Helping Kids Focus on Homework

I remember in third grade I was assigned my first homework assignment. I don’t think it was much, a little math perhaps, but I couldn’t wait to get home to do it. I wish this enthusiasm had followed me through high school. Homework was a struggle for me because I always had trouble concentrating. Even in college I found the people walking down the hallway far more interesting than my teacher. It wasn’t my teacher’s fault it was mine.

I always scored high on school testing so I knew my struggle was not a learning disability, it was simply a lack of focus I struggled with then and still struggle with today. As my daughter approaches school age I want to find ways to help her be more focused on her studies and to save the daydreaming for a better time.

Set a time

Pick a specific time of day for homework and stick to a routine. The time you choose will depend on your child’s temperament. If you have more than one child they should be doing their homework at the same time. If one child doesn’t have homework keep them busy doing something quiet and out of the way.

Some kids do well with doing homework as soon as they get home from school. They get it out of the way and have the rest of the night to do whatever they want. On the other hand some kids need a break once they get home and may do better having homework time right after dinner is over. This timing runs the risk of pushing back bedtime a bit though.

Set a Place

Have a place in your home for homework. This space should have a desk with all needed supplies and be in a quiet, out-of-the-way location. The less traffic and noise they child hears the more work they will get done. If you have more than one child try to see if they can work in the same space together. If they can’t you may have to set up separate areas for each child.

Eliminate Distractions

Make it a rule that there is absolutely no television viewing during homework time. Television is one of the biggest distractions kids have when trying to concentrate. Radios may be OK but this depends on your child. If you do allow the radio make sure it is set at a low volume and if it becomes a distraction remove it.