If you are an au pair with school-aged children, you will probably find yourself helping with homework every now and then—or even on a regular basis—now that back-to-school season is approaching. There are lots of tips out there to help make getting homework done easier and even fun! Here are just a few from the U.S. Department of Education:
1. Set a good example
Children need to know that the adults in the house think homework is important. If they see that you value education and homework, they are more likely to consider it a priority, too.
2. Set a regular time
Identify a specific time each day to sit down and get homework done. Usually, earlier is better as kids lose focus and energy in the evening.
3. Pick a place
Make sure your host kids have a quiet place to concentrate and spread out. Ask them to help organize and decorate their homework area if they wish.
4. Remove distractions
Turn off the tv and radio, put cell phones away and shut off the X-box. Giving children a quiet environment to work in is important.
5. Monitor assignments
Make sure you know what homework your host kids are responsible for turning in and when it’s due.
6. Provide guidance
Providing guidance means: 1. make sure your host children have all the information they need to get their homework done; 2. be there to explain instructions/words/formulas they don’t understand; 3. check their work once they are finished.
Do you have other suggestions for helping your host kids do their homework? If so, please post them below. Otherwise, happy homework-helping!