Just when you think you deserve a shoulder pat after scoring some awesome deals on back-to-school items and you dropped your child off at school with time to spare, you go about your day like usual when you receive an email about a missed assignment. You start wondering, “Where did I go wrong?” To avoid such a scenario, you need to find ways to make homework more interesting and engaging so you always meet assignment deadlines. Below are five tips you may want to try to achieve this.

Lead by example

Visual learners call it “learning-by-seeing.” It is essential for your relationship that your child sees and feels that you are not just involved in their affairs but also take an interest in their daily goings-on. When they see you take an interest in their academic journey, they will feel more enthusiastic about their learning. Constant reminders and a friendly, purposeful interrogation after every school day will let your child know that you care and this will also ensure that you are up-to-date in their schoolwork. Give them some ideas from your side. Say that “when I go wrong, I do my assignment from scratch, whether on my own or by help from EduBirdie.” It will motivate them to accept their mistakes and do the work again if they get it wrong.

Share an anecdote or two

Most of the topics that are taught today have been around for years. There remain to be four properties of addition, homographs are still words spelled differently but pronounced the same, and the mitochondria still bears the name “powerhouse of the cell.” Sharing your own experiences and some witty comebacks back when you learned these in your day could admittedly be both laughable and motivating to your child. Take this as an opportunity to unleash your inner “Coach Carter” and reminisce about all the tools you have gathered under your belt through the years.

Organize, Organize, Organize!

Syllabi, curriculums, course topics, and test schedules have always been readily available to parents, especially if you keep a keen eye during orientations and school meetings. Having these ready and accessible could prepare your child in knowing what lies ahead. Grab a planner, gather some highlighters and a crafty calendar, and start planning together. The plan you make together serves as your written agreement that reminds your child that they need to set a time for everything to focus on accomplishing their homework. While you’re at it, plot some fun family time, too. A couple of hiking trips or movie dates here and there is the balance you both need anyway. Exploring each other’s creativity is a bonus!

Three is NOT a crowd

Building a relationship with your child’s teacher is key in motivating your child and setting them up for success. It is not enough that you are physically present during parent-teacher conferences. You have to attend these events to be both open-minded and welcoming about the teachers’ comments and suggestions. In the same manner, you have to perform your role in proactively sharing your best practices at home. If you feel like your child needs more assistance, this is also the best time to consult with other experts like therapists or developmental pediatricians. After all, parents and teachers should be partners and work toward the same goal - the success of the learner.

Books are your besties

This app is a great resource for those writing an impressionist and post-impressionist essay or research paper. This app gives samples of art that represent the impressionist period and provides in-depth details on what they represented at the time of their creation. Post-impressionism is also an available time period on this app. Students can learn all about how post-impressionist thought came about and how different and similar it was to the impressionist thinking time period as well. This app is a great general resource for students who want to expand their art knowledge. If your child enjoys reading at an early age, it widens their curiosity, deepens their vocabulary, strengthens their understanding of how the world works, and makes them fall in love with learning in general. This way, you are raising an innately-motivated student and, more importantly, an independent learner whose love for learning burns bright. Oh, the places your child will go!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some creative ways to make assignments more interesting for kids?

To make assignments more interesting for kids, educators and parents can incorporate elements of creativity and personalization. This can involve allowing students to choose topics they are passionate about, incorporating hands-on activities or projects, integrating technology or multimedia components, or encouraging students to express their ideas in creative ways, such as through art or storytelling.

2. How can parents encourage their kids to complete assignments without forcing them?

Parents can encourage their kids to complete assignments without forcing them by creating a supportive and motivating environment. This can involve setting realistic expectations, providing clear instructions, offering praise and recognition for effort, and emphasizing the value and relevance of the assignment. It's important to foster intrinsic motivation by helping children see the purpose and enjoyment in completing their work.

3. Should parents be involved in helping their kids with their assignments, and if so, how much help is appropriate?

The level of parental involvement in helping with assignments depends on the child's age, capability, and the specific requirements of the assignment. Generally, it is beneficial for parents to provide guidance and support. This can involve discussing the assignment, breaking it down into manageable tasks, offering suggestions or clarifications, and providing resources or materials. However, it's important to strike a balance and promote independence, allowing the child to take ownership of their work.

4. What can parents do if their child seems to have no interest in assignments at all?

If a child shows no interest in assignments, it can be helpful for parents to explore the underlying reasons. It could be due to a lack of understanding, difficulty with the subject matter, or a disconnection between the assignment and the child's interests. Parents can address these issues by communicating with the child's teacher, seeking additional resources or support, or finding alternative ways to make the assignments more engaging and relevant.

5. How can parents help their child develop a positive attitude towards learning and schoolwork?

Parents can help their child develop a positive attitude towards learning and schoolwork by creating a supportive and encouraging environment. This involves praising effort and progress, celebrating achievements, focusing on strengths, and fostering a growth mindset. Additionally, fostering open communication, establishing routines, and providing a balance of structure and flexibility can contribute to a positive attitude towards learning.

In Conclusion

Summer just flew by. The inflatable pools and rollerblades have gone back to the attic as it’s time to focus on school and homework. Giving homework is highly debatable in the world of education, as some argue that it’s unnecessary and a nuisance to family time. But at the end of the day, kids must deal with it and the best thing you can do to help is to make things more interesting for them.