Homework Encouragement

[sarahmyner]

Can anybody give any hints or tips on how to encourage a 6yr old boy to do his 20min homework? We have tried all the usual bribes, logical reasoning etc & am wondering if their are any methods we are missing!

[tracymort]

Personally i think children are given homework to young! they should be learning through play. There is plenty of time for stress in the rest of your life, childhood should be carefree! I spent my childhood worrying about having to get A's all the time and sat up all night making sure my work was perfect. Now I know all that worry was not worth it and wished I'd had more fun!

[andy hughes]

The thinking behind primary homework is to encourage children to adopt a simple routine of additional assimilation to aid their memory training. At this age, rates of maturity differ significently, so don't worry too much if your child is not too keen on sitting down to homework - this will develop with time. Have a quick word with his teacher to ensure that he is happy and settled in school, ask advice on the homework issue as it specifically relates to your son. I'm sure your son's teacher will set your mind at rest.

[desertrat]

I have two kids around this age and I find that lots of praise and encouragement works best. It may look like a dogs dinner, but if its better than the dogs dinner from the day before then its worth a "well done". I also offer incentives to the kids for example when they are learning to read. My son enjoys a game on my computer when he has read a book to me. My daughter preferred to save up her books, for example after reading 10 books she got a barbie, after reading another 20 books she got another barbie, after another 30 books - she was too good and costing us a fortune - had to stop with the Bribes! But the good work had encouraged her to do it on her own. Everyone will be different, you just need to find the one thing that switches that little light on and motivates them.

[sarahjr]

Thanks for the responses so far. We are getting there! I dont particularly agree with such a young child getting homework either, but unfortunately he does and as he will be sitting his SATS this year we can expect more to come! I'm still open to further comments.