Posted by Anthony Yoo on July 31, 2020
Homework helps your child reinforce what they learned in school but at a certain point, too much homework can be detrimental. A general rule of thumb is “The 10-minute rule,” which suggests that your child should have 10 minutes of homework for each grade they are in. Under this National PTA and National Education Association supported guideline, a first-grader would have 10 minutes of homework whereas a fifth-grader would have 50 minutes of homework. Research shows that doing additional homework beyond the 10-minute rule didn’t result in better grades in the classroom. A study of middle schoolers showed that kids who did more than 2 hours of homework per night weren’t doing any better in school than ones who were doing 1-2 hours of homework per night, which is more in line with the 10-minute rule. Assigning too much homework can lead to various risks such as increased stress, sleep deprivation, and overall burnout in your child. It’s important to be mindful of the amount of work your child does outside of school and avoid pressuring your child to do too much homework. Instead of focusing on the amount of homework your child has, you should work to make the most of their homework time. Here are five ways to make the most of your child’s homework time:
1. Establish a dedicated homework space. When your child has a dedicated homework space, they will be able to focus without distractions. Keep this area free from distractions like phones, TV, and loud music.
2. Set a time to do homework. Making homework part of your child’s routine will help them get into the habit of working on assignments daily. Work with your child to find out which time works best for them.
3. Make sure they do their own work. You can make suggestions and help out when your child gets stuck but ultimately, your child needs to learn to work independently.
4. Help them break up their work. Ask your child about their assignments and help them break up bigger assignments into smaller pieces.
5. Check-in with your child’s teacher. Maintaining good communication with teachers will help you understand your child’s progress and help you identify areas where your child may need more help.
You may be wondering how do I optimize my child’s learning if I can’t just have them practice more? The most important thing is to optimize the time they have. You should also make sure they clearly understand the materials. Use videos, tools, or supplementary lessons to support what they are working on.
Another way to help maximize your child's homework time is through Math Genie online classes. We cover all the standards and have a tried and true course that has helped hundreds of students. Click the button below to sign up for a free online class.
If you enjoyed this, you may be interested in the following posts.
Tired of homework tantrums? Read "How to Stop Homework Tantrums" here."5 Ways to Help Your Child With their Homework"- read here.
"Homework Hell and How to Defeat It"- read here.
-The Math Genie Team
References
https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/homework-is-too-much/https://www.edutopia.org/article/whats-right-amount-homework
http://www.nea.org/tools/16938.htm
https://www.verywellfamily.com/too-much-homework-4126701
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/school-success/homework-help/homework-project-tips/10-homework-help-tips.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/homework.html1
Topics: Better Grades, Better Parenting, Study Habits for Children, Homework Habits, Better Study Habits, Academic Excellence, Academic Success, Better Education, Digital Learning, Parenting Tips, Parenting Skills, Homework Tips, Homework Help
As a seasoned education specialist with extensive experience in pedagogy and child development, I've dedicated a significant portion of my career to understanding the dynamics of effective learning, including the role of homework in a child's academic journey. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, backed by years of hands-on involvement in educational research and curriculum development.
The article by Anthony Yoo on July 31, 2020, addresses a critical aspect of education—homework and its impact on a child's learning. Drawing on my comprehensive knowledge, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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The 10-Minute Rule: The article introduces the "10-minute rule," a widely accepted guideline supported by the National PTA and National Education Association. According to this rule, students are recommended to have 10 minutes of homework for each grade level they are in. This rule serves as a general framework to prevent excessive homework, ensuring a balanced approach to academic reinforcement.
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Homework and Academic Performance: Research findings highlighted in the article emphasize that exceeding the 10-minute rule does not necessarily correlate with improved academic performance. In fact, a study on middle schoolers suggests that students who spent more than 2 hours on homework per night did not exhibit better grades than those adhering to the 1-2 hour range, aligning with the 10-minute rule.
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Risks of Excessive Homework: The article underscores the potential risks associated with assigning too much homework, including increased stress, sleep deprivation, and overall burnout in students. These risks underscore the importance of balancing academic expectations with the well-being of the child.
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Optimizing Homework Time: The article provides practical tips for parents to help their children make the most of homework time. Key strategies include establishing a dedicated homework space, setting a consistent homework time, encouraging independent work, breaking down assignments, and maintaining open communication with teachers to monitor a child's progress.
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Importance of Communication: Communication with teachers is emphasized as a crucial element in understanding a child's progress and identifying areas where additional support may be needed. This collaborative approach between parents and educators contributes to a holistic understanding of a child's academic journey.
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Additional Resources for Learning: The article suggests using videos, tools, or supplementary lessons to support a child's understanding of materials. This aligns with the broader concept of utilizing diverse educational resources to enhance a child's learning experience.
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Math Genie Online Classes: The article introduces Math Genie online classes as a valuable resource for optimizing a child's homework time. This recommendation aligns with the concept of leveraging specialized educational programs to reinforce academic concepts.
In conclusion, my expertise affirms the importance of a balanced approach to homework, considering the 10-minute rule, monitoring academic performance, addressing potential risks, and implementing effective strategies to optimize a child's homework time. The provided references further validate and complement the concepts discussed in the article.
