By: Mona Ismaeil

 

Whether your little one is in Grade 1 or Grade 12 and whether they are learning in-school or online they will have to review, complete homework, and/or study for tests and quizzes. Parents play a significant role in a child’s educational success. Parents often underestimate the impact they can have (both positive and negative). 

 

You may ask your self questions like: 

  • Why do I need to read aloud to my child?
  • My child can’t even read, they just memorize the book, why should we read together?
  • My child can count in order, why should I review numbers?
  • We sing the alphabet song all the time, doesn’t that mean they know the letters?

I’ve heard these questions many times and even if you are 100% certain that your child knows all the letters from watching Super Why! Or know some basic math from watching Team Ummi Zoomi, and for sure they know all about the solar system because you binge-watched The Magic School Bus.  Children are sponges and they are constantly absorbing information from the world around them. 

Still, spending time reviewing basic concepts, discussing what they have learned, studying for a test, and being hands-on in your child’s education is vital to their academic success. 

Here are 8 Tips For Helping Your Child With Homework and Studying….

1. Know What is Happening:  You MUST know what your child is doing in school, what homework they have, what tests, quizzes or exams are coming up. With most schools going digital it may take some getting used to but ensure you know exactly where to find this information. If you are unsure, reach out to your child’s teacher for that information, 

2. Create a Space:  Create a quite, learning space for your child. This doesn’t have to be their own office space! It can be anywhere but there are some things you must ensure: 

    1. Quiet
    2. Uncluttered
    3. Little distractions

We have to do what we have to do. With 2 children and multiple after school activities, often homework is done in the trunk of our car. Space can be ANYWHERE. 

3. Materials: Be sure your child has all the materials they need to get their work done. You shouldn’t be searching the house for a pencil, eraser, or glue stick. Head to your local Dollarama, Walmart, or Staples and get some supplies. I recommend: 

    1. Pencils (multiple)
    2. Earasers
    3. Sharpeners (a good one!)
    4. White glue sticks
    5. Small whiteboard and dry erase markers (great or practice so you don’t waste paper)
    6. A scribbler for practicing writing
    7. Crayons and pencil crayons
    8. Kids scissors

4.Review Daily: This doesn’t have to be a formal sit down. It can simply be a conversation you have with your child. Go over what they learned that day and see if they can teach you. Hey, sometimes moms don’t know EVERYTHING!

5.Encourage a LOVE OF LEARNING: Sometimes we put too much emphasis on just doing well but children will not do well if they don’t actually want to. If you are excited about their learning, they will be too. Talk about how to apply their learning to everyday life. Show them evidence of the learning around them. 

6.Focus on the Basics: When things get crazy, go back to the basics. If your child is struggling with reading a complex word, go back to the basics of letter sounds and blending. If your child is struggling with a difficult math equation,  go back to the basics of number relations. Everything builds upwards from the basics. 

7. Celebrate: Celebrate big successes AND little wins. Celebrate a perfectly written sentence in grade 1 like you would celebrate 95% on a Chemistry final in grade 12. There is NO DIFFERENCE! Celebrate! Positive reinforcement is key. 

8. Be there: JUST BE THERE! For those days when they are overwhelmed, confused, and frustrated. BE THERE! For the days where they feel like they have failed you or themselves. BE THERE! For the days they want to just rip up that math homework and walk away. BE THERE!

 Wishing all your children a wonderful school-year filled with curiosity, inquiry, creativity,  lightbulb moments, successes, and celebration! 

 

About the Author

Mona Ismaeil: Mona Ismaeil is the Associate Editor Muslimmoms.ca.  She is a modest fashion blogger, writer, and community organizer.  Mona advocates for Muslim women and promotes their civic engagement, builds interfaith bridges, and is passionate about bringing awareness about Islamophobia to light in public forums. A trained teacher and seasoned educator, Mona lectures on a variety of subjects across the province, including Islamophobia, bullying, building acceptance, and multiculturalism. Her favourite things to do are to travel and spend time with her 2 children enjoying all Edmonton has to offer!