No matter how book-loving a child is, daily homework is something that, although not all but many kids try to either postpone or resist doing it. We all know that daily homework is an excellent tool to help children go through what they’ve learned in school and expand their knowledge on the taught topics. Having said that, we also understand that making them practice the same monotonous homework routine for months can make them lose interest in their studies altogether. As a result, you may notice your kids constantly procrastinating, nagging, cribbing, and indulging in various activities to avoid doing homework.
In this context, we at Delhi Public School Kangra, one of the leading schools in Kangra district, firmly believe that the only way to prevent children from losing interest in homework routines is to infuse them with productivity, fun, and innovative elements. To make the process easier for every parent, we have curated a list of some of the most powerful yet easy-to-follow strategies that can transform boring homework routines into exciting educational adventures for your kids. So, let’s explore the strategies shared below and try to implement them for visible improvements.
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Follow the ‘Pomodoro-Plus’ Method
Are you aware of the famous Pomodoro technique introduced by Francesco Cirillo? This is basically a time management hack that has gained immense popularity because of its effectiveness. You can teach this proven technique to your kids but with a twist.
We recommend adding an extra ‘Plus’ element to it by converting the passive short break during study sessions into a brief physical exercise. For example, ask your kids to work for 25 minutes with complete focus, and then take a 5-minute break to perform a physical activity like five jumping jacks, a quick walk around the house, simple body stretching, or a hearty dance on their favorite song. It will instantly trigger a mental reset, filling them with more energy to continue studying with greater focus.
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Create a Calming ‘Homework Playlist’
This method may go against the conventional way of doing homework because people have always advocated creating a distraction-free space while studying or finishing homework. However, we at Delhi Public School Kangra have a different take on this topic. We believe music profoundly affects our brains and can help create a more focused environment.
There’s a lot of focus-boosting music available, like instrumental, classical, nature sounds, ambient music, etc. You can play them on a low volume in the background to help your kids concentrate on the homework. Since such music doesn’t have lyrics, your kids will start enjoying their homework sessions while maintaining more focused, longer, and productive homework routines.
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Embrace the ‘Reverse Engineering’ Approach
We at Delhi Public School Kangra highly recommend this method because it not only makes homework routines more streamlined and manageable but also inculcates essential life skills in children. As the name highlights, the technique involves starting with the end goal and working backwards. Parents can start by sitting with their kids and discussing what the homework is all about.
For example, if the kids have received the task to summarize a chapter as their homework, the goal may be writing a multiple-paragraph essay, depending on the chapter. Now that the goal is determined, reverse engineering may highlight a few steps, like reading the chapter and making notes, drafting a rough outline, compressing the findings, editing, etc. This breakdown can make even the most complex tasks seem easy, not scaring kids away from such assignments. When kids practice this regularly, they learn to manage time effectively, thereby mastering the art of planning.
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Invest in a Sensory-Smart Study Space
Dedicated and distraction-free study spaces are mainstream recommendations that may not always work for every child. If your kids often avoid sitting for their homework or try to push it away by indulging in other activities, you may invest in a sensory-smart study space. Every child responds differently to certain sensory environments. They may start enjoying their homework routines if you tailor their learning space based on their sensory preferences.
Some kids prefer brightly lit rooms for studying, while others study better in warm light settings. Similarly, some kids focus better on background ambient music, while others may prefer complete silence. So, talk to your kids or monitor their responses to different sensory stimulations. Focus on factors like lighting, scent, sound, texture, etc., and place elements that align with their sensory preferences. This simple change can make kids stick to their homework routines without hassle.
Conclusion
Homework routines are crucial for every child’s academic success and growth. This is why we at Delhi Public School Kangra, ranked among the best schools in Kangra district, encourage parents to try and make homework routines more desirable and less monotonous for their kids. You can implement the strategies discussed in this article to rekindle a love for learning in your kids. If your children lose interest in study sessions frequently, keep changing their homework routines by switching to different techniques covered above. It will help bring their focus, interest, and productivity back on track, aiding their academic journey immensely. Since every child responds differently to the same techniques, we recommend experimenting with all the suggested strategies and sticking to the one that delivers the best results for your kids.