Homework Tips for parents of Tweens & Teens

By Sinea Pies

 

 

Whether your teen is an "A" student, or someone who has struggled in the past, being organized will reduce stress and increase productivity for your teen, and the entire family.

 

Start With a Plan
Most teenagers would like to be "good students," but they lack training on how to get the job done. Work with them to set up a plan; don't wait to see how they do on their own. If that first report card comes with bad news, then you'll have to shift into damage control. Adding homework rules after-the-fact makes it seem like punishment, even though it's not.

 

If your child balks at the suggestion of making a plan, explain that every successful person, or business, got there with some kind of plan. Who ever built a house without first having a plan? No, anything worth doing is worth doing well. Let your teen know that the plan you are setting up with him will make for a great school year.

 

The Homework Routine

First, know your child. Some teens need to get a quick snack and sit right down to their work -- if they don't do it first, it'll never happen. Others come home exhausted from a long day. (School is work!) They'll need some down-time to get their second wind. For them, homework started after supper may be more productive. However they work best, establish when that time will be.

 

Establish ground rules. Homework time is homework time. Distractions must be kept to a minimum to concentrate and do a good job. Beeping text messages are hard to ignore. Ask them to turn off the device until later.

 

Select a location. Many teens produce better if they aren't isolated from the family. Make yourself available. When they are stumped, they may need your help thinking things through. For this type of child, pick a central location, like the kitchen, where you will be near. Others may need solitude to concentrate. Where do they like to be? If they prefer their bedroom, that's OK but sitting on a bed may just put them to sleep. Have them start in a chair at a desk or table to do most of their work. When it comes to "free reading," an easy chair or bean bag on the floor is just fine.

 

Build in an Organizational System for Your Teen

Schedule: The whole family's schedule must be considered. Does each person in your home have their own computer or do they share? If they share, you'd better have a plan so that several users are not vying for it all at the same time!

Bedtime routines have an influence, as well. Lunches need to be made, clean clothes selected, showers taken. If you have a large family and few bathrooms, you may have to schedule evening showers for some and morning for others. It all should be part of your plan.

And don't forget "Me Time." Teens are people, too! They need to relax after a hard day. Allow some flexibility. If there is a favorite TV show that they "just can't miss," then show them you care and build it into the agenda. Let them know that they can watch it, just as long as they return to any unfinished work after.

 

Calendar: Know your dates! Set up a central calendar for special events. Record anything that can challenge a regular homework routine such as appointments, Parents' Night, sports games, practices, school concerts, scout meetings, and celebrations.

Include the end of each marking period on your calendar, as well. When a marking period ends, many students will have an increase of quizzes, tests, reports and projects. Be aware of the possibilities and help your child to plan ahead.

 

Homework Box: Keep supplies in a plastic utility box in the room in which your teen will do his/her homework. Include pens, pencils, white out, scissors, tape, staples & stapler, ruler, protractor, calculator, etc.

 

Planner or Assignment Notebook: Your child must know what their homework assignment is and when it is due. From the start, have them use a planner or assignment pad (paper or electronic). If they forget to write it in their planner, they'll need an alternate method of obtaining the information. Many teachers now have their own website with the assignments and test schedules posted. If that is not the case, Plan B should be to call a reliable classmate.

 

 

Other Tips

Help your teen make choices. Extracurricular activities and a social life are very important but should not dominate their schedule. Teens are not always the best judge of how much they can and cannot do. Help them to draw the line and say "no" to some offers.

 

Communicate with the teachers. One of the best ways to do this is to be sure to go to Parents' Night at your child's school. If you can't attend, contact the teachers yourself to get the information.

 

Find out what the teachers' expectations are concerning homework. Will the assignments be nightly? How about quizzes, test, special projects? About how much time should be invested? How are the assignments communicated to the students?

 

 

 

Planning ahead and establishing good routines will pay off dividends for your teenager in the long run. Get it in place now and enjoy a great school year!

 

Sinea Pies is a contributing writer to Genesee Valley & Rochester Area Parent Magazine who lives in the Rochester area. She has worked as an office manager, guidance counselor and school administrator for over 15 years. Visit her online at www.ducknarow.com

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