Tips for Teaching Kids How to Focus on Homework

Posted by Strategic Communications, JAIN Group on 06 May 2024

Children thrive academically when parents actively engage in their homework. However, parental involvement in homework should not entail prolonged sessions hunched over desks. Instead, parents can provide support by showcasing study and organisational skills, explaining challenging problems, or simply encouraging their children to take breaks. Every parent aspires to witness their children excel in school, aiming for top-tier educational institutions and outstanding performance. Parents can foster positive study habits by initiating conversations about homework or projects and providing a dedicated space to focus on the work. Parents should also render support by offering guidance, clarifying content, assisting with homework, and reviewing completed work. Here are some effective homework tips that can help kids focus on their homework:

Dedicated Space

Studying in areas like the living room by the TV or in the bedroom surrounded by gadgets and toys can lead to more distractions throughout the day. Establishing a space away from these diversions can significantly enhance children’s ability to concentrate, resulting in improved performance and better study habits. Providing a quiet and private area with adequate lighting and sufficient surface area can optimise the children’s productivity. Incorporating organisational tools such as folders and storage boxes helps maintain tidiness, particularly if the space is shared. Additionally, adding plants and neutral decor can create a cosy ambiance without detracting from the focus. A welcoming and personalised study space fosters motivation and enthusiasm for learning, ultimately reinforcing positive study habits.

Break Tasks

Large tasks often appear daunting and overwhelming at first glance. The sheer volume of work combined with a lack of structure can create a sense of anxiety and procrastination as children struggle with where to begin. Tasks perceived as overwhelming vary depending on children's ability to concentrate, ranging from daily routines like preparing for school to complex multi-part assignments. Teaching goal-setting is a crucial study habit where the children learn to break down tasks into manageable steps. This organisational technique, known as "chunking," involves initiating an assignment, or homework, by identifying the necessary actions, breaking them into smaller goals, and establishing deadlines for each segment. By tackling these smaller goals, anxiety diminishes, instructions become clearer, and motivation increases.

Time Management

Efficient time management is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and leisure activities. Organising your days as a student not only reduces stress but also enhances productivity. General time management tips, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating schedules, and prioritising tasks, are essential for long-term success. Effective time management entails optimising the day for focus, productivity, and overall balance. Utilising timers or time planners is an effective homework tip to track assignments and deadlines. Appropriate time management enhances effectiveness and encourages individuals to give their best effort, thus expediting goal achievement. A daily schedule template serves as a tool to effectively manage and regulate children’s time on a daily basis.

Limit Distractions

Children often encounter distractions that can hinder their concentration on important tasks, such as homework. Digital devices often pose a common distraction for children. Parents can establish clear rules regarding their usage during study sessions for their children. Parents must encourage their child to keep their phone, tablet, or computer away unless necessary for research purposes. Parents should customise their device settings to restrict access to social media and gaming platforms during study hours. Implementing a structured routine helps children in understanding designated study times versus other activities. Children can utilise the Pomodoro Technique during study sessions, i.e., studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This method helps maintain focus while allowing brief intervals for relaxation.

Practice Meditation

Research suggests that meditation offers a refreshing boost to children’s brains by providing rest to the mind, body, and spirit. This practice yields numerous mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. Mindfulness meditation, in particular, is gaining recognition for its role in disease prevention and treatment. Meditation has a calming effect on the brain and can alter both executive and emotional brain functions. This aids children in managing their emotions and enhancing concentration. Moreover, meditation teaches fundamental emotional regulation skills, such as maintaining proper breathing and heart rates, identifying stress symptoms, and ensuring the systematic operation of the sympathetic nervous system. Furthermore, meditation enhances children's focusing abilities, benefits those struggling with conditions like ADHD and PTSD, and improves academic performance.

Academic Involvement

The significance of parental support in assisting with homework directly contributes to the children’s learning journey. Drawing from their invaluable experience and expertise, parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children's academic success. Indeed, learning at home and parental involvement in education are key indicators of academic achievement. Parental engagement in homework fosters self-confidence and motivation in the classroom, offering myriad benefits such as individualised attention, insight into strengths and weaknesses, and others. Furthermore, parental support serves to alleviate stress and anxiety, particularly when students encounter challenges in specific subjects or skills. Leveraging their knowledge and life experiences, parents provide invaluable support in clarifying concepts and enhancing comprehension.

Way Forward

Parental involvement in children's homework is crucial for their academic success and the development of positive study habits. By providing support and guidance, parents can create an environment conducive to focused work and improved performance. Effective homework tips, such as establishing a dedicated space, breaking tasks into manageable steps, practicing time management, limiting distractions, and incorporating meditation, can enhance children's ability to concentrate and succeed academically. Additionally, parental support plays a pivotal role in fostering self-confidence, motivation, and overall well-being. With parental involvement and the implementation of these strategies, children can thrive academically and develop essential skills for lifelong learning.