The Without-A-Doubt / Monthly Top 3 List.
Homework tips for parents and caregivers
TOP 3 home and family supports that lead to improved learning outcomes for students. This monthly post is provided to provoke a little conversation. And, remember, the thoughts presented here are offered up as indisputable facts, not just opinions…😁 So here we go…..Our without-a doubt, talk-to-the-hand most important homework tips for parents.
Do you agree? Seriously, you don’t want to dare question the indisputable and irrefutable monthly Top 3. 😁 Just saying.
But if you dare, click below and join the conversation…
What Do You Think →
NOTE: If this is your first time commenting, simply click on the dialogue box via the blog post and complete the simple sign-up. You only have to do this once and then you can comment each month as often as you want!
As promised, your responses are always appreciated and valued. Never ridiculed! You got this!
1. Increase Attention Span
Lost in the discussion about reading at home and screentime is the very real notion that success in school and life requires focus and attention on a task at hand. Reading with your children when they are young develops their literacy skills (obviously), but also increases their attention span. Yes, children need to learn to sit still, even for a few minutes. They need to endure the cognitive stress that comes from reading a full chapter in a book and thinking about the characters and their actions. The same goes for making puzzles or playing card games. If parents can help their children slow down a little and tackle a task that takes at least a half hour or an hour they are helping them become more productive adults.
2. Build Background Knowledge
Young children and teens are constantly learning. The simple act of visiting a local park or a grocery store offers a never-ending amount of stimuli as they encounter the vibrant sights and sounds of the deli department or a stroll through the woods. Even if a parent or caregiver isn’t saying anything to the child (which is unfortunate), the developing brain is processing everything we see and hear. “Oh, this is a spiderweb. This is what a creek sounds like. This is a how a bird builds its nest.” The more students learn about the world around them, the smarter they are and the easier it is for them to read new books and learn new content in school. That’s why visiting new places is your local communities is so vital to their cognitive development. So, yes, take them with you to get your car repaired or your nails done. And, yes, talk to them and answer their silly questions.
3. Cultivate Problem-Solving Skills
Developing powerful writing and speaking It’s so hard to watch our kids struggle. Even teachers have a habit of stepping in at the first signs of stress. “Here, let me help you with that.” The truth is, struggle is a great teacher. When we get it right, we call it “productive struggle.” Allowing kids to mess up and get a little frustrated is a good thing, though not to the point where they don’t want to try again. Yes, this is a delicate balance. At home, we must give kids opportunities to build things and fix things. Let them put the new bookcase together or make dinner for the family. Invite them to help you clean the garage or wrap the Christmas gifts. There is so much good that arrives from experiencing things that don’t come easy.
