As school gets underway, there are a number of things you can do to help ensure your child is on a path to success. Ensuring they do all of their homework is perhaps one of the most important, though sometimes one of the most challenging, jobs any parent faces.
One way to make it easier for your foster child to do their homework is to do it with them, or at least supervise and be there when needed. However, this isn’t always easy as many of the subjects covered these days could be a lot different to what they were when you attended school. So, how can you help if you don’t understand the subject?
Below we’ll highlight some of the best ways to help your foster child with their homework, even if you have no idea what the answers are!
Provide a quiet place to work in
If you don’t trust the homework will get done in your child’s room, make sure you provide a quiet area they can work in while supervised. Avoid distractions such as the TV, unrestricted internet access, pets and other children. Your child will find it difficult to concentrate on the work ahead if they can’t think because of the noises going on around them.
Help them stay organised
One of the most common challenges children face with homework is forgetting not only what work they have, but when it has to be in by. A homework diary is an excellent way to stay on top of it. It’s useful to have your own copy too so you can double check what your child should be working on. If necessary, contact the teachers to find out how often homework gets sent out and which topics are provided on which days.
Have a set “homework time”
This is a simple yet very effective tip – ensure your child does their homework at the same time every night. That way, they will know exactly what is expected of them once they return home. It could be a good idea to get them to complete their homework before they eat their evening meal. That way, once they’ve finished and eaten, they can relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.
Encourage additional learning
If your foster child struggles with their homework, it could be a good idea to do additional learning activities. For example, reading together will really help them to improve their abilities; making their homework easier to understand. You can also play educational games and draw together.
Make sure they understand the homework
Before they start, sit down and talk to them about the assignment they have to complete. Ask whether they understand what is expected of them. If they don’t, either help by providing a simple explanation, or look up more information together. If they don’t understand the homework that has been set, they aren’t going to want to do it. So, ensuring they know what to do before they actually try and do it can eliminate a lot of frustration and stress.
These are just some tips for helping your foster child complete their homework, if you have any other useful tips, we’d love to hear them! Share your thoughts and advice on our Facebook page.