Cracking the Homework Code: Strategies for Smoother Nightly Routines

Blog

Homework is an essential part of the learning experience. It helps kids practice important skills introduced in class, teachers better understand what their students are struggling with, and parents gain insight into their child’s academic progress. But, as we all know, getting kids to sit down and complete their assignments can spark epic nightly battles. To help keep the peace at home, the Robertson Center recently hosted a webinar for families on building a better nightly routine.

Parents who attended appreciated our general tips for maintaining consistency and calm but, what really excited them was our toolkit for supporting kids based on their learning profiles. Prior to the webinar, we surveyed educators across Success Academy schools to determine some of the most common roadblocks to kids turning in their homework. From there, we realized that many students fall into four general learning profiles – all with unique strengths and challenges, all requiring different modes of support from the adults. Check out the profiles below and the recording of our webinar here.

The Procrastinator
“I have a solar system project due tomorrow morning. Can you take me to the store to buy supplies?”

The Procrastinator leaves homework to the last minute, often running out of time to finish or complete their work to the best of their ability. To support them, try:

● Chunking assignments into manageable parts
● Tying fun and free time to homework completion

The Perfectionist
“I need to start my literacy homework over because I smudged the paper. I can’t turn it in like this!”

The Perfectionist starts and restarts their homework, wanting to get everything just right before turning it in. To support them, try:

● Set time limits on assignments
● Shift focus from the outcome to the process

The Speed Demon
“That was so easy – it only took me five minutes. Homework is dumb!”

The Speed Demon zooms through their homework, either because it is too easy or because they simply want to move on to the next part of their day. To support them, try:

● Create a “When I Think I’m Done…” review checklist
● Coordinate with teacher to provide extension work

The Forgetter
“I know I have math homework but I can’t find my worksheet. Maybe I left it in my cubby at school? Maybe it’s actually due Thursday?”

The Forgetter has a hard time keeping track of their assignments and, as a result, falls behind on work or misses it completely. To support them, try:

● Create structure through repetition and reminders
● Use backpack tags to note what needs to be brought home

Families, we know how tough homework can be. Try these tips and let us know how it goes. Teachers, do you have a Procrastinator or Speed Demon in your class? Share our toolkit with their parents!