Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, it is a habit.” Habits build character. It is important to instill great habits into our children here at Lake Forest Preparatory School. When developing great habits, it’s best to start them young. In order for your children to start off strong, we’ve put together some tips on how to help them develop great homework habits so that they can achieve academic success.

Pick a Designated Time and Place for Homework

Picking a designated time for your child to do their homework each day is key in helping develop great homework habits. The right time may vary from child to child. Some children work best right after coming home from school, while others may work best after eating. Picking the right time may also depend on extracurricular activities. Does your child need to finish their homework before volleyball practice because they will be too tired after? Figure out what works best for your family’s schedule and stick to it.

It’s also helpful for your child to have a designated space for them to do their homework. If your child does not have their own desk, a kitchen table can suffice. Take into consideration how your child works best. Do they work best alone or when others are nearby? Once you pick that designated spot, set your child up for success. Make sure that their space is free of clutter and distractions. Make sure their designated homework space is filled with whatever materials they need: pens, paper, a dictionary, etc. 

Let Kids Have a Say in Their Homework Routine

Letting your children decide the order they complete their homework assignments can give them a sense of responsibility and make the process more enjoyable for them. You can suggest that they tackle the more challenging assignments first so they can get them out of the way, but let them have overall control. Be available for questions, but wait for them to ask you questions instead of automatically offering help.

Give Praise for Hard Work

Acknowledge and comment on a job well done when your child has completed all of his or her homework. Words of encouragement will go a long way when trying to build great homework habits. Consider giving your children rewards when larger projects are completed. Congratulating and rewarding your child for their hard work will help them build academic confidence.

We hope these tips will help you and your children start the school year off strong. Remember — the key is consistency. Find a routine that works for your child, stick to it, and your children can finish their year at Lake Forest Preparatory School off strong, too!