Help your child stay motivated and focused on homework
Homework is a fundamental part of your child’s school life and can often be a source of frustration for many students, and for the family household. It is normal for your child to experience phases when he or she finds it hard to stay motivated and focused on homework, especially after school hours. Here are four tips to assist your child to continue their love of learning throughout the year and to stay motivated and focused on homework:
1. Set short-term goals
Sit down with your child at the beginning of each school term and ask him or her what they would like to accomplish. Your child might want to improve their grades in a specific subject or become more proficient in reading or writing. Clear and practical goals lay the foundation for a structured homework plan. This goal-planner will help your child to stay motivated and focused on homework by keeping sight of the end results. Short-term goals will ultimately lead to the fulfilment of long-term goals.
2. Help your child identify the right homework technique
Each child has their own unique set of abilities in which they comprehend and process information. Ask your child what keeps them motivated, focused and interested in homework and general learning. Research suggests that there are four common learning styles which fall under the categories of auditory, visual, kinaesthetic and reading/writing. When teachers and parents are both able to understand the characteristics of different learning styles, the outcomes can be profound. For example, if your child is a visual learner; flashcards, charts and diagrams can be incorporated into their homework and will assist them by strengthening their ability to memorise whilst having fun.
3. Develop a balanced schedule
Homework tends to increase as your child gets older and it is natural for them to go through periods of decreased motivation to study, especially when social activities seem more important. Work with your child to develop a balanced schedule that incorporates study and also time for pleasure and activities. If your child is working on bigger assignments, encourage small breaks to give them much-needed breathing space between tasks.
4. Be a positive mentor
It is common for assignments and school projects to occasionally cause your child distress and frustration – this is actually healthy. As a parent, it is crucial to foster a positive environment for homework. Reinforce the positive aspects of learning and when challenges arise, work through these together as a team. Overcoming stress and challenges can increase your child’s sense of self-achievement and self-esteem, allowing them to flourish when the next challenge comes their way.
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Living Waters Lutheran College recently introduced the Elevate Program where students in Years 10 to 12 undertake high impact study-skills workshops and ongoing sessions throughout the year aimed to improve study skills and performance. Study skills are also incorporated into our Pastoral program, encouraging our students to discover their God-given potential.
If you are interested in finding out more about how our College builds bright futures, please download our Prospectus.
