Daily Excerpt (in honor of National Homework Day): 10 Quick Homework Tips (Alder & Trombly) - Remember All Kids Are Different

 

In honor of National Homework Day, our daily excerpt today comes from 10 Quick Homework Tips (Alder & Trombly) - 

TIP # 5

REMEMBER ALL KIDS ARE DIFFERENT

Why fit in when you were born to stand out. ~Dr. Seuss

Why is this Important? 

As parents, we so often find ourselves comparing our kids to other kids, to their siblings, to ourselves at their age, and - of course- to the outcomes on their report cards.  It is so important to remember, though, that all kids are different.  Here are a few things to keep in mind.

What You Can Do:

1.  For this tip, we just want to remind you, give you permission to go easy on your child.  If he isn’t reading as soon as his older sister, or doesn’t have his multiplication facts memorized as quickly as his best friend, or even if he doesn’t have all the top marks on his report card, that’s OK.  Again, balance is key.
2.  It is important for you to be able to recognize if a bad grade is just that, a one-time thing. Was it a tough subject?  Did he not study enough? Maybe he made simple mistakes.  However, if you begin to see a pattern developing, then it may be time to dig a little deeper.
3.  If your child seems to have consistent trouble in one area, or many, it is best to talk to his teacher.  Is there extra help he can get at school?  Would a tutor help?  Does he just need a parent to help him focus on homework or study for tests?  
4. Keep in mind that all kids learn differently and at different paces.  It doesn’t matter what his friend can do, or what his brother did at his age.  What matters is whether he is learning, understanding, and growing as a student and a life-long learner.
5. Be generous with your time and with your patience.  Praise your child for something finally accomplished, or well done, but always be sure to keep the praise honest and real.  What will be most meaningful to him: praise for every single number he writes down, or praise for a tough problem finally completed correctly?
6. Consider meaningful rewards.  Some kids will do their homework with no help and never need any reminders. For others, it is not so easy.  If your child responds to rewards, see if you can find something that works.  Don’t we all like a reward for doing our work?  We might get anything from pride to praise to a paycheck.  Kids might respond to rewards, too.  While we don’t suggest monetary prizes or toys, get creative and try to find a reward that makes sense.  Once he memorizes his x3s, maybe he earns more playtime before homework.  If he spells all of this week’s words correctly, maybe you and he can bake his favorite treat together.  If he finishes the book his teacher told him he has to read, maybe he could earn a trip to the bookstore to pick out one he wants to read.
   
   

* Modification for School-from-Home Learning: 

If you are working with your child all day, every day, you are probably going to notice a lot more than you would normally if he were in school.  Try to give yourself (and him) a break.  Just do the best you can.  Maybe after a long day of school-at-home you both need a reward for a job well done!  Make a picnic together and eat it in the living room or outside and talk about all the small successes you both had that day.  Focus on the good things.  Let the bad stuff slide.  Teachers are trained to teach kids; chances are you were not.  Give him a break.  Give yourself a break.  Tell each other that you will both do the best you can each day.  What else can you ask of each other?

Tip # 5 Take-Away:

Kids learn at different paces.  Comparing your child to others, or worrying too much about grades, can be very frustrating to you and create anxiety in you both that is simply not necessary.  For most kids, whatever it is, it will come with time and practice.  If it doesn’t, ask his teacher for help.  A little time, and a little patience, goes a long way.

 

Kops-Fetheriling International Book Awards gold medal in education

For other posts about Cindy and Patti and their books, click HERE.

For other posts about homework, click HERE.

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