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Homework: Why Your Child May Struggle With It
- By Gail Gupton
- Published 01/25/2010
- Stress Management
- Unrated
Parents often wonder why it takes their child 2, 3, or 4 times longer to complete a homework assignment as it takes other children. What can be done to help a child complete their homework in a shorter time period?
First, let's understand a little about some issues related to kids:
1. Their attention span can be too short. Their mind drifts in other areas and it's hard for them to stay focused.
Because work left undone in class is usually taken home for completion, a child often has to be re-taught the material. This takes up precious time. What could/should have taken 45 minutes to complete an assignment now takes twice as long due to re-teaching. If they don't stay focused, the homework can stretch out further.
2. They could have vision problems and don't know it. Unchecked or untreated vision problems can contribute to difficulty in reading, as well as copying from the chalkboard
If a child cannot see the chalkboard and copies the notes incorrectly, confusion sets in as to what the assignment really is. Blurred vision contributes to skipping words or lines when reading, further complicating the problem.
Also, math problems may not align themselves properly and the child misses a minus or division sign which contributes to errors. The child understandably becomes frustrated.
3. Homework can be tense for them if they don't know the subject or don't have an interest in the subject.
Many times a child is intimidated by the teacher and fails to ask questions. They simply get stuck. Frustration leads to anger, both with the child and with the parents.
So, how does one prevent the frustration of homework?
1. Remain calm when your child needs homework help.
2. Give your child regular 3 minute breaks away from the school book
3. Provide plenty of fresh water and encourage them to stay hydrated during homework time.
4. Give your child an index card to keep him/her focused along the reading line.
5. If the attention problem is severe, consider having the child tested for a learning disability which affect their academic performance.
If your child tests positive for a learning disability, they may qualify for an Individualized Education Plan where they receive special accommodations.
These may include:
1. Getting copies of notes, either from the teacher or from another student.
2. Seating close to the teach for improved attention
3. Having the teacher check the child's assignment notes to verify they're correct.
4. Having you, as the parent or guardian, sign an assignment completion and then putting the form in a place where it can be found.
5. Requesting your child's teacher to keep you informed of issues that may arise.
6. Get your child a vision test by a licensed optometrist
With some thought and appropriate actions, you and your child will have a better homework experience.
First, let's understand a little about some issues related to kids:
1. Their attention span can be too short. Their mind drifts in other areas and it's hard for them to stay focused.
Because work left undone in class is usually taken home for completion, a child often has to be re-taught the material. This takes up precious time. What could/should have taken 45 minutes to complete an assignment now takes twice as long due to re-teaching. If they don't stay focused, the homework can stretch out further.
2. They could have vision problems and don't know it. Unchecked or untreated vision problems can contribute to difficulty in reading, as well as copying from the chalkboard
If a child cannot see the chalkboard and copies the notes incorrectly, confusion sets in as to what the assignment really is. Blurred vision contributes to skipping words or lines when reading, further complicating the problem.
Also, math problems may not align themselves properly and the child misses a minus or division sign which contributes to errors. The child understandably becomes frustrated.
3. Homework can be tense for them if they don't know the subject or don't have an interest in the subject.
Many times a child is intimidated by the teacher and fails to ask questions. They simply get stuck. Frustration leads to anger, both with the child and with the parents.
So, how does one prevent the frustration of homework?
1. Remain calm when your child needs homework help.
2. Give your child regular 3 minute breaks away from the school book
3. Provide plenty of fresh water and encourage them to stay hydrated during homework time.
4. Give your child an index card to keep him/her focused along the reading line.
5. If the attention problem is severe, consider having the child tested for a learning disability which affect their academic performance.
If your child tests positive for a learning disability, they may qualify for an Individualized Education Plan where they receive special accommodations.
These may include:
1. Getting copies of notes, either from the teacher or from another student.
2. Seating close to the teach for improved attention
3. Having the teacher check the child's assignment notes to verify they're correct.
4. Having you, as the parent or guardian, sign an assignment completion and then putting the form in a place where it can be found.
5. Requesting your child's teacher to keep you informed of issues that may arise.
6. Get your child a vision test by a licensed optometrist
With some thought and appropriate actions, you and your child will have a better homework experience.
Gail Gupton
Gail Gupton is a grandmother of twelve. She has developed a way to change Out-Of-Control children into kids who behave properly. If you have a child who back-talks, who's sarcastic, unruly, disrespectful, or disobedient, help is available at The Behavior Solution. Read the Author's Blog.
View all articles by Gail Gupton