Should Current Homework and Studying Methods Be Re-Evaluated?

For many students, homework consists of an hour or more full of worksheets and textbook work, as if they were still in school, but is there a better way to keep up with skills? While numerous studies have shown that homework lasting more than an hour can actually be counter-productive, schools are still doling out piles of homework. Below, I will outline methods that I have researched and consider a much better way of practicing, and even enhancing, a child's skills as an alternative to homework.

Reading Orally

Reading orally enhances skills in more than one area. The obvious skill enhanced is the level of reading. Reading orally also enhances comprehension skills and speech skills. It can also reduce shyness, as the child will quickly get used to speaking in front of others, especially if this is made into a family event, like a reading circle.

Reading Silently

Reading silently has its benefits as well. Like reading orally, it enhances comprehension and reading skill levels. Reading silently also teaches a child how to absorb information more quickly. In many cases, when reading silently, a person can read much more quickly than when reading aloud. Reading silently is also a skill needed in the classroom, as well as in college and in daily life, so as not to disturb others, as well as to get things done faster.

Reports

Reports encourage children to think harder and to research further on a variety of topics. If children did more reports on the lessons they struggle with, it would help them understand better. Many schools generally only require reports on a few books and also in history. If reports were done in other areas, it could help children who are struggling to further understand what it is that needs to be done. Areas such as math most often are not covered in reports. If there was a report done on each unit of study for each subject, students would likely absorb the information more quickly and be able to move on to each new unit smoothly and confidently. Reports also give students practice in writing. Writing is an essential skill across the curriculum.

Flashcards

Flashcards are an excellent source of study for every subject. They help with memorization of a wide variety of facts. The reason flashcards help is because humans learn through repetitive actions. When the flashcards are practiced each day, the student gets used to seeing the facts, and ultimately memorizes them. Flashcards for Math, Science, History/Social Studies/Government, and Spelling should be studied at least 10 minutes each per day. That gives the student time to go through each stack about 2 -- 3 times per day.

Research

When students are asked to do further research on a subject, it helps that subject stick in their minds, which is an important part of learning. However, that is not the only benefit of extra research. Extra research also improves reading comprehension and reading levels because during research, a student will need to read.

Math Games and Reading Games

There are many different types of games made especially for math or reading practice, including some you can make at home. Math games and reading games work because not only do they require using the skills the student is learning, but they also make it fun. Making it fun motivates a child to learn because, to the child, they aren't learning. They are playing. Any time learning can be incorporated into play, it is beneficial to the child. However, make sure the child also has free playtime that is not geared toward learning. After all, you are still dealing with a child, who has every right to play, and should. These games can be played daily, alternating with the flashcards, so as not to give the children too much to do, but still allow them the practice they need.

Word Games & Math Puzzlers

Word games such as crossword puzzles and word searches help with reading skills, concentration skills, and comprehension skills. Math puzzlers and brain teasers, such as Sudoku also enhance concentration and comprehension, adding math practice. Doing these type of puzzles often can actually help children increase the skills needed for school. Many of these are sold right on the magazine stands and even at the dollar store. One series of these that are made just for children is called Puzzlemania and these can ordered through Highlights For Children. These are excellent for studying and my children enjoy these very much. There is a club to join for them and they come two per pack each month. They also make another series called Mathmania, which I also think is a wonderful resource. If you'd rather not join a club, there is a series by Teacher Created Resources called Mindtwisters that can be found at many teacher stores that are open to the public. My children enjoy these as well. Like Puzzlemania, they consist of a variety of puzzlers and they are sold by grade level and volume.

Manipulatives

Manipulatives are things like coins, pattern blocks, counting bears, and geometrical figures. They are, in a sense, props that help your child see the math problems visually. Letting your child practice with manipulatives often can also help increase skills and comprehension of those skills. Some students who struggle just need to see the problem visually in order to understand it. Manipulatives should be used at least 3 times per week. They can be used even more often, if time permits and the child is willing.

Hands-On Study/Research

Doing extra hands-on work and research in a student's current units can help practice and enhance the skills. Hands-on work simply means that the child is doing something with materials, props, or real-life action (such as the manipulatives above) that shows how the process he/she is learning is done. For instance, if a child is studying lizards in Science, let the child observe one in the wild. If there are no lizards in your area, take your child to the nearest zoo, museum, or other location that will have that lizard. Let the child actually observe the real live animal.

If a child is learning about how communities work together to create a whole unit, take the child to a nursing home or fire department to volunteer or see the workers in action. Some fire departments, hospitals, and nursing homes even have special tours that the children can go on, which are often free of charge. Call ahead of time to find out when and where to go.

If a child is studying the theory of relativity, do a Science experiment that involves that theory. If you don't have an experiment book, you can look up an experiment on the internet or check out a book at the library. The librarian will gladly help you find the right one for your child's level.

There are many opportunities for hands-on work in each subject. Hands-on work is a very important component in learning and should be practiced regularly.

Overview

As you can see, there are many options available for helping a child practice what is learned. These options are often much more effective as homework than doing worksheets and textbook work. If your child's school is still using worksheets and textbook work for homework, consider suggesting these options to the principal and the school board. If the school does not want to change their methods, you can still change yours. Just use these methods with your children. Although you'll have to schedule them around the regular homework, your child will greatly benefit and that great reward will more than outweigh the small inconveniences you'll take along the way. Besides that, when you study with your child using these methods, you'll find that your child will also complete the worksheets and textbook work much faster, as it comes easier to them.

Resources:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/261610/family_time_howto_reading_circle.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/148953/comprehension_practice_grades_k5.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/387674/homeschooling_free_educational_activities.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/151615/how_to_make_some_easy_and_effective.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/159510/how_to_make_activity_bins_for_studying.html

http://www.highlights.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1464&itemType=PRODUCT

http://www.highlights.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1463&itemType=PRODUCT

http://www.buyteachercreated.com/estore/product/3984

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