5 Ways to make homework more fun for your kids

Easy Learning: 5 Ways to make homework more fun for your kids

Sarah Khan

03 Jan 2017

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Create a fun yet conducive space for your child
Working in a dull or distracting space can make being focused difficult. You might have recognised this either in your professional or academic life, and it is no different for your child.
Set up a cozy, creative and conducive space for your child to work in. Avoid busy areas of your house that may be distracting, and make sure it is free of any technological devices. It is crucial that your child likes the space they're in and feels comfortable in it, so get her input into the colour scheme and artwork, and make sure it is well-equipped with stationery needed for studying and tackling assignments.
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Incorporate games or music
This tip works well, particularly if your child learns best through activity, and can be done through a couple of ways. For one, you can turn the actual school assignment into a game. If your child is learning math concepts, make it interactive by using small pieces of candy to help them visualise the numbers and concepts. Or if they are studying for a spelling or vocabulary test, create flashcards to make learning the words a more enjoyable affair.
If you find that you're unable to find a way to make every assignment a game, then try playing a fun brain teaser prior to doing the homework, like Scrabble.
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Encourage the habit of reading
A highly effective way to encourage your child to willingly complete their homework on time is to make reading time a key part of your family routine. There are numerous benefits to instilling the habit of reading in your child. Not only does it build their vocabulary, reading piques their interest and hunger for knowledge - which can make them more inclined to view studying and schoolwork as a means to learn more. Gone will be the groans and numerous complaints; instead, you'll find that your child will independently choose to complete their homework, making it an overall less stressful affair for the both of you.
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Give rewards.
Create a reward system for school assignments. For instance, you can choose to reward your child with an hour of TV or iPad time after their schoolwork is completed. Do note that food is not a good reward, however, as the association of food with reward will lead to a bad health habit.
Encourage your child further by giving them bigger rewards for higher achievements. If they've earned an A on their homework or did a great job on it, you can suggest a trip to their favourite park or to see a movie they've been anticipating over the weekend. Sometimes, the best rewards aren't the tangible things - a genuine warm hug from you can be the perfect incentive for your child. Also be careful to not praise your child too often or every time they complete their homework, as this will teach them to seek external approval and will make using compliments as an incentive or reward less effective in the future.
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Join them in their homework
If you're a working mom, it may be hard for you to regularly be by their side as they complete their assignments. Make it a point to join your child once in a while at their study table and accomplish some work of your own, whether it be catching up on emails or planning a trip. Having to complete their homework while the rest of the family is relaxing can feel isolating for your child, so accompanying them is a great way to show that you're interested.

Create a fun yet conducive space for your child

Getting your child to complete their schoolwork need not be a dull affair!

If you’re a parent with a kid of school-going age, you might relate to the struggle of getting your child to complete his or her schoolwork. Let’s face it – schoolwork can be a dull affair, and you may find that it inspires many groans and grunts from your little one. If you’ve ever wondered if studying and homework could ever be a fun affair, here’s some good news: it can!

We’ve found 5 simple and effective ways to make homework time far more enjoyable for your child – just head up to our gallery above and start adopting these steps. You’ll soon find that those groans and complaints will be a thing of the past.

Sarah Khan

Photos: GettyImages

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