How can I help my child with homework?
Why homework matters
Homework allows children to revisit and practise what they have learned in class, helping knowledge and skills to become more secure. It also encourages children to take increasing responsibility for their learning. Over time, regular homework develops confidence, organisational skills and the resilience needed to work through new challenges. It also keeps families connected with classroom learning.
Helpful routines
A calm, predictable routine helps children approach homework with greater confidence. Many families find it helpful to agree a regular time and quiet place to work, with basic resources ready to use. Breaking tasks into smaller steps, and including short rest breaks where appropriate, supports concentration. Simple habits such as reading instructions first, gathering the equipment needed and checking how much must be completed can help children get started more independently.
Supporting effectively
When children begin a task, it can be useful to talk with them about what they already know, and how they might begin. Encouraging them to try before stepping in builds their problem-solving skills. Prompts such as “What could you try next?” or “Where might you look for help?” guide thinking without providing the answer straight away. Remaining calm and positive , particularly when the task feels difficult, helps children to stay regulated. Linking learning to real-life situations or experiences often helps children understand why it matters.
Practical approaches
Simple tools can make homework more manageable. Timers can help children focus for short bursts of work, while checklists support them to track the steps in a longer task. Allowing them to choose the order in which they complete their homework helps build a sense of ownership. As children progress, supporting them to break a longer piece of work into stages, such as planning, drafting, editing and sharing, begins to build the habits that underpin sustained independent work. Everyday routines such as packing school bags and checking timetables together also strengthen organisation.
Building independence
Over time, children learn to take the lead in organising their homework. Encouraging them to read instructions carefully, identify the first steps, draw on familiar tools (such as word banks or number facts) and review their own work helps them to develop useful study habits. As these skills grow, children gain confidence in working more independently.
How school supports homework
Homework is planned to be age-appropriate and linked to current learning, so children are able to begin with confidence. Teachers provide clear routines and expectations, as well as opportunities for children to ask questions in class before tasks are sent home. This shared understanding helps children feel prepared, and allows school and home to work together.
Talking about homework
Short conversations can make a significant difference to children’s confidence. Questions such as “Tell me about what you need to do” or “How do you think you could start?” encourage children to organise their thoughts before beginning. Asking which part feels most familiar, or how they will know the work is finished, promotes reflection and helps them consider the steps involved.
When homework feels challenging
Occasionally, homework can feel difficult. Breaking the task into smaller parts or taking a short pause before returning can help children re-engage. If difficulties persist, a conversation with the class teacher can help us work together to find helpful approaches. Our aim is that homework supports learning in a positive way, without becoming a source of pressure at home.
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