Make Study Time Fun and Productive for Kids

There are very few children that actually look forward to homework and study time, and who could blame them? After a full day at school, the last thing children want to do is do more work at home, yet it is an inescapable part of childhood. This is exactly why it is so important to do your part, as parents, to make study time fun and productive. With a little pre-planning and creativity, and a lot of consistency, fun study time will become a part of your child's daily routine.

Family study time and homework session -

Put yourself in your child's place and try to remember what it was that YOU hated about homework when you were a child. For most people, it's the mere fact that they are alone and missing out on whatever the rest of the family is doing. This issue can be easily resolved by making study time fun by involving the entire family. While your child works on his homework, parents can sit at the same table and pay bills, relax with a crossword puzzle, or read a book quietly nearby. Younger children can sit at the table and color, draw pictures and so on. By being at the same table, you will help create a fun study time and make yourself available in the event your child encounters a problem.

Consistency is key in study time for kids -

Establish a daily routine and stick to it. For example, homework and study time is to occur the same time each evening, at the same place, with everyone sitting in the same seat. Then, reinforce the routine without exception. Children do respond well to schedule and consistency, and having one in place will make study time fun and productive each day.

Take breaks to make study time fun -

Instead of scheduling one long heavy-duty homework session, schedule a family break roughly 15 - 20 minutes into studying. Place a timer in an area where children can see how much time remains before break time. When the timer sounds, everyone can get up and stretch, go to the bathroom, get a drink, and so on. Break should last no longer than five minutes.

Eliminate all distractions -

Regardless of what your child says, he cannot concentrate with the television on. All distractions should be eliminated to make study time fun and productive. Turn off the television, close the drapes if neighbors are playing outside, and turn the radio on soothing music at a low volume.

Incorporate fun computer games to make study time fun -

There are a variety of great study websites that use computer games to help your child learn. These websites are an excellent way to make study time fun for kids and parents like them too! Websites like Spelling City allow children to study their own spelling words, take tests, and even print out completion certificates. Another site called Fun Brain is a comprehensive study site for children in grades K - 8 that focuses on all aspects of school including math, reading, and much more. These websites make homework fun because children don't even realize they are studying when they use them!

Related articles by Jennifer Wagner:

6 Steps to a Stress-Free School Year

40 Free Things You Can Do With Kids

What to Look for in an After School Program

Sources:

Personal knowledge

http://www.funbrain.com/