Homework made easy
Homework Tip #1
Research shows that physically fit kids identify visual stimuli better, concentrate better and can apply thought to a task for longer. Why? Exercise increases blood flow to a region of the brain involved with memory formation, as well as stimulating brain growth factors, encouraging neural connections and formation of new brain cells!
What does this mean for homework? Get active! Allow children time in their day to get outside and run off some steam. Above all, don’t let them relax in front of the TV before homework. This literally tunes out the thinking parts of their brains.
Homework Tip #2
To help with concentration and attention throughout homework, make sure your child’s workstation has the following aspects:
- good lighting, ideally some natural light.
- few reflections on the computer screen.
- no glare sources (for example, avoid a window placed behind a computer screen).
- a sloped surface for reading and writing. This improves your child’s posture, allowing them to sit straighter at the desk, rather than slumping over.
- feet flat on the floor, and elbows at appoximate right-angles when hands are placed on the desk.
- computer screen height should be as low as possible (do not raise it up high).
Homework Tip #3
Encourage visual “rest breaks” regularly. Ideally, your child should be able to look up from their desk or screen and glance across the room every 5 minutes or so. Every 30 minutres, suggest that your child takes a quick break, by standing up and walking away from their desk for a few minutes.
