Homework Help: Tips for Intermediate and Middle School Students

Ah, homework. The mere word can elicit cheers, sighs or eye rolls, depending on the age of the student. Younger students get excited to have homework as to many it signifies being a “big kid” but to those a bit older, there’s less excitement and more of the sighs and eye rolls. By the time kids enter high school, it’s a fact of life to which they are resigned. 

At Oakhill, homework isn't viewed as busy work or something to do just to do. There’s a purpose behind our homework policy. That purpose includes strengthening skills learned in class and  encouraging self-study skills. Homework helps build responsibility, accountability, organization, and strong study habits, all habits which will serve students well not only at Oakhill but once they leave as well. 

Since “home” is right there in the word, that does mean that it plays a part in this work. Starting in intermediate and in middle school, there are things you can do to help set students up for success when it comes to homework. Below are some suggestions. And, it’s never too late to start any of these. With the advent of a new quarter, it’s the perfect time to refresh what homework looks like in your home.

To start, find a dedicated homework spot for your child. It can be anything from the kitchen table to a desk in the bedroom. Talk with your child to find out what works best for them. Do they like to have background noise when they work? Or do they prefer a more quiet environment? Once you’ve settled on the spot, stock it with supplies. To make it more inviting, get the fun pens or the fancy paper. Even something as small as special homework supplies can make the task more enjoyable. Decide on what time works best for your child. Some like to get it done as soon as they get home, while others would rather have a break and complete it after dinner. 

Next, talk with your child about how to tackle their work. Do they like starting with what comes easy to them? Or would they rather knock out the tough stuff first? Perhaps they are a back and forth type worker-start with three easy problems, switch to a couple that are tricky and then go back to a few more that come naturally to them. Finding a strategy that works will help the process move along more smoothly each night.

After that’s been decided, chat about how your child wants to tackle tougher problems. Would reading it out loud help? What about working with a study buddy or just having someone else working nearby? Make note of where you are stuck and come back to it? Go over strategies and options with your child so they know how to move forward when things might seem tough.

In addition to the above, make sure to work in study breaks. Take a five minute break to refill a drink, stretch, walk outside for a few minutes, put in a few pieces of a puzzle or anything else that gives your student a brain break. In addition, starting with a full belly will help with focus. 

By having a plan on how to tackle homework you not only help with getting it completed in the short term, but help set your child up for success in the future.