How to Make Homework More Fun

After a long day of sitting down and focusing in school, it’s very likely that your child’s idea of a fun afternoon doesn’t include doing homework. The good news is that there are ways to make spelling and fractions more enjoyable for your child and yourself and bond at the same time too. Want to know how? Scroll down to learn how you can turn study time into quality time.

Highlights:

Starting with some physical movement to increase energy level and focus.
Keeping it short: your little student can’t focus for longer than 10-15 minutes in a row.
Adding some fun, active breaks.
Working together.

Below, Sensorimotor Consultant, Mette Drescher Jensen, shares her four best tips to encourage and energise your little student and make homework much more fun for both of you:

1. Warm Up

“Make sure your child is properly awake, energised, and ready before you start doing homework. For example, if your child has been gaming or watching TV, it’s always a good idea to do a few physical activities before sitting down at the desk. It can be something as simple as running around the table, doing some jumping jacks, or spinning around on a study chair - just a 30 second activity, because once you have the body going, you also have the brain going.”

2. Keep it Short

“It differs how long children can concentrate. When they start to drift off, rub their eyes, or change their posture, it’s a good indicator that now it's time to do something else. A child in preschool or middle school cannot sit still and concentrate for much more than 10-15 minutes in a row, and that is actually quite well done. Break it up into small 5-10-minute intervals depending on your child, and then it’s time for a break.”

3. Take a Break

"Active breaks are a great way to keep your energy level up and get your blood circulation going. It doesn’t have to take long, and it's fun if you do it together. For example, doing a few arm bends, some wheelbarrow walking or skipping. It can also be a nice backrub and a cosy chat. Do something together to get your body and brain going again. It doesn’t have to take longer than a minute or two, and it’s time well spent.”

4. Do it Together

“Try to turn homework into something positive, your time together in the afternoon. Start calling it ‘our time’ instead of ‘study time’ and create a cosy atmosphere by sitting down together and serving a piece of fruit or a glass of milk. Ask your child if you need to assist all the time or if you just need to be nearby. And then take the active breaks together too. When you're doing a physical activity together, you will laugh and smile together. You will experience some motivation and some joy - and as a parent you will feel a greater connection and more closeness with your child.”