Re: Child spends inordinate amount of time on homework


Hi --

One thing you might consider is coming up with different ways of
learning the material she needs to know. Some kids learn well by doing
problems in workbooks or reading texts. Other kids need to involve
their 5 senses more in order to gain a deep understanding (hence
long-term retention) of their work.

An example might be addition. Instead of doing math-fact problems for
review, instead do skip-counting (count by twos, by threes etc.) or hop
to the correct answer on a board you make out of construction paper. Or
use math manipulatives (available at teacher supply stores in the US --
not sure about Singapore). Or bake cookies, doubling or halving the
recipe as you go.

Even though you have a toddler, DO make the time for her to get plenty
of exercise after school. It really DOES help a lot of kids.

If she has a tantrum (whether about schoolwork or anything else) send
her to a corner or her room, without dolls or other distractions, and
leave her completely alone for at least 10 minutes or until she's ready
to behave, whichever comes first. Do NOT engage her when she's having a
tantrum, or she'll just have more tantrums. (Probably -- your mileage,
of course, may vary.)

Every time she does her homework quickly and nicely, reward her. Tell
her how nice it is when she cooperates, show her how much free time she
has left for playing, reading, going out, whatever. Thank her for doing
her job so well. Do an activity with her that she'll like.
Occasionally give her a big treat, such as going out to a movie, when
she does her homework without a fuss. (Don't offer it as a bribe! Make
it an unexpected reward.)

When she comes home with a lot of homework, sympathize! Tell her you
know it looks like a lot of homework. Then work with her to break it
into smaller chunks (one page of math, one more page of math, maybe put
the reading between the math pages, and a cookie-break partway through
the whole mess). It's HARD to complete a single, huge task. It's not
so hard to complete a series of small tasks. She may just be
overwhelmed.

For now, you still need to be an active participant in her homework
skills. This is completely normal for her age, by the way. She'll
probably get a handle on it over the next 3-6 years and be able,
eventually, to be completely responsible for her homework all by
herself.

Finally, make sure she has a big, healthy snack after school. Even an
early supper wouldn't be out of line. Lots of kids come home very, very
hungry, and that hunger makes any job seem much, much harder. So a
scrambled egg, cereal and some fruit would NOT be excessive. If she
eats a smaller dinner, that's fine. Her homework should be done by then
:-)

I hope these thoughts help,
--Beth Kevles
bethkevles@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

NOTE: No email is read at my MIT address. Use the GMAIL one if you would
like me to reply.
.

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