It should be every student’s goal to establish their own perfect homework routine and habits. However, homework seems to always be the last thing they want to do. It takes away from time with friends, activities, and video games, right?The plain truth, though, is homework is not going away. An article on the Education Week website referenced a 2007 study from the National Center for Education Statistics. The study found that, on average, high school students spent around seven hours a week on homework. In the 14 years since, it’s not a stretch to claim that there has been an increase in that average time. And there is a seemingly inerrant amount of stress associated with homework, both for the student and the parents.As the new school year begins, and homework with it, we here at The R.O.C.K. Club in Radford, VA, want to help you approach your study time with your perfect homework routine and habits. This month, let’s discuss your study time.
Why is Homework Important, Though?
When children and teenagers want to better themselves at playing baseball, what do they do? They play catch in their backyard. They go to the batting cage and swing at pitch after pitch. When children want to get better at ballet, what do they do? They perform the dance moves over and over again. They stretch and build their muscles. Those learning to play an instrument are the same. They listen to the accompanying music repeatedly and find their rhythm. What do we call this? Well, there is an old joke that says, “Excuse me. How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” “Practice.” When someone wants to get better at their sport, their musical ability, or their activity, they practice.We get it, however. Baseball, ballet, and many other activities can be fun. Kids, however, usually aren’t that excited about homework. But homework is very important, because homework is practice for their brain. When children and teenagers listen to their teachers in school, that is learning. Homework, then, is practice in that particular subject. They learn the basics of mathematics in class. They then do division problems again and again at home to better understand the concept. The student learns the grammatical parts of a sentence in school. They then diagram those sentences at home to improve their knowledge. Simply put, homework is brain practice, to help students master their subjects.
Discover Your Perfect Homework Routine and Habits
How then can children and teenagers perform better on their homework and eliminate some of that inherent stress? This comes with establishing a good homework routine and habits. There is, however, no “one-size-fits-all” answer for what the habits and routine should be. Every kid is different, and every kid needs a unique plan on how to be successful at their homework. Siblings may not even successfully study in the same fashion. So, as you work toward discovering your perfect homework routine and habits, don’t just adopt what works best for someone else. Find out what works for you.
Here are a Few Study Suggestions…
Set a specific time for homework: Different times work for different children. Some work better as soon as they get home from school. Others may need some time to unwind from their day. Some may want to get everything done before dinner. Others may do well right before bedtime, because of practice or lessons. This all depends on the particular child or teenager. However, once you establish a routine time, stick with it. Build that good habit.Keep a homework journal: Don’t leave any assignments to chance. You may think you will remember, but it’s much better to have it in writing. A homework journal will also help you organize your assignments and know exactly what is coming and when it is due. If a science project is due at the same time as an English essay, you can see the time conflict early and plan ahead to resolve it. This will also help you to not wait until the last minute or discover a nasty surprise the night before class. Seeing when assignments are due can also help you work ahead on something big if you see that you have a light night of homework.Find your “happy place”: Good time management is only one aspect of an effective homework routine and habits. Location is just as important. Look for a quiet place in your house where disturbances will not find you. That, sometimes, is easier said than done. In that case, find as quiet a place as you can. It is hard to fully concentrate on homework when constant noise, questions, or annoyances pull you away from your study.Eliminate all distractions: We live in a modern world, with many modern conveniences. Many of those conveniences, however, can be time thieves when it comes to concentration and work. One of the major culprits is your smartphone. It’s very easy to pick up that phone and read your texts, scroll through different social media platforms, and play games. Soon, “just a second” becomes minutes, and minutes become hours. And, unfortunately, your homework is still not done. Consider this, too: Eliminating distractions may also include earbuds and music. This, however, depends on the particular student. Some work better with music, and some don’t. Make a judgment call in this area.
Keep Going, and Build That Good Homework Routine and Habits!
Remember, this is not a comprehensive list to build the perfect homework routine and habits. These suggestions can help you get started, though. The main concept to remember is to stay vigilant and keep going. You may notice other time thieves or distractions specific to your situation. Eliminate them, too! What works and doesn’t work for others won’t necessarily pertain to you. Find that homework routine and habits, and stick to them!If your homework time is haphazardly scattered and random, that will add to your stress and hinder your study success. Homework may be a pain to you, but you have to do it. Have a good attitude about it, recognize that homework is practice for your brain, and work hard. Start off this school year on the right foot. Establish a good homework routine and habits, and keep going!
The R.O.C.K. Club Wants to See Your Students Succeed
Here at The R.O.C.K. Club in Radford, VA, our staff wants to see your students succeed as much as you do. We dedicate ourselves to supporting families all across Virginia’s New River Valley with Christ-centered childcare and educational programs. From pre-school programs to tutoring for students up to sixth grade, our professional and caring team will reinforce the importance of homework and education, while teaching the children about Jesus and the Bible. Whether you live in Radford, Dublin, Pulaski, or anywhere else in the New River Valley, we are here for you.For more information on The R.O.C.K. Club’s Christ-centered childcare and educational services, call us at (540) 267-3000. We can also help you understand how you can have a real relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Contact us today! Start your school year on a good note by establishing your perfect homework routine and habits.
