Homework Tips Checklist for Parents

Homework Tips Checklist for Parents Use this checklist to help your children do their homework easily and stress-free.

Set up the environment

☐	Designate a study area – quiet, well-lit and private. Not too hot or too cold.

☐	Limit chances of distractions and interruptions.

☐	Play suitable study music softly in the background or let your child listen to it on device with headphones.

☐	Burn incense or aromatic candles – rosemary for focus and memory; lavender for peace.

☐	Provide adequate supplies, such as pens, dictionary and paper.

☐	Provide water or non-sugary drinks and healthy snacks – studying is hard work!

Manage homework time

☐	Establish a routine to help establish good study habits.

☐	Devise and discuss rules for homework time with your children. Print this list, post it in the homework area and refer to it when appropriate. Rules can include:

Homework time every day: 19:00-20:30

Work quietly and do your best.

Say no to distractions.

Take a 5-minute break every 25 minutes. Stand up, breathe deeply, stretch, rest eyes and take a sip of water.

Spend more time on difficult homework than easy homework.

Complete each assignment in full.

Ask for help if the homework is too hard.

Read a book or listen to an audio book if you finish before the homework end time.

☐	Stay close to monitor and be available to help with homework.

☐	Help create an atmosphere of study – do paperwork, study or read during homework time.

Guidance and good practice

☐	Don’t do your child’s homework for them.

☐	If they ask for help, give guidance and stay patient.

☐	Ask for feedback after each homework session.

☐	Discuss and praise good work. Look out for and mention special efforts.

☐	Show interest in what they are doing.

☐	Share and discuss books, articles, TV programmes or TED talks relevant to their school work.

☐	Read the teacher’s comments and notes on their work.

☐	Stay in touch with the teachers and find out what the children’s targets are.

☐	Contact the teacher if problems arise that you are unable to solve.

☐	Make sure that the teacher knows of any crisis or big change at home, such as a divorce, illness, death or an accident.

☐	Research and acquire study programmes devised to help your children, if necessary.

☐	Consider appointing a tutor if the school work is too difficult for you to manage.