they should resolve their mistakes the next time around, once they understand the correct answer.

Do this instead:

Allow your kids to ask you up to 3 questions on their homework. But, be stingy on answering their questions right away.

When they ask, reply to them something like "I can help you once I finish my chores" or "Read it again, I'll be back in a sec."

You might not realize it, but this is one subtle way to help kids with homework. When you delay your aid, you gently force them to reread the directions and rework the problem on their own.

Monitor and ask them probing questions on the reason behind their homework answers.

4. Set an Example to Imitate

Helping kids how to do homework can also mean modeling the behavior to them. This is a parenting hack that most parents fail to practice.

It can be a good motivating factor for the kids if you do chores like budgeting or computing household expenses at the same time they do their assignments.

This is one indirect way to teach kids how to do homework. Set a good example and you'll find them following your footsteps.

5. Don't Sit Beside Them

Sitting and closely monitoring your kids as they answer homework is not at all helpful.

Behind the scenes, it sends a message to their brains that you might think they can't do the work without direct supervision.

Would you like that? Of course not!

Helping kids with their homework should also tap into the emotional aspect of learning. Show them that you trust their brains by letting them do their assignment on their own. Otherwise, you shatter their self-confidence leading to feelings of inferiority.

Here are my suggestions:

Stay nearby, do chores, balance your checks, wash dishes. Basically, just be there for them, without literally sitting beside them.

6. Establish the No-Nonsense Responsibility

Make the duties of each member in the family clear.

Of course, both you and your partner have work responsibilities, and so do the kids! They're expected to be diligent with their responsibilities:

Attend classes

Work with their teachers

And of course... do their homeworks

Once they agreed to a working routine and a homework plan , then there is no turning back. Tell them to buckle their seats until they finish their tasks. Discipline matters just as much as intellect and system when dealing with homework.

7. Teach Them Time Management 

Time management is the one of the most important tools for productivity.

Once your kids learn the benefits of being in control of their time, they position themselves to a life of success. Time management is not only relevant for homework. Instilling this behavior is a must from the get-go.

One tip is using an old analog wall clock and coloring in the hour when they should do answer their homework. Once the short arm reaches it, teach them to take initiative to do their tasks.

Help them in sorting the time out too, especially, if there are multiple homework in one seating.

8. Positive Reinforcement is a Great Hack

They say the best way to man's heart is through their stomach. Well, the best way to a child's heart is through snacks and treats . (I made that up)

Instead of threatening them to limit their TV watching time or call their teachers, why not compensate their efforts with some good ol' sweets? 

Reinforcing their diligence pushes them more to do it. Scare tactics are not as good as rewards to encourage a behavior. Although, do the positive reinforcement practice sparingly.  

Appreciating their efforts is another way to help kids with homework as this motivates them. You can do this by:

Posting their aced assignments or exams

Displaying their art projects on the fridge

It showcases how much you value their efforts and how proud you are of them.

9. Walk Away Once the Whine Fest Starts

How does walking away help kids on how to do homework? Well, it doesn't. It's more for your benefit than them.

Having a rough day at work is physically and mentally exhausting . Add another layer of whining because kids don't want to do their assignments, and you enter a whole new level of stress .

If they keep on complaining, check their homework progress.

If they are only being grumpy even when they can do it, then try to motivate them. Tell them that the sooner they finish, the more time they'd have to watch their favorite TV shows .

If the homework is indeed truly difficult, then lend them a hand.

Ask their teacher about it, especially if the homework is beyond the kid's level of understanding. Inquire if it's appropriate to give kids complex problems. Their teachers would love to hear feedback from parents, on top of that, to aid the pupils with their homework!

10. Let Them Take the Lead

Their Homework is not only a test of one's learning but also of a kid's sense of responsibility .

Their answers should be theirs and they must own up if they fail to do it. If they left their homework at home, then parents shouldn't bail their kids out by bringing their assignments to class.

Matt Vaccaro, a first-grade teacher, says that he makes students do their assignment during recess if they forget to do it at home.

According to him "Once she starts missing playtime, she gets the message."

This seemingly harsh yet rightful way to deal with their negligence actually motivates the kids to be responsible in the succeeding homework. 

Helping them how to do homework is as necessary as teaching them to be responsible for it.

11. Keep Your Composure and Carry On

Homework meltdowns do occur, so be ready!

These are children's ways of saying they're overwhelmed . And sometimes these kids are indeed struggling so bad. 

Parents, please keep your composure. Breathe and stay calm . You risk compromising their progress if you too burst out in frustration. Remember that homework is an opportunity to cultivate better parent-child relationships .

Here are ways to address homework meltdowns:

A simple hug might do

Speak words of affirmation like "we'll figure it out"

Let them vent out to you while you listen calmly

Sometimes, kids just need to blow off some steam. Catering to these needs are subtle ways of helping kids with homework. See the mood change after they've burst the bubble.

If ever you did lash out (although we hope not). Apologize immediately and tell your child that you both need a timeout for 10 minutes. They can play for within that period and resume working on the homework once the time is up.

Helping kids with homework is a dual purpose. You make homework accomplishment more manageable for them and you make life easier for you. Consider the above homework tips next time your kids have assignments.

The How-to-do-Homework Hack!

Some kids might still see learning as a chore, and that's okay. I mean, who likes to wake up early and be in class when they can play at home all day?

Making the most out of their curiosity helps transform their perception of learning — from a tedious and boring chore to a fun and interactive learning experience. We believe that the way to encourage kids to do their homework is by making them see the fun in learning.

The best way to do this is using educational toys! 

The STEMscope portable microscope is a good tool to cultivate your child's curiosity. This handheld science gadget is an all-around partner for your kid's best learning! 

Once they activate their curiosity, they develop the insatiable desire to learn, after that, they will see homework as fun learning opportunity!

Check out our complete catalog of science toys to find the best toy for your kid!

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20+ Homework Strategies for Parents

December 13, 2022 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

Homework can be a big source of frustration for kids and parents at home. Even more, it can be a challenge that carries over from home to school when the child doesn’t complete the work and is behind in class.

If your child is struggling with homework, read through these strategies and give some a try. As a note, not every single strategy is going to work for every child. To start, pick a few and give them a try. See what works and what doesn’t. Then, move forward together.

If you are an educator looking for strategies for kids, these can help you too. You might even want to pass them along to families to give strategies and support along the way.

Homework Strategies for Home:

Set up a binder organization system. First and foremost, it’s helpful to set your child up with a binder organization system that works for them. This might look different for different learners. One option is having one binder for every class/subject plus a dedicated homework binder. This is ideal for kids who are switching classes and have a good ability to keep track of different binders. In each binder, add a pocket folder and extra paper. In the homework binder, have your child add their homework agenda (read more about that below), a pencil pouch, and a pocket folder just for homework. If this system is too much, consider having one larger binder that contains a homework folder and all classes. You can separate the classes with dividers. While setting up a system most definitely takes time and planning, it helps keep things more orderly in the future.

Use a homework folder. A dedicated homework folder is key to making sure pages get brought home to finish and find their way back to the classroom to be turned in. Using a pocket folder, label one side of the folder “to do” and one side “done.” Explain that assignments that need to be completed, will go on the “to do” side, while pages that are finished will stay in “done.” It’s advisable to purchase a name brand folder to help make sure it lasts a bit longer and stays in the binder. Another tip is to go to the store with your child and let them choose the folder design. There are many different folders with everything from kittens to race cars. Letting the child choose the folder helps them be part of the organization process and might encourage a bit more buy-in. You can use this free homework binder template to get yourself started, or you can make your own!

Teach organization skills on an ongoing basis. Since a big part of completing homework is about organization, it’s important to teach and practice these skills often. Talk about where things should go in the house, take a 5-minute organization break when you need it, and model what organizing materials looks like. If your child struggles significantly with organization, consider reading up more on interventions for organization challenges .

Set up a homework spot. Choose one spot in the house where your child can productively accomplish work on a regular basis. This might be a downstairs office or just the kitchen table. Most importantly, aim to make it consistent and distraction-free.

Have kids use a homework log or agenda. A homework log or agenda is a dedicated place to write homework every day. Often, schools provide homework logs with spots for kids to write work down. If this works, great! Sometimes, though, one isn’t provided or the space might be too small for a child to write in. If that’s the case, you can make your own or use a journal. The key is to set it up so that your child has one spot to write homework down every single day.

Keep the homework area stocked and organized. Keep extra pencils, coloring utensils, and paper ready to go when your child needs it. Having materials organized and stocked will reduce time your child goes looking for it when they need it for an assignment.

Check over the homework log together. Before starting homework, spend a few minutes going over the homework log with your child. Ask them to show you and tell you what assignments they have to do tonight. This is also a great time for positive reinforcement when all homework assignments are clearly outlined, or constructive criticism when they are not. For example, you might say, “I noticed you wrote down ‘study’ under math. What do you think might be more helpful than that for next time?” Then, talk about how you could write down the chapters or topics to study. This homework log check also helps build accountability for your child.

Find alternative ways to check homework. Kids and teens aren’t always perfect about writing their assignments down. Check to see if your child’s teacher has a website where homework is listed. Bookmark the site and have your child use it when they forget to write assignments down. It’s important that it becomes their responsibility to check. If a teacher website isn’t an option, have a homework buddy from class that your child can touch base with. Again, this should be your child’s responsibility when possible. The idea is to teach your child that it is actually easier just to write it down correctly in class the first time!

Be a motivator. It’s no secret that homework isn’t often a favorite activity for kids and teens. Help make it easier by providing encouragement and support in a positive way. You can even start with practicing some positive self-talk and positive affirmations .

Use a timer. A timer can be a valuable tool to help set boundaries and allow breaks. Choose an amount of time that your child should be working, such as 20 minutes. Set the timer and make this a working time. Once the timer goes off, allow a 5 or 10 minute break before heading back to work. A visual timer can be especially helpful in this case because it shows kids and teens just how long they have left until they get their next break. Of course, a simple timer on the oven works, too.

Keep distractions away. We all know that kids and teens love their cell phones. The truth is that these devices are extremely distracting during working times. Make it an expectation that electronics stay away during homework time. Of course, it’s important to mention that this might be incredibly difficult for some kids at first. Work at it to make it a habit for the long-term.

Schedule breaks. It’s healthy to take breaks during long working sessions. Plan to take a break after each course assignment, or after a period of time. Of course, the number of breaks is going to vary greatly depending on your child.

Plan homework times. When it comes to homework, routine is a big part of the puzzle. Plan and schedule daily homework times when possible. Aim for shortly after your child gets home from school if that’s an option. This can allow a short break but still the time to finish the work they need to before dinner and night-time routines. Again, this is going to vary depending on every family situation, since parent work schedules and sports might interfere. If that’s the case, choose any time that works for you. It’s most important to stick with it so that it becomes a routine.

Model focused work. When it’s homework time, model what focused work looks like. While your child is working on assignments, read a book, do crossword puzzles, write in a journal, or complete some work of your own!

Build in choice. Give kids some say when it comes to homework! This will help them feel more empowered and independent. You can let them choose which assignment to start first or how they’d like to start a project. A little bit of choice can go a long way.

Create a homework checklist. Help your child create a daily checklist for homework each day. Encourage them to list out everything they need to accomplish on a piece of paper. Then, prioritize what is most important and start there. Have them check off each assignment on the checklist as they go. This can be done on paper or on a mini whiteboard.

Find a homework buddy. Make sure your child has a friend or classmate they can reach out to when they need homework support. This can be beneficial if they don’t know the assignment or have a question on a specific problem.

Be flexible. If your child wants to do homework a little bit differently than you would recommend, let them try. For example, maybe your child needs to spread out and work on the floor. Perhaps they might really do better while listening to music. These are all recommendations, strategies, and ideas, but remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Be open-minded and find what works for your child.

Recognize when something is taking too long. You know your child best. If he or she spending two hours on a homework assignment, consider taking a look at it together. Provide support and encourage strategies to help them move along. When nothing seems to work, you can also consider adding a note to the back of the page and sending an email to the teacher letting them know the challenges you encountered.

Check homework when finished. Depending on the needs of the child, it may be important to check over and review homework together. Not only it is important to check for completion, but for quality of work. If work isn’t done well, it is worth going back and having your child add or fix what they need to. Eventually, the goal is that they will learn that it’s just easier to do it right the first time!

Plan fun activities after homework. Family game time, watching a favorite show, or heading out for ice cream are all great ways to naturally reward being finished with work.

Develop a home incentive plan. If completing homework is continually a struggle and you suspect motivation is the culprit, consider an incentive or reward plan. Talk with your child about what they would like to earn, such as a movie night with friends or a weekend sleepover. Come up with the terms (such as homework completed every night for a week) and make it happen. The goal with an incentive plan is to develop positive habits and create independence.

Keep in touch with teachers. Remember to stay in contact with your child’s teachers. They are often a source of helpful tips and strategies, but they can’t provide that information if they don’t know your child is struggling. When talking to your child’s teacher about homework challenges, be specific about the difficulties you are seeing an open-minded to trying some strategies. Avoid the blame game. It’s always best when families work with schools on homework issues. If issues continue, do your best to document them and request a face-to-face meeting to discuss further and come up with ideas. Using actual homework samples might also be helpful.

Be a united front with teachers. Even if homework becomes a source of frustration, it’s helpful to remember to act as a united front with your child’s teachers. Certainly, it’s helpful to voice your concerns (and even frustrations) with your child’s teacher privately, but doing it in front of the child can send the wrong message. Again, working together always works best.

Remember to start with just a few strategies, give them a fair shot, and see where they take you. The goal is always that your child can complete the homework independently and feel successful. This may take time, practice, and changing up the strategies along the way, but homework success is possible!

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Should Parents Help With Homework? A How-To Guide

One of the toughest parts about seeing your kids through school is deciding to “let go.” To let them take responsibility, make mistakes, and “learn how to learn” under their own control.

But what happens when they get stuck, and aren’t able (or willing) to figure it out on their own?

Whether that’s on their first algebra assignment, a year-long science project they don’t know how to start, or a lingering book report where the due date has come and gone…

Sometimes it’s really hard to know when to step in and how to direct them without helping too much.

Ultimately the question we’re asking is:

Should parents help with homework? And if so, how much?

It’s one of the first questions we get from the parents we work with, so we put together a guide that you can use to find an answer that works for your family. Below is a breakdown of when it makes sense to lend a hand, and how to do it effectively.

Should parents help with homework? 5 common questions

First off, let’s address some common questions. Then we’ll outline some more general recommendations on what to do.

Question 1: How involved should I be when I review my daughter’s math homework and I see that there might be a wrong answer? Should I correct it or let her bring it to school with incorrect answers?

When your child starts a math assignment, it’s a great idea to make sure she understands the directions and watch her do the first few problems so she’s off to a good start and knows how to solve them.

A parent’s job is to make sure a child’s homework is complete, but not to critique it for accuracy – that’s the teacher or tutor’s job.

If it’s every now and then and your child is receptive to help, asking her to fix one or two answers is fine, but often what happens is that parents get in a power struggle over making sure the entire assignment is correct. Again, because you just want to aim for completion, don’t worry about one or two answers being wrong. I would let it go and let her get feedback in class from her teacher and classmates.

Question 2: What do I do when my daughter has a math question on her homework and I have no idea how to do it? The way that she is learning math is completely different than the way I learned. How should I direct her?

When your child is stuck, you have three options:

First, you can say, “Let me show you how to do it. This is the way.” However, it’s likely that your child will say, “Mom, that’s not how Mrs. Smith does it,” and there may be an argument or two on how to do it correctly.

You could also say, “You know what, honey? I already went to fourth grade. It’s your homework, not mine. You figure it out.” That’s probably not a great option either because your child won’t feel supported when they are frustrated with work.

The third and best way to assist with homework struggles, is to ask, “Are there other examples like this one in your book or in your notes? Have you ever seen this type of question before?” By encouraging your child to look for examples or similar problems, she’ll be more likely to solve the problem on her own.

Question 3: It takes my son a loooong time to complete his homework because he is constantly distracted or unfocused. How can I help him get it done in a reasonable amount of time?

Kids who toil for hours on seemingly simple assignments can be difficult to handle. And we actually have a name for them: “Super Bowl Kids” – the game is on for four hours, but they only play football for an hour.

Interestingly though, it isn’t that they’re not working diligently when they do finally sit down to work. They’re just easily distracted and taken away from that work frequently.

Research shows that when a task seems too large or difficult for kids (and students of any age), they often procrastinate more.

So in this situation, a timer is a surprisingly effective solution . Set the timer for 15 minutes at first, and let your child know that if they work as hard as they can for that 15 minutes, they get to take a 5-minute break when it’s done. Then repeat that process, slowly increasing the working time up to 25 minutes. Before they know it, the assignment is done, their confidence is up, and they’re onto the next thing.

Question 4: My daughter doesn’t write down her assignments since she thinks she can remember them. What are some tools we can use to work on this?

This one is much more common than you would think. The best solution?

First, set the expectation: they need to record their assignments somewhere. Then (and this is the key) allow them to choose how they’d like to do that. Whether it’s a good old-fashioned pencil and paper in a planner or agenda book, or by using an app on their phone, when kids get to choose the method, they’re much more likely to follow through.

Now keep in mind that writing down assignments is an important first step, but it’ll only take you so far without learning how to get organized and prioritize. Organization starts when your child walks through the front door after school, and should be an integral part of the evening routine each school night before they go to bed. Here are some easy organization tips you can implement in addition to recording assignments.

Question 5: My son struggles with tackling long-term assignments, so he procrastinates. How can I help him start his projects early?

As it turns out, this problem is actually very similar in nature to the “Super Bowl Kids” problem, in that students often procrastinate more the larger the project. And long-term assignments that may span an entire month or quarter exacerbate this tendency.

A great way to do this is to make Sunday dinners the jumping-off point for planning . They’re already at the table, away from distractions, so start by tacking on 15-20 minutes either before or after dinner to review upcoming assignments for the week.

You can ask “What is coming up in class that you might need to start working on?” If your child says, “I have a test on Friday” or “I have a science project due in two weeks,” you can then take the opportunity to help them talk through some forward planning. You can ask, “What might you do to break down that project into smaller tasks?” And then have them outline the steps they need to take.

Now, keep in mind that this may not apply to elementary students, who are going to need more parental help planning out long-term assignments until their executive functioning skills are developed enough to plan weeks ahead.

Your role as a parent: How to oversee homework and studying without going too far

When it comes down to it, our problem as parents is this:

It’s incredibly tempting to check online or in your kid’s backpack to see what’s due… or to jump in to help with homework at the first sign of struggle, especially if our children aren’t forthcoming about their workload or issues they’re having in class.

And on top of that, when our students struggle with motivation, it’s common for them to do the bare minimum or avoid homework altogether.

But in an attempt to “help” we often go too far. We end up enabling our children by constantly checking to see what homework is due, and helping them get it done on time, even though this task should be their job.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. A certain amount of involvement is appropriate for elementary-school students.

As I mentioned above, kids who are elementary school age haven’t fully developed their executive functioning skills, and so aren’t quite ready to go it alone when it comes to planning and working through long assignments independently.

All this means in practice is that when you know there’s an assignment coming up, sit down with them and ask “What are the steps you’re going to need to do to complete this ?”

Then, instead of fully leaving it to them to work it out, open up a dialogue and try to let them come up with the steps. Then, when they get stuck, assist along the way. As they get the hang of it, you can help less and less over time. But don’t be afraid to help the process along when they’re young. The question shouldn’t be “should parents help with homework?” but rather, “how much should we help?” at this stage.

2. If your kids are in middle or high school, resist the impulse to help.

I recently spoke to one mom who called our office looking for a tutor . She was in quite a quandary. She was making it a regular practice to tap into her freshman son’s school portal each day and print out his assignments so they would be ready for him when he came home from school. When asked why, she responded, “If I didn’t, he would never do them.”

They’ll never have the opportunity to develop the skills they’ll need to do that if you don’t set the stage for them to do these things on their own. So again, work with them to get the process started, but then adopt a “hands-off” philosophy so that they have the chance to work through it themselves.

3. Give them the tools.

Now once your kids start working through their homework independently, inevitably you’ll run across some issues with staying organized, getting their work done on time, and studying ahead of time for tests.

So it’s not usually enough to just set them loose on their work without helping them develop the skills they’ll need to make their way through it . These include:

• Organizational skills , which help kids feel more in control of their work and confident that they have a handle on all of the homework and studying they have to do.
• Time management skills, which will help them get started on their work, stay focused, and understand how long things actually take to finish.
• Study skills, which help them make better use of the time they do dedicate to homework and studying.

As the old allegory says: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” And that couldn’t be more true when it comes to studying and doing homework, so it’s worth the investment.

4. Give them a choice.

Some students find that apps that run on smartphones or tablets are ideal for this application where they are permitted. Others, although very few these days, prefer the old-fashioned assignment notebook.

5. Trust but verify.

Trust that your child has completed his daily assignments and planned out those that are long-term, but be wise enough to verify. This means that you may want to cross-reference what he says he has for homework against what is documented in the portal.

“Trust but verify” shouldn’t be daily, but should be used when you have that uneasy feeling that work has gone undone. Ask your child to log onto the portal with you there; do not do it on your own.

6. Work on communication rather than the schoolwork itself.

The question remains, “What do you do if the work still goes undone without your support?” The answer is complicated because the obstacle is typically deeper than missing assignments. So often, there’s a problem with communication.

Schedule a time to sit down with your child and discuss the issue without nagging or judging him. When kids feel as if their parents listen to them, they are more likely to listen to their parents. I can recommend a fantastic book and one that changed the way I deal with the students I teach and my own children. It’s called, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and How to Listen So Kids Will Talk . Check it out. It’s an easy read and so worth it.

In the end, communication is key and will help you navigate sticky situations when it comes to helping with schoolwork.

How much do you help?

Now over to you: How much do you help with homework?

Despite our recommendations above, we know full well it’s certainly not easy to find the right balance, and there is no one-size-fits-all way of handling it. Try to experiment until you find the right fit for your family.

If your child needs extra support, our expert tutors are here to help. We invite you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation, by clicking below and selecting a time to chat.

Homework 101: The Ultimate Guide for Students & Parents

Why do good people have to do unpleasant things? You surely have asked yourself this question a million times while slouching over a school assignment.

Did you know that 56% of students find homework the most stressful aspect of education ? It comes as no surprise: lack of motivation, spending too much or too little time on assignments, and making mistakes take the fun out of studying.

If you want to know how to do homework quickly, efficiently, and without suffering, keep reading this article by Custom-Writing.org . We’ll tell you how to stay on top!

• ✍️ Reasons to Do Homework
• ⌛ How Much Time to Spend on Homework
• 🔝 Ultimate List of Tips
• 👪 Bonus Tips for Parents

🔍 References

✍️ why should you do homework.

There must be a reason why such a pesky thing as homework exists, right? Right! Here’s what doing homework allows you to accomplish:

• Revisit your study materials.
• Prepare for upcoming classes.
• Boost your reputation by showing your teacher you work outside the classroom.
• Create useful habits.
• Avoid being grounded for slacking.

These are all excellent reasons why students should do their assignments. But that’s not all of it: keep reading to learn more.

Benefits of Homework

If you genuinely believe that it’s all about pointless suffering, check out this list and see how homework can actually benefit you :

Now you know that home assignments are not as bad as people think.

⌛ What’s the Right Amount of Time to Spend on Homework?

You probably think that nobody knows the answer to that, don’t you? Actually, here are some guidelines put together by professionals in the field of education. Check them out:

Many students find it hard to complete assignments within the mentioned timeframes. Some have personal problems to deal with; others simply get too much homework. Keep reading to learn how to cope with challenges and find some much-needed inspiration.

🔝 Ultimate List of Homework Tips

How to find motivation.

For many of us, the mere satisfaction of completing a task is not enough to get us through our homework routine. If you see yourself in this predicament, you may benefit from having an incentive . Let’s learn how to motivate yourself to do your tasks:

• Think hard about what you really look forward to. Is it having a Starbucks Frappuccino or a humongous slice of pizza? Or what if you reward yourself with a book from your favorite bookstore or a new piece of clothing? Tell yourself that you can get these things only if you put in enough hours and get your tasks done.
• Think of bigger-scale rewards and set a goal for the next semester. For example, if you manage to cope with your homework successfully week after week, you could reward yourself with that trip you’ve been saving up for. If you fail, well, here goes another summer without a vacation. Let that thought terrify you, and then immediately get started on that assignment!

Overcoming Difficulties

For some people, a lack of motivation is the only problem they face regarding homework. For others, there are many additional issues. Below, we’ve compiled a list of common difficulties and, most importantly, ways to overcome them:

Dealing with Homework Anxiety

Having poor memory and pretending to be The Flash while doing your homework is no big deal when dealing with a more serious problem: homework anxiety . This condition forces you to put off doing your homework for as long as possible, leading to more stress and anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle.

How do you recognize whether you have homework anxiety? Ask yourself:

If your answer to most or all of these questions is “yes”, you might be experiencing homework anxiety.

Reasons for this condition vary. For example, you may be an overly anxious person or a perfectionist, and the thought of failing scares you. There are many possibilities. But thankfully, there are also quite a few solutions that you can try:

• Set time limits. Knowing that you have set aside a particular amount of time may help with anxiety. Organizing your time better is an excellent idea if you struggle with starting or finishing things.
• Take breaks . Go for a brisk walk, take a coffee break, or listen to a song to take your mind off your assignments.
• If all else fails — seek help . There are professionals who can aid you in overcoming anxiety. If you feel like you can’t handle it alone, therapy might be worth a try.

Homework Planning & Scheduling

To overcome all the possible obstacles on your way to good grades and a stress-free life, you must manage your time efficiently . You will see that many things in life can become much more pleasant with the help of proper planning. Try following these simple steps to get started:

• Assess your entire workload for the day or the week before you start doing the tasks.
• Now you can set your priorities correctly . Which assignment can be done quickly? Which ones will require thorough research and analysis? Don’t forget to take the deadline into account!
• Once you know what you need to do and how to order your tasks, devise your final plan and develop a routine that will help you succeed. You will inevitably need to make adjustments, but eventually, you will find the best way. Try checking completed tasks off a list—instant gratification works wonders!
• Make sure you’ve designated a time and a place for doing your homework . People often underestimate the importance of their workspace as a part of their success. Don’t plop yourself down on the couch between a box of unfinished pizza and a pile of laundry. Instead, clean up your desk, gather everything you might need, and start studying.

How to Understand Your Assignments

Understanding your assignment is a big deal. If you take the wrong turn at the beginning of the path, you probably won’t get to your destination. The same goes for your homework—if you misinterpret the assignment, you are not likely to get a good grade.

But here’s the trick. Pay attention to these words when reading the task; they will indicate exactly what you must do:

How to Break Assignments Down

Another critical element to avoiding homework stress is knowing how to approach daunting assignments . It is easy to get discouraged by the size of a task and to keep postponing it until it shrinks. But here’s the catch: it won’t.

Instead of hoping for a magical solution, here’s what you can do:

• Make a list of your assignments. Grab a sheet of paper and write down everything you’re expected to do and when you’re supposed to turn it in.
• Decide what’s easy to do and what’s not. Start with the easy stuff, and get it out of the way. You’ll start to feel that much-needed inspiration before tackling the tricky assignments.
• Break your homework into manageable parts. The easy parts may consist of a few smaller tasks, while the difficult ones will consist of a single time-consuming or challenging task.
• Take a break after each session. If you start early enough, you can afford to take time to rest. Pauses are good for productivity and your overall mood.

How to Do Homework Quickly

We’ve already explained how to plan your homework, prioritize assignments, and reward yourself for completing tasks. While all of these are great strategies, it’s also essential that your homework doesn’t take forever and, more importantly, is done on time.

Here are a few little hacks to save you time and help you be more efficient:

Finally, the best way to do assignments quickly is to learn how to focus on homework . The less you get distracted, the more work gets done in a short amount of time.

How to Take Productive Breaks

Taking breaks here and there can be more efficient and comfortable than working on your assignment for 5 hours straight. Some ways to rest are better than others ; let’s have a closer look.

Getting Homework Assistance

Homer Simpson once said: “You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is: never try.” We’re here to tell you not to trust Homer! The real lesson is: if you have tried everything and nothing works, try again. And if sometimes you just can’t do it on your own—get help.

Aside from asking your parents to help you, here are a few more ways to get assistance:

• Ask your teacher for help. Your teacher should be your go-to person when you need to ask for advice regarding your homework. You’re not being unfair to your fellow students by approaching your teacher with questions.
• Become part of a study group or find a study buddy. You can ask questions or have a go at explaining something to other students. Working with another person is a great way to measure your understanding and practice alternative memorization techniques. With a few good laughs, homework will no longer be the torture it once was.
• Consider finding a tutor. A private teacher may be just what you need. Some work for free, even though you’re more likely to find those who charge hourly payments.
• Go to a tutoring center. These centers are known for helping students improve academically. Why not take advantage of them?

6 Best Homework Apps to Use

Last but not least, let’s take a look at various study apps designed to help struggling students. These are not considered cheating since they don’t do the homework for you. Instead, they help you organize your time, set your priorities, memorize the material, and stay on track. Here are the best ones:

• Flashcards Deluxe   This is an extremely powerful memorization tool with everything at your fingertips. It allows you to create decks of flashcards for any subject or use the ones made by other students. Download the app from AppStore, PlayMarket, and Amazon for $3.99. 
• Chegg apps   The possibilities are endless with this group of apps. They boast over 500 million flashcards, plus you can create your own. They also offer homework help, test preparation, and simplified topic explanations. Subscription starts at $14.95 a month. 
• Popplet   Visual learners will benefit most from this app. You can build mind maps of literally anything to memorize things more easily. The layout is easy to navigate, even for the youngest students. It is also available in any language. Users of iOS can get it for $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year.   
• StayOnTask   The name of this one explains everything—it helps you stay on task. If you get distracted easily, you will like this app because it regularly reminds you to keep working. Besides, it is free, which makes it even better. Available on Android.  
• iHomework 2   This app is a planner that does not let you loaf around. You can organize assignments, add them to your calendar, set reminders, and track your grades. Available on the App Store. 
• Google Workspace for Education   Google created this suite of tools to facilitate communication and learning for teachers and students. It contains many great tools which are particularly useful for making notes on the go, setting reminders, and keeping track of assignments. The workspace is free for schools; paid subscriptions are available for everyone. 

👪 Bonus Homework Tips for Parents

If you’re a parent of a kid struggling with homework and don’t know how to help—these tips are for you:

• Communicate with the teachers. They will tell you about your child’s grades, progress, and areas where they need to improve. Furthermore, teachers can help you better understand the assignments your child receives and how to tackle them best.
• Provide support. More often than not, your child needs your wisdom and kindness, not nagging and reproach. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s okay for you to complete their assignments for them!
• Show interest. Make your child feel like they’re doing something fascinating and that you care about it. If you show that homework is an exciting activity from the get-go, they may think so too.
• Notice struggles. Things will be difficult sometimes. Your task as a parent is to be able to recognize those difficulties and help your child overcome them.
• Use positive reinforcement. “Timmy, you’re grounded until you finish your math assignment” is not a good approach. “Timmy, if you finish your math assignment, I will let you have a sleepover” is much better. Don’t threaten—entice! And remember always to give praise where praise is due.

And here’s how you can set your child up for homework success depending on their age group:

We hope that everyone can find something useful in this ultimate homework guide. Let us know what your favorite homework tip is in the comment section. We wish you good luck, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help if you’re experiencing problems!

• How Much Homework Is Too Much?: National Education Association
• Homework Tips: Advocates for Children of New York
• Handling Your Homework: Time Saving Tips: College Vine
• 8 Easy Ways to Finish Your Homework Faster: The Princeton Review
• 8 Handy Homework & Study Apps: ADDtitude
• 7 Apps That Can Do Your Homework Much Faster Than You: Time
• Homework Challenges and Strategies: Understood
• How to Do Your Homework: Cuesta College
• 10 Tips to Make Homework Time Less Painful: Psychology Today
• Schoolwork-Related Anxiety: OECD iLibrary
• Tips for Helping Your Child Focus and Concentrate: PBS.org
• Movement and Learning: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Home Support

The UFLI Foundations program includes Home Practice sheets to help families support their child’s learning at home. This Home Support Guide explains how to use these UFLI Foundations Home Practice sheets.

The Printable Alphabet Tiles and Mat are designed to be sent home along with the Home Support Guide. Families can use these paper tiles as manipulative letters for home practice with word work. Printing them on card stock makes them easier to use.

Home Support Guide

Printable Alphabet Tiles and Mat

Other Tools in the Toolbox

Lesson Resources

Decodable Text Guide

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The materials on this site are freely available for anyone to use, adapt, and share (with attribution), but no one is permitted to sell either the original materials, any adaptation of it, or lesson plans that reproduce any part of it.  You may not use this work for commercial purposes.  These materials are to be used for educational purposes only.

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The Burden of ‘Parent Homework’

This is not about a parent helping with homework. It is work given from teacher to parent, passing directly over a child’s head.

By Karen Barrow

On one recent Tuesday, I received two emails with requests from my daughter’s teacher: Send in a collection of 100 things for the 100th day of school, and find something starting with the letter Q for show-and-tell. I already had to get a Dr. Seuss costume together for the next week, and don’t forget silly sock day, crazy hat day and everything else planned for a weeklong celebration of Dr. Seuss. And that’s just for one of my three kids.

The children in this class are 4. They cannot complete these assignments themselves, let alone even read the email.

I refer to these types of assignments as parent homework. This is not about a parent helping with homework. It is work given from teacher to parent, passing directly over a child’s head.

[The topics parents are talking about. Evidence-based guidance. Personal stories that matter. Sign up now to get NYT Parenting in your inbox every week.]

“There should never be preschool homework,” said Jessica Lahey, author of “The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed.” “Research shows it has no academic benefit, it’s a terrible idea for family time, and it’s just a waste of time.”

Parent homework comes in many forms: from finding show-and-tell items and “All About Me” posters for the littlest, to the large-scale science projects, historically accurate costumes and more as children go through the ranks at school.

“We need to pause and ask ourselves if we’ve lost sight of the end goal,” said Phyllis Fagell, a licensed clinical professional counselor and author of “Middle School Matters.” “A 4-year-old will learn more playing pretend fairies and ponies with a friend than filling out a work sheet or collecting 100 paper clips.”

Ms. Lahey agreed. “As a teacher myself, I have to call foul,” she said. “Teachers have to stop assigning projects to kids that aren’t kids’ projects.”

She suggested that the next time I am sent an assignment my child can’t do herself, I first contact the teacher (in person or by email) and ask, “What are the expectations of this assignment?”

“That will force the teacher to reflect back to you what they assigned,” she said.

Then, you can ask the following:

What is the assignment expected to assess?

How much parental involvement is expected?

How long should it take to complete?

This a way of pointing out to a teacher that the assignment is beyond your child’s ability to complete herself, or is perhaps too long for her attention span.

“Teachers don’t want to create frustration at home,” Ms. Fagell said. Often by alerting them to what is going on, they will be willing to modify an assignment to help your child complete it himself.

And if the teacher doesn’t get the hint, be blunt and say that the assignment is simply beyond your child’s ability to complete alone.

“That’s feedback that the teacher should want,” said Laura Guarino, associate dean of children’s programs at Bank Street College of Education.

But if you complain, will the teacher be offended and take it out on your child?

“People always worry that if you ruffle feathers, it will impact how your teacher will look at your child,” said Ms. Guarino.

So enter the conversation with the goal of impressing on the teacher that you want to be able to understand the school’s goals around homework, and how they fit into the curriculum.

“The people who enter a conversation from a place of curiosity are the ones we know are willing to partner with our school to do the best for their child,” said Jed Lippard, dean of children’s programs at Bank Street. “Try inquiry before advocacy.”

So I mentioned to my daughter’s teacher that I felt a little daunted by dressing my daughter as one of the fuzzy, bulbous creatures from the Dr. Seuss books, and she steered me toward printing out a photo of a red fish and taping it to her shirt, as in “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.” That lowered the bar, and my stress level. Not wanting tape on her shirt, my daughter ending up dressing in a white shirt, black skirt and red bow as Sally, the do-gooder little girl from “The Cat in the Hat,” and I didn’t have to sew, glue or print out a single thing.

But I couldn’t bring myself to ask out of the 100-object assignment. And while my daughter wanted to bring in a box of 100 straws, that just felt like a cop out. Wasn’t she supposed to learn what 100 represented by counting?

She had barely any interest in counting, but I felt I’d be doing her a disservice if I sent her to school empty-handed when everyone else would bring in something.

I felt guilty, overburdened and needing to impress.

We tried counting out 100 Lego bricks in 10 stacks of 10. But, two and a half stacks in, she lost her patience, so with my apologies to my daughter’s teacher, I asked my older daughter, a first-grader, to complete the assignment. (She made it a few stacks further, until I just went in and found the last 23 bricks.)

Was I somehow failing as a parent since my 4-year-old was unable to do it herself, and didn’t even want to do it with me?

Ms. Guarino suggested a different approach. If my daughter’s attention span allowed her to stack only 10 bricks at a time, I could have broken up the assignment and had her stack bricks before dinner, after dinner, before bath time, and after tooth brushing.

If I had thought this through earlier in the school year and spoken to my child’s teacher in September, Ms. Lahey suggested, I could have explained that my goals for the year were for my daughter to become more autonomous.

She could have gone to school with the two and half stacks of Legos she counted, even if it fell far short of 100, and I wouldn’t have had to feel guilty.

“If the child gets things wrong and messes the assignment up, that’s a great opportunity for the entire class to learn from the mistake,” Ms. Lahey said.

Now, especially in light of recent discussions of snowplow parenting in the wake of the college bribery scandal , I feel guilty instead for the help I gave her. I robbed my daughter of an opportunity to see me advocate on her behalf, and I also robbed her whole class of a learning opportunity.

In the interest of transparency, I told my daughter’s teacher I was writing about this. Her response? “Oh, that? The kids in class were asking for homework, so I thought collecting 100 things would be something fun for them to do. But I didn’t care if they did it or not.”

A Guide to Parenting Now

Some anxious parents are choosing “sleepunders” picking kids up just before bedtime  — or even staying over with them. Here are the pros and cons to that approach.

Many parents feel the need to stuff their children’s days full of activities to keep them entertained and engaged. But boredom has its virtues .

Being a modern parent means juggling many opinions on how to do it correctly. The good news is that there’s no one way to do it right .

Parental burnout is real. Take this test  to clarify how depleted you feel — so hopefully you can get the help you need.

More American women are having kids later in life. We asked mothers who had children after 40  to share their experiences.

Millennial parents, guided by influencers, are now proudly try-hard, and they're embracing a new “gentle parenting” approach .

Empowering Your Child's Homework Journey: A Guide for Parents of Students with Language-Based Learning Disabilities

Homework time can often be a source of stress and frustration for both parents and students alike. For parents of students with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia , this challenge can be particularly daunting. However, with the right strategies and a supportive approach, homework can become a meaningful opportunity for learning, growth, and connection. In this guide, presented by Educational Pathways Academy, a school for dyslexia and learning disabilities in Florida, we'll explore effective ways for parents to empower their child's homework journey, providing valuable insights into how to create a positive and productive homework routine.

Understanding Language-Based Learning Disabilities

Navigating the world of homework with a child who has language-based learning disabilities requires a unique approach rooted in understanding and empathy. Language-based learning disabilities can impact various aspects of your child's ability to process and express language, affecting their reading, writing, and even verbal communication. It's important to recognize that these challenges are not indicative of your child's intelligence or effort; rather, they are part of their individual learning profile. By acknowledging and understanding these learning differences , you can provide the tailored support your child needs to excel academically. In this journey, your role as a parent is pivotal in helping your child embrace their strengths and overcome obstacles. Together, we can create a nurturing environment that builds their confidence and fosters their potential.

A homework guide for Parents of students with langauge-based learning disabilities

Create a Supportive Environment: The homework environment plays a significant role in your child's success. Designate a quiet and organized workspace free from distractions. Ensure that all necessary materials, such as notebooks, textbooks, and any assistive technology tools, are readily available. A well-structured environment can help your child focus and engage more effectively with their tasks.

Establish A Consistent Routine: Consistency is key when it comes to homework. Set a regular homework schedule that aligns with your child's natural rhythm. Establish a predictable routine that includes breaks and time for relaxation. This structure helps your child transition smoothly from school to homework mode, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of control.

Break Tasks into Manageable Steps: Large assignments or projects can be overwhelming for students with language-based learning disabilities. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and if necessary spread tasks out over multiple days. Guide your child through each step, offering assistance and encouragement. Celebrate their progress at each milestone, reinforcing their confidence and motivation. Here are a few examples:

Assignment: Complete Math Problems 1-10. Problem 1 - 24 + 13

Step 1: Write down the first number, which is 24.

Step 2: Write down the second number, which is 13.

Step 3: Start by adding the units digits (4 + 3). Write down the result (7).

Step 4: Move to the tens digits (2 + 1) and add any carried-over digits from the previous step. Write down the result (3).

Step 5: Combine the tens and units results to get the final answer, 37.

Assignment: Read a short story and answer questions.

Preview the Story

Read the Story (Chunk by Chunk)

Discuss and Define Unknown Vocabulary

Summarize Each Chunk

Review and Reflect

Answer Questions

Final Reflection

Use Visual Aids: Visual aids, such as charts, diagrams, and color-coded instructions, can be incredibly helpful for students who struggle with reading or processing information. Use visuals to outline the steps of an assignment or to illustrate complex concepts.

Create Multisensory Learning Opportunities: Engaging multiple senses can enhance learning and retention. Encourage your child to incorporate different sensory modalities into their homework. For example, reading aloud, using visual aids, drawing pictures, or incorporating hands-on activities can reinforce understanding and make learning more enjoyable.

Utilize Assistive Technology: Modern technology offers a wide range of tools that can significantly support students with language-based learning disabilities. Explore assistive technology tools such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, spell checkers, and word prediction software. These tools can empower your child to independently tackle reading and writing challenges by making them more accessible.

Encourage Breaks and Movement: Balancing focused work with breaks is essential. Allow short breaks during homework sessions to prevent frustration and mental fatigue. Movement breaks, such as stretching or quick physical activities or simply stepping away from the workspace for a few minutes can help reenergize your child and improve focus.

Encourage Self-Advocacy: Empower your child to communicate their needs and challenges. Encourage them to ask questions, seek help when necessary, and communicate with their teachers about their learning requirements. Developing self-advocacy skills boosts confidence and equips your child with essential tools for navigating both their academic and personal lives.

Provide Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's efforts, progress, and perseverance. Positive reinforcement fosters a growth mindset and helps your child develop a healthy attitude towards challenges. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to build their self-esteem and motivation.

Collaborate with Educators: Maintain open communication with your child's teachers. Regularly discuss your child's homework experience and any challenges they may be facing. Working together ensures that your child's needs are understood and accommodated both at school and during homework time.

Poland’s children rejoice as homework is banned. The rest of the world watches on for results

O la Kozak is celebrating. The 11-year-old, who loves music and drawing, expects to have more free time for her hobbies after Poland ’s government ordered strict limits on the amount of homework in the lower grades.

“I am happy,” said the fifth grader, who lives in a Warsaw suburb with her parents and younger siblings. The lilac-colored walls in her bedroom are covered in her art, and on her desk she keeps a framed picture she drew of Kurt Cobain.

“Most people in my class in the morning would copy the work off someone who had done the homework or would copy it from the internet. So it didn’t make sense,” she said.

The government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk enacted the ban against required homework this month amid a broad discussion about the need to modernise Poland's education system, which critics say puts too much emphasis on rote learning and homework, and not enough on critical thinking and creativity.

Under the decree, teachers are no longer to give required homework to kids in the first to third grades. In grades four to eight, homework is now optional and doesn't count towards a grade.

Not everyone likes the change – and even Ola’s parents are divided.

“If there is something that will make students enjoy school more, then it will probably be good both for the students and for the school,” said her father, Pawel Kozak.

His wife, Magda Kozak, was skeptical. “I am not pleased, because (homework) is a way to consolidate what was learned,” she said. “It helps stay on top of what the child has really learned and what’s going on at school.”

(Ola's brother Julian, a third grader, says he sees both sides.)

Debates over the proper amount of homework are common around the globe. While some studies have shown little benefit to homework for young learners, other experts say it can help them learn how to develop study habits and academic concepts.

The rest of the world will be watching Poland’s results closely.

Poland's educational system has undergone a number of controversial overhauls. Almost every new government has tried to make changes — something many teachers and parents say has left them confused and discouraged. For example, after communism was thrown off, middle schools were introduced. Then under the last government, the previous system was brought back. More controversy came in recent years when ultra-conservative views were pushed in new textbooks.

For years, teachers have been fleeing the system due to low wages and political pressure. The current government is trying to increase teacher salaries and has promised other changes that teachers approve of.

But Sławomir Broniarz, the head of the Polish Teachers' Union, said that while he recognized the need to ease burdens on students, the new homework rules are another case of change imposed from above without adequate consultation with educators.

“In general, the teachers think that this happened too quickly, too hastily,” he said.

He argued that removing homework could widen the educational gaps between kids who have strong support at home and those from poorer families with less support and lower expectations. Instead, he urged wider changes to the entire curriculum.

The homework rules gained impetus in the runup to parliamentary elections last year, when a 14-year-old boy, Maciek Matuszewski, stood up at a campaign rally and told Tusk before a national audience that children “had no time to rest.” The boy said their rights were being violated with so much homework on weekends and so many tests on Mondays.

Tusk has since featured Matuszewski in social media videos and made him the face of the sudden change.

Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said she was prompted by research on children’s mental health. Of the various stresses children face, she said, "the one that could be removed fastest was the burden of homework.”

Pasi Sahlberg, a prominent Finnish educator and author, said the value of homework depends on what it is and how it is linked to overall learning. The need for homework can be “very individual and contextual.”

“We need to trust our teachers to decide what is good for each child,” Sahlberg said.

In South Korea, homework limits were set for elementary schools in 2017 amid concerns that kids were under too much pressure. However, teenagers in the education-obsessed country often cram long into the night and get tutoring to meet the requirements of demanding school and university admission tests.

In the US, teachers and parents decide for themselves how much homework to assign. Some elementary schools have done away with homework entirely to give children more time to play, participate in activities and spend time with families.

A guideline circulated by teachers unions in the US recommends about 10 minutes of homework per grade. So, 10 minutes in first grade, 20 minutes in second grade and so on.

The COVID-19 pandemic and a crisis around youth mental health have complicated debates around homework. In the US, extended school closures in some places were accompanied by steep losses in learning, which were often addressed with tutoring and other interventions paid for with federal pandemic relief money. At the same time, increased attention to student wellbeing led some teachers to consider alternate approaches including reduced or optional homework.

It's important for children to learn that mastering something "usually requires practice, a lot of practice,” said Sahlberg, in Finland. If reducing homework leads kids and parents to think school expectations for excellence will be lowered, “things will go wrong.”

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Poland’s Kids Rejoice Over New Rules Against Homework, Teachers, Parents Aren’t So Sure

Arkadiusz Korporowicz teaches history to 5th grade children at Primary School number 223 in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday April 3, 2024. Poland's government has ordered strict limits on the amount of homework that teachers can impose on the lower grades, starting in April. in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Ola Kozak is celebrating. The 11-year-old, who loves music and drawing, expects to have more free time for her hobbies after Poland’s government ordered strict limits on the amount of homework in the lower grades.

“I am happy,” said the fifth grader, who lives in a Warsaw suburb with her parents and younger siblings. The lilac-colored walls in her bedroom are covered in her art, and on her desk she keeps a framed picture she drew of Kurt Cobain.

“Most people in my class in the morning would copy the work off someone who had done the homework or would copy it from the internet. So it didn’t make sense,” she said.

The government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk enacted the ban against required homework this month amid a broad discussion about the need to modernize Poland’s education system, which critics say puts too much emphasis on rote learning and homework, and not enough on critical thinking and creativity.

Under the decree, teachers are no longer to give required homework to kids in the first to third grades. In grades four to eight, homework is now optional and doesn’t count towards a grade.

Not everyone likes the change – and even Ola’s parents are divided.

“If there is something that will make students enjoy school more, then it will probably be good both for the students and for the school,” said her father, Pawel Kozak.

His wife, Magda Kozak, was skeptical. “I am not pleased, because (homework) is a way to consolidate what was learned,” she said. “It helps stay on top of what the child has really learned and what’s going on at school.”

(Ola’s brother Julian, a third grader, says he sees both sides.)

Debates over the proper amount of homework are common around the globe. While some studies have shown little benefit to homework for young learners, other experts say it can help them learn how to develop study habits and academic concepts.

Poland’s educational system has undergone a number of controversial overhauls. Almost every new government has tried to make changes — something many teachers and parents say has left them confused and discouraged. For example, after communism was thrown off, middle schools were introduced. Then under the last government, the previous system was brought back. More controversy came in recent years when ultra-conservative views were pushed in new textbooks.

For years, teachers have been fleeing the system due to low wages and political pressure. The current government is trying to increase teacher salaries and has promised other changes that teachers approve of.

But Sławomir Broniarz, the head of the Polish Teachers’ Union, said that while he recognized the need to ease burdens on students, the new homework rules are another case of change imposed from above without adequate consultation with educators.

“In general, the teachers think that this happened too quickly, too hastily,” he said.

He argued that removing homework could widen the educational gaps between kids who have strong support at home and those from poorer families with less support and lower expectations. Instead, he urged wider changes to the entire curriculum.

The homework rules gained impetus in the runup to parliamentary elections last year, when a 14-year-old boy, Maciek Matuszewski, stood up at a campaign rally and told Tusk before a national audience that children “had no time to rest.” The boy said their rights were being violated with so much homework on weekends and so many tests on Mondays.

Tusk has since featured Matuszewski in social media videos and made him the face of the sudden change.

Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said she was prompted by research on children’s mental health. Of the various stresses children face, she said, “the one that could be removed fastest was the burden of homework.”

Pasi Sahlberg, a prominent Finnish educator and author, said the value of homework depends on what it is and how it is linked to overall learning. The need for homework can be “very individual and contextual.”

“We need to trust our teachers to decide what is good for each child,” Sahlberg said.

In South Korea, homework limits were set for elementary schools in 2017 amid concerns that kids were under too much pressure. However, teenagers in the education-obsessed country often cram long into the night and get tutoring to meet the requirements of demanding school and university admission tests.

In the U.S., teachers and parents decide for themselves how much homework to assign. Some elementary schools have done away with homework entirely to give children more time to play, participate in activities and spend time with families.

A guideline circulated by teachers unions in the U.S. recommends about 10 minutes of homework per grade. So, 10 minutes in first grade, 20 minutes in second grade and so on.

The COVID-19 pandemic and a crisis around youth mental health have complicated debates around homework. In the U.S., extended school closures in some places were accompanied by steep losses in learning, which were often addressed with tutoring and other interventions paid for with federal pandemic relief money. At the same time, increased attention to student wellbeing led some teachers to consider alternate approaches including reduced or optional homework.

It’s important for children to learn that mastering something “usually requires practice, a lot of practice,” said Sahlberg, in Finland. If reducing homework leads kids and parents to think school expectations for excellence will be lowered, “things will go wrong.”

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Home » Blog » A Parents’ Guide to Fortnite

A Parents’ Guide to Fortnite

Many know Fortnite as the battle royale game that exploded in popularity in 2017. Since then, Fortnite ’s developer, Epic Games, has turned the popular game into a multi-game ecosystem. Once you download Fortnite , you can choose between multiple games developed by Epic Games, as well as thousands of games built by Fortnite creators. This evolution has changed Fortnite from a game with a few different games to play, into a hub where players choose from thousands of diverse games and experiences—each with their own ratings—to play with friends.

But what does this mean for you and your family? Find out how this new era of Fortnite is different and what you can do to help make sure your kids have a safe and fun experience while exploring everything Fortnite has to offer.

Epic released three new games in December 2023 that can be played within Fortnite :

• LEGO Fortnite (Rated E10+) – LEGO Fortnite is a new survival crafting game from the long term partnership between Epic Games and The LEGO Group. In LEGO Fortnite, you explore vast, open worlds where the magic of LEGO building and Fortnite collide. Collect food and resources, craft items​, build shelter, and battle enemies with up to seven friends.
• Rocket Racing (Rated E) – It’s possible that your kids may have played a game called Rocket League, which is (in its most basic form) soccer with cars. Only these cars can jump, boost, and fly to bash a gigantic ball into an even more gigantic net. Rocket Racing is developed by the same Epic-owned studio, Psyonix, behind Rocket League. Rocket Racing is an arcade racing game with the added mechanic of allowing players to “drift, fly, and boost” through tracks.
• Fortnite Festival (Rated T) – This new game is most easily compared to Guitar Hero or Rock Band, and with good reason since it’s developed by Harmonix (the Epic-owned studio that worked on both of those franchises in the past). This rhythm game allows players to play through popular songs using button prompts on their controller or keyboard. Users can either play solo by picking a track (guitar, bass, drums, or vocals), or get their own band together and play through a set online.

Of course, Fortnite Battle Royale and Fortnite Save the World are still a huge part of Fortnite . You can find out more about those in our first Fortnite blog here .

In fact, your kids can bring most of the outfits and cosmetics purchased or earned in Battle Royale into these other games (providing they’re playing on the same account). So if your kids have ever dreamed of playing in a band made up of Superman, Kylo Ren, Spider-Man, and Lara Croft they’re in luck!

In addition to games made by Epic, there are thousands of other games built by other Fortnite creators. These creators use Fortnite Creative or Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) to build their own experiences in Fortnite and make them available for the community to play. These can range from simple mini-games to more in-depth experiences based on the creator’s vision, so there’s always something new to explore. Each of these games is reviewed by Epic Games and receives an ESRB rating assignment before publication. This means that after an initial review by automated tools, a human moderator reviews each game to ensure that it is appropriate for Fortnite ’s audience and abides by Epic’s content rules.

Are The New Games Appropriate for Kids?

Fortnite is rated T for Teen and has a new Content Descriptor that means Fortnite offers access to a variety of content for people of all ages. The descriptor is: Diverse Content: Discretion Advised, which means the game, app, or platform in question offers access to a variety of content.

All of the games and experiences (aka “Islands”) available within Fortnite also have ESRB-assigned age and content ratings , ranging from E for Everyone to a maximum rating of T for Teen. You can find the rating information below each game. Epic Games does not allow any content higher than a Teen rating in Fortnite .

Some content may not be appropriate for all ages, but parents and guardians can use Fortnite ’s Parental Controls to set age-rating restrictions to block their children from playing content above a certain rating. For example, if you want your child to play LEGO Fortnite , which is rated E10+, but not Battle Royale , which is rated Teen – you can set it up so that they can only play the games that are rated E10+ and E. Parents can also unlock individual experiences and add them to an unlocked content list.

Meanwhile, all the Fortnite games you and your family are familiar with such as Battle Royale and Save the World , as well as new ones and player-made games, have their own ESRB rating assignments.

How Much Do New Games Cost?

All of the games and experiences created within Fortnite – whether they’re made by Epic Games or by others – can be played for free. LEGO Fortnite , Rocket Racing , and Fortnite Festival are all playable for free, just like Battle Royale , but each offers some form of in-game purchases.

For example, in Fortnite you can purchase a ‘Battle Pass’ which lets players earn various rewards as they level up. The Battle Pass works with all of the games inside Fortnite so players can make progress regardless of which game they’re playing within Fortnite . That said, none of this is a requirement and your family can enjoy these games without spending any money.

Set up Parental Controls

Make sure you have a family conversation to establish some household rules about video game play and make sure everyone understands the expectations. Many parents also like to back up their household rules with parental controls which are available on virtually all game devices, as well as within your kids’ Epic accounts. Every device (including computers, video game consoles, mobile devices, etc.) allows parents to manage their kids’ friends lists. Some even let you create a curated list of friends to ensure that your kids aren’t talking with people they do not know. And visit ESRB’s parental controls guide page for step-by-step instructions to help you set them up.

Fortnite players under the age of 18 are more protected from the start. For example, if a player indicates they’re under 18 years old, Fortnite voice chat defaults to “off.” If your child indicates they are under 13 years old, their account will automatically be classified as a “ Cabined Account .” Cabined Accounts are essentially child accounts that allow younger players to play Fortnite , but they won’t be able to access certain features such as voice chat or real-money purchases until their parent provides consent. Since this kind of account is automatically set up for younger players based on the date of birth provided during account setup, this should be a reminder about why it’s important that your kids always enter their accurate age when signing up for a product or service!

If your child indicates they’re under 13 years old, they will be asked to provide a parent’s email address. Epic will then send an email to you letting you know about your child’s Epic account and provide you with the opportunity to provide permission to access certain features and set up parental controls that:

• Manage the games your kids can access in Fortnite based on ESRB ratings;
• Limit online chat (voice and/or text). You can choose to allow your child to speak with ‘Everybody,’ ‘Friends and Teammates,’ ‘Friends Only,’ or ‘Nobody;’
• Require a Parental Controls PIN to make purchases while using Epic Games payment;
• Require a Parental Controls PIN to send or accept Epic friend requests; and
• Track the amount of time your kids spend playing Fortnite every week

It’s important to speak to your child about the game’s safety features and why you are using Epic’s Parental Controls. You should also make sure they understand that Epic Games has clear Community Rules that apply to all users of Epic’s games including Fortnite , and online bullying is never acceptable. Epic encourages players to report anyone who is breaking the rules. Players can also submit audio evidence when they report other players for engaging in inappropriate behavior in voice chat. This helps Epic take action against players violating their Community Rules.

If your child indicates they are under 13 years old, their account will automatically be classified as a “Cabined Account.”

Stay Involved

Things can evolve quickly in the world of Fortnite , so it’s important to stay on top of everything that’s available to your kids. The best way to do this is simply to stay involved! While that’s obviously easier said than done, showing some interest and nurturing open lines of communication will make it easier. Check out ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide for simple tips and conversation starters to get the ball rolling.

And don’t forget: It never hurts to take a seat and share a Fortnite session with your kids! Doing so will keep those conversations going and help ensure that everyone has fun when playing games online.

Related Articles

What Parents Need To Know About Fortnite Battle Royale

What Parents Need to Know About Multiplayer Video Games

Welcome to the New and Improved ESRB Mobile App

What Parents Need to Know About Privacy in Mobile Games: Use Parental Controls and Permissions

What Parents Need to Know About Princess Peach: Showtime!

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Your guide to the week ahead – family fun for the week of April 12

Things to do in greenville, spartanburg and nearby this weekend.

So much to do this month! Find more than 150 things to do in the Upstate, plus a celebration of Upstate educators and much more, all at Upstate Parent at upstateparent.com . 

To include your organization’s family friendly events in Upstate Parent, email [email protected] . 

The Frosty Farmer Winter Market features 45 – 50 vendors from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. April 20 and 27 under one roof at Think Tank Brew Lab. For details, visit frostyfarmer.com . 

The Spartanburg Youth Theatre presents “The Rainbow Fish” April 12 and 13 at the Chapman Cultural Center. Tickets are $15 each for adults, $10 each for ages 18 and younger. Group discount code is GROUP for 15 percent off groups of five or more. Most enjoyed by ages 4 and older. For details and tickets, visit  spartanburgyouththeatre.com/upcomingproduction or call 864-542-ARTS (2787).

Hub City Hog Fest , benefitting Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, is around Morgan Square. For details, visit hubcityhogfest.com . 

Afternoon Explorations is 1:30 – 5 p.m. at Roper Mountain Science Center. For details and tickets, visit ropermountain.org .

Volunteens: Toys for Pets is at 4 p.m. at the Boiling Springs Library. Make toys for the animals at the Spartanburg Humane Society, meet a pet up for adoption, and learn about their junior volunteer program. Open to the first 12 teens. For teens ages 12 – 18 or in grades 7 –12. For details, visit spartanburglibraries.org .

The Spartanburg Youth Theatre presents “The Rainbow Fish” at 4:30 p.m. at the Chapman Cultural Center. Tickets are $15 each for adults, $10 each for ages 18 and younger. Group discount code is GROUP for 15 percent off groups of five or more. Most enjoyed by ages 4 and older. For details and tickets, visit  spartanburgyouththeatre.com/upcomingproduction or call 864-542-ARTS (2787).

Starry Nights programs are April 12 at Roper Mountain Science Center. “Magic Globe” is at 4:30 p.m. “Two Small Pieces of Glass” is at 6 p.m. and “Chasing the Ghost Particle” is at 7:30 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are required. For details, visit ropermountain.org .

Bilingual Story Time is at 4:30 p.m. April 12 at the Hughes Main Library. Cuentos bilingües en inglés y español para niños 7 años y menores acompañados por un adulto. Llame al 864-242-5000, ext. 2634 para más informatión. For details, visit greenvillelibrary.org . 

Kids Night Out: Taco ‘Bout a Party is 6 – 9 p.m. April 12 at the Brutontown Community Center. Grades K5 – 5. $15 each for Greenville County residents and $19 each for nonresidents. To register, visit greenvillerec.com/event/kids-night-out-april-2024 . 

The Fine Arts Center’s Elevate 2024  is at 7 p.m. April 12 at the Peace Center. For tickets, visit peacecenter.org . 

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits play at 7:05 p.m. April 12 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. For tickets and details, visit bonsecoursarena.com . 

Hub City Hog Fest , benefitting Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, is April 13 around Morgan Square. For details, visit hubcityhogfest.com . 

Toddler Time with Pace the Polar Bear is at 10:30 a.m. April 13 and 16 at the Upcountry History Museum. Register online. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org . 

Wonder Club with Chef Mike Siebert is at 11:30 a.m. April 13 at TCMU-Greenville. Join this special grilled cheese cooking class for kids. Registration is required for both children and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit tcmupstate.org/greenville/wonderclub .

History Up High- Hot Air Balloon & Kite Festival is noon – 8 p.m. April 13 at Walnut Grove Plantation. (Rain date is April 14.) Find out about hot air balloons and kites in history. Advance tickets are recommended. For details and tickets or to volunteer, visit spartanburghistory.org/events . 

“Dragons Love Tacos” is presented at 4:30 p.m. April 13 at South Carolina Children’s Theatre. (Other performances may have tickets available as well.) For tickets and details, visit scchildrenstheatre.org . 

Stay and Play is 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. April 15 at the Five Forks Library. Build kindergarten readiness skills at this drop-in event for ages 2 – 6. For details, visit greenvillelibrary.org . 

Sensory Time is 1 – 5 p.m. April 18 at TCMU-Spartanburg. During Sensory Time, the lights are dimmed, the water table is turned off, and rotating activities in the classroom are self-guided for learning and play. Sensory Time activities are included with the price of admission. Visit tcmupstate.org . 

Looking ahead:

A Taylor Swift PJ Party is 6 – 9 p.m. April 19 at South Carolina Children’s Theatre. For details and registration, visit cart.scchildrenstheatre.org/86733/87427 .

Greer Goes Global International Festival is 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 20 at Greer City Park. Details are at greergoesglobal.com . 

The Carolina Youth Symphony holds “Bring Your Instrument and Play” day April 21 at the Daniel Music Building at Furman University. Repertory Orchestra is 1:20 – 2:50 p.m. Concert Orchestra is 3 – 4:30 p.m. Symphony Orchestra is 1:45 – 4:30 p.m. The symphony includes three full orchestras and three different levels of musicianship. Details are online. Complete the form at here to reserve a spot. Visit carolinayouthsymphony.org . 

ImmUnity Play Circle  – Through Evely's Eyes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to families with children on rare medical journeys, is launching ImmUnity Play Circle. designed to provide safe and inclusive play experiences for children with compromised immune systems and disabilities. This initiative aims to foster joy, connection, and support within the community. The event is 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. April 29 at TMCU-Greenville. The day will include interactive activities, adaptive play equipment, and sensory-friendly experiences. The museum will undergo thorough sanitization measures and be closed to the public, and staff will wear masks throughout the event. For more information or to donate, visit throughevelyseyes.org .

Volunteers are needed for Tri My Best , an adaptive triathlon for differently abled youth. The event is May 5 at Kroc Greenville. There are a variety of volunteer needs. To help, email [email protected] . 

Despite millions in federal money, DCPS students struggle with post-pandemic engagement

by Mitch Blacher

WASHINGTON (7News) — During the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, oversight records show that District of Columbia Public Schools did not track student homework and online participation.

“There were definitely days where, I’m not going to lie, I didn’t go to class,” high school student Alina King said of her online class engagement.

When full-time, in-person classes resumed in the nation’s capital, King was back in class, but many of her peers were not.

In 2022, 43.9% of DCPS students or nearly 40,000 students were ‘chronically absent,' according to U.S. Department of Education records. Chronically absent students are defined as students who miss 10 percent or more of scheduled classes. Before the pandemic in 2017, 2018, and 2019 D.C. schools chronic absence hovered around 26%.

RELATED | New report details startling statistics on chronic absenteeism in DC public schools

Congress sent all American schools $190.3 billion in emergency pandemic funding in March 2020. District of Columbia Public Schools cut was $303 million. The money had a broad goal: keep students healthy and engaged so they could overcome pandemic learning loss.

Oversight and reimbursement records, obtained by 7News through the Freedom of Information Act, show DCPS spent millions of pandemic relief dollars on data plans, mobile hotspots, and thousands of computers to get students online in 2020. Yet DCPS told the Office of the State Superintendent it did not track student participation in online homework and class engagement between March and September 2020.

“Our rebound from the pandemic is not a one year, a two year, it’s a multiyear effort,” D.C. School Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said when asked about pandemic relief spending in 2022.

SEE ALSO | DC's State Board of Education hears from panel on how to address chronic absenteeism

DCPS and many school systems across the country scrambled to buy safety equipment and develop online learning systems during the pandemic’s initial months. Disrupted supply chains, infection concerns, and scaling online access for an entire student body were significant obstacles. While DCPS said it did not have a system in place to track student homework or online participation during the pandemic’s early days, the district was checking student logins daily.

Education finance experts have claimed monitoring pandemic relief spending is vital for student engagement.

“Districts right now in the middle of the school year should be figuring out if their investments are working,” Georgetown University’s Marguerite Roza told 7News.

READ MORE | DC Mayor Bowser pitches bill to address chronic absenteeism in schools

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has proposed new legislation to address D.C.'s school attendance problem. The bill, if approved by the city council, would hold parents accountable for their child’s attendance and force multiple city agencies to provide services to those families.

Ferebee said he is optimistic about the current school year’s attendance. He anticipates attendance returning to pre-pandemic numbers by the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

A College Student’s Guide To Filing Taxes

College students can face many challenges—including filing taxes. From figuring out who is a dependent to whether you have to report scholarships, getting through a tax return can feel like cramming for a final exam.

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College students can face many challenges—including filing taxes. From figuring out who is a dependent to whether you have to report scholarships, getting through a tax return can feel like the equivalent of cramming for a final exam. But there's no need to pull an all-nighter—here's what you need to know.

You may not need to file.

First-time filers sometimes fall into the trap of believing that only full-time, permanent employees have to file and pay taxes. That's not true. You may be required to file as a part-time or seasonal employee or an independent contractor—that extra money you’re making as a bartender or delivery person may mean that you need to file.

But, not everyone needs to file a tax return. Whether you need to file a tax return depends on your filing status, age, and gross income. You can figure that out using this chart:

Do You Need To File A Tax Return?

For purposes of the chart, gross income means all income you receive in the form of money, goods, property, and services not otherwise exempt from tax. When figuring gross income, don't include Social Security benefits unless you are married filing separately and lived with your spouse at any time in 2023, or if one-half of your Social Security benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest is more than $25,000 ($32,000 if married filing jointly).

Even if you don't have to file, you may want to file a tax return to get a refund of any federal income tax withheld. You should also file if you are eligible for any of the following credits:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Most traditional college students won’t be eligible to claim this credit since you have to be at least age 25 or have children, but if you’re an older student or a parent, check to see if you qualify.
• American Opportunity Credit (AOC). More on this below... keep reading!
• Premium Tax Credit. You may qualify if no one claims you as a dependent and you have health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Talk to your parents.

College students may not know whether they should file as independent or if their parents plan to claim them on their return.

These rules generally apply to dependents :

• A dependent must be a U.S. citizen, resident alien or national, or a resident of Canada or Mexico.
• A person can't be claimed as a dependent on more than one tax return (some exceptions exist)
• A dependent can't claim a dependent on their own tax return
• You can't claim your spouse as a dependent if you file jointly
• A dependent must be a qualifying child or a qualifying relative of the taxpayer (your spouse is never your dependent).

That said, while a clear definition is available, your parents may assume they are supporting you. I always recommend asking your parents what the plan is before you file your tax return. Remember that you can still file a tax return if your parents claim you as a dependent, but in that case, you cannot claim yourself—no double dipping.

Scholarships and grants may be tax-free.

A scholarship or grant can be a great way to pay for college, and many are tax-free if you meet certain requirements.

Scholarships (including athletic scholarships) and grants are tax-free if the following apply:

• You're a candidate for a degree at an educational institution that maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of students in attendance at the place where it carries on its educational activities; and
• The amounts you receive are used to pay for tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, or for fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses at the educational institution.

Scholarships and grants that may be subject to tax include:

• Amounts used for incidental expenses, such as room and board, travel, and optional equipment.
• Amounts received as payments for teaching, research, or other services required as a condition for receiving the scholarship or fellowship grant. (Exceptions apply, including awards through the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program, or a comprehensive student work-learning-service program operated by a work college. If you're not sure, ask.)

Yes, that means you could have a scholarship or grant in which part is tax-free, and part is taxable. If you exclude any part of a scholarship or grant, be sure to keep excellent records to support your position.

You'll report any portion of a taxable scholarship or grant reported on a Form W-2 on Line 1a of Form 1040. If the taxable amount wasn't reported on Form W-2, enter the amount on Line 8.

Don't forget about education credits .

For the tax year 2023, two kinds of education tax credits are available: the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. Credits are great because they reduce the tax payable (as opposed to deductions, which simply reduce your taxable income).

Generally, you can claim the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit if all three of the following requirements apply:

• You pay qualified education expenses of higher education;
• You pay the education expenses for an eligible student; and
• The eligible student is you, your spouse, or a dependent you claim on your tax return.

Importantly, for purposes of the credit, qualified education expenses paid by a dependent you claim on your tax return, or by a third party for that dependent, are considered paid by you.

The American Opportunity Credit is worth up to $2,500 towards eligible expenses for each student who qualifies, but you can only claim the credit for up to four tax years per student (you must be pursuing a degree or other recognized credential). A whopping 40% of the American Opportunity Credit may be refundable—that means that if your credit is more than your tax, the excess will be refunded to you. Note that income limitations apply—for 2023, your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) can't exceed $90,000 ($180,000 or more if married filing jointly).

The Lifetime Learning Credit is worth up to $2,000 per year. There is no limit on the number of years the credit can be claimed for each student. Income limitations apply here, too. For 2023, the amount of your lifetime learning credit is phased out if your MAGI is between $80,000 and $90,000 ($160,000 and $180,000 if you file a joint return).

Again, no double-dipping. You can only claim one education credit per student in the same year.

Don't forget about your 529 account.

Qualifying distributions from a 529 account are tax-free. Unlike those education tax credits, qualified education expenses include room and board. They also include student loan repayments (up to a $10,000 lifetime limit per student).

Benefit from the student loan interest deduction.

There’s a lot of chatter about student loans. But if you meet certain criteria, you may be able to offset some of the pain of repayment with a tax deduction.

For 2023, the amount of your student loan interest deduction begins to phase out if your MAGI is between $75,000 and $90,000 ($155,000 and $185,000 if you file a joint return)—that means that the amount of the credit decreases as your income increases. You can't claim the deduction if your MAGI is $90,000 or more ($185,000 or more if you file a joint return).

Your student loan does not have to come from PHEAA or another institutional student loan provider to be deductible. You can include other debt, such as credit cards, bank loans, or a line of credit, if you use those loans only to pay qualified education expenses— do not commingle expenses. Borrowed funds cannot be from a related person or made under a qualified employer plan.

The best part? If someone else makes a student loan payment on your behalf, the payment can be treated for federal income tax reasons as though you made the payment. For example, if your mom and dad pay some of your loans, you can still claim the interest for purposes of the deduction. But be careful: If your parent claims you as a dependent, but you are legally obligated to pay the loan, then neither one of you can take the deduction.

You may be able to exclude income under the education savings bond program.

Generally, you must pay tax on the interest earned on U.S. savings bonds. But when you cash in certain savings bonds under an education savings bond program, you may be able to exclude the interest from income if the following apply:

• You pay qualified education expenses for you, your spouse, or a dependent.
• Your MAGI is less than $106,850 ($167,800 if married filing jointly).
• Your filing status isn't married filing separately.

To qualify, the U.S. savings bond must be a series EE bond issued after 1989 or a series I bond issued in your own name or in the name of you and your spouse as co-owners. You must also be at least 24 years old before the bond's issue date.

For 2023, the amount of your education savings bond interest exclusion is gradually phased out if your MAGI is between $91,850 and $106,850 ($137,800 and $167,800 if you file a joint return). You can't exclude any interest if your MAGI is $106,850 or more ($167,800 or more if you file a joint return).

Education exception to additional tax on early IRA distributions.

Generally, if you take a distribution from your IRA before age 59-1/2, you must pay a 10% additional tax on the early distribution. This applies to any IRA you own, including a Roth IRA.

An exception applies to distributions from an IRA used to pay qualified higher education expenses for yourself, your spouse, your or your spouse's child, foster child, adopted child, or your or your spouse's grandchild. The amount distributed may still be subject to tax—you'll just avoid the additional tax.

Know your due dates.

Tax Day is April 15, 2024, for most taxpayers. Taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2024, due to the Patriot's Day and Emancipation Day holidays. Taxpayers living in a federally declared disaster area may also have additional time to file.

If you can't file on time, you can request an extension .

Help is available.

These are just the highlights—some additional rules and restrictions may apply (this is tax, after all).

I highly recommend using a tax professional to help you navigate some tricky parts. Be smart when you hire—rely on referrals and ask lots of questions. Remember that your tax preparer should have a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number). Ask in advance, or check out PTIN qualifications on your own by using the IRS online PTIN directory .

The IRS also offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals through their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance preparing their tax returns, including those who generally make $64,000 or less. You can find a VITA center near you here .

You might also consider using tax preparation software. Most programs have an interview-like format that walks you through the basics and then does the calculation for you. If you qualify, you can use free software through IRS Free File . Typically, taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023 will qualify—click over to IRS.gov/freefile to see the options.

And don’t forget to check out our free Forbes Tax Guide .

Tax Breaks: Timely tax tips and the latest news delivered to your inbox weekly

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Poland's kids rejoice over new rules against homework. Teachers and parents aren't so sure

Warsaw, Poland — Ola Kozak is celebrating. The 11-year-old, who loves music and drawing, expects to have more free time for her hobbies after Poland’s government ordered strict limits on the amount of homework in the lower grades.

“I am happy,” said the fifth grader, who lives in a Warsaw suburb with her parents and younger siblings. The lilac-colored walls in her bedroom are covered in her art, and on her desk she keeps a framed picture she drew of Kurt Cobain.

“Most people in my class in the morning would copy the work off someone who had done the homework or would copy it from the internet. So it didn’t make sense,” she said.

The government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk enacted the ban against required homework this month amid a broad discussion about the need to modernize Poland's education system, which critics say puts too much emphasis on rote learning and homework, and not enough on critical thinking and creativity.

Under the decree, teachers are no longer to give required homework to kids in the first to third grades. In grades four to eight, homework is now optional and doesn't count towards a grade.

Not everyone likes the change – and even Ola’s parents are divided.

“If there is something that will make students enjoy school more, then it will probably be good both for the students and for the school,” said her father, Pawel Kozak.

His wife, Magda Kozak, was skeptical. “I am not pleased, because (homework) is a way to consolidate what was learned,” she said. “It helps stay on top of what the child has really learned and what’s going on at school.”

(Ola's brother Julian, a third grader, says he sees both sides.)

Debates over the proper amount of homework are common around the globe. While some studies have shown little benefit to homework for young learners, other experts say it can help them learn how to develop study habits and academic concepts.

Poland's educational system has undergone a number of controversial overhauls. Almost every new government has tried to make changes — something many teachers and parents say has left them confused and discouraged. For example, after communism was thrown off, middle schools were introduced. Then under the last government, the previous system was brought back. More controversy came in recent years when ultra-conservative views were pushed in new textbooks.

For years, teachers have been fleeing the system due to low wages and political pressure. The current government is trying to increase teacher salaries and has promised other changes that teachers approve of.

But Sławomir Broniarz, the head of the Polish Teachers' Union, said that while he recognized the need to ease burdens on students, the new homework rules are another case of change imposed from above without adequate consultation with educators.

“In general, the teachers think that this happened too quickly, too hastily,” he said.

He argued that removing homework could widen the educational gaps between kids who have strong support at home and those from poorer families with less support and lower expectations. Instead, he urged wider changes to the entire curriculum.

The homework rules gained impetus in the runup to parliamentary elections last year, when a 14-year-old boy, Maciek Matuszewski, stood up at a campaign rally and told Tusk before a national audience that children “had no time to rest.” The boy said their rights were being violated with so much homework on weekends and so many tests on Mondays.

Tusk has since featured Matuszewski in social media videos and made him the face of the sudden change.

Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said she was prompted by research on children’s mental health. Of the various stresses children face, she said, "the one that could be removed fastest was the burden of homework.”

Pasi Sahlberg, a prominent Finnish educator and author, said the value of homework depends on what it is and how it is linked to overall learning. The need for homework can be “very individual and contextual.”

“We need to trust our teachers to decide what is good for each child,” Sahlberg said.

In South Korea, homework limits were set for elementary schools in 2017 amid concerns that kids were under too much pressure. However, teenagers in the education-obsessed country often cram long into the night and get tutoring to meet the requirements of demanding school and university admission tests.

In the U.S., teachers and parents decide for themselves how much homework to assign. Some elementary schools have done away with homework entirely to give children more time to play, participate in activities and spend time with families.

A guideline circulated by teachers unions in the U.S. recommends about 10 minutes of homework per grade. So, 10 minutes in first grade, 20 minutes in second grade and so on.

The COVID-19 pandemic and a crisis around youth mental health have complicated debates around homework. In the U.S., extended school closures in some places were accompanied by steep losses in learning, which were often addressed with tutoring and other interventions paid for with federal pandemic relief money. At the same time, increased attention to student wellbeing led some teachers to consider alternate approaches including reduced or optional homework.

It's important for children to learn that mastering something "usually requires practice, a lot of practice,” said Sahlberg, in Finland. If reducing homework leads kids and parents to think school expectations for excellence will be lowered, “things will go wrong.”

AP writers Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, Michael Melia in Hartford, Connecticut, and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, contributed.