Homework routine? Directly after school or later?

Jaeda - posted on 11/17/2012

For myself, I find that if I am not diving head on into helping him with his homework, I may procrastinate and it won't get done until later or there's always one section that is imcomplete. Thankfully, by him being in 1st grade, he is still getting his homework by the week. So, what i've been doing is everyday, when we get home I let him work on the subject that most interests him. He's advanced in Mathematics, so I allow him his independence on that. The next day, we will work on his spelling words and every day up until his spelling test and we will do the work dealing with his vocabulary and rainbow words. We always address reading last, because that is the area that I just can't seem to reach him in. Which stresses me the most, but I find that as long as we do work directly after school it leaves him time to play and unwind for a while before bed and as far as a concern with him kind of forgetting the work, I try to quiz him every morning on the way to school in the form of games.

Kitty - posted on 11/17/2012

my boy get his done after supper or have a evening activity

Barbara - posted on 11/16/2012

When they have after school activities and can not get home before 5 of course its later but I want them to have it done before dinner. When they come directly home from school I want them to get their homework done immediately because they usually have some sport practice to do and one day a week they have piano lessons. So yea homework is still done before dinner. Right now its just 1st and 3rd grades. I am sure when they are older who knows?

Wynette - posted on 09/12/2012

I have m daughter (12) do her homework as soon as she gets home from school or after dinner if I have dinner ready when she gets home. I have tried many other ways with her and this is best. I feel that each child is different. My son (5) does his better/ easier if he gets to play for a hour or so first.

Crawford - posted on 09/12/2012

my 11 year old gets home at 3:30. He gets 30 minutes of snack and unwind time before home work. Home work is from 4:00-6:00pm. If is a light home work day and he have time he normally will out and play basketball. 6:00pm is normally Dinner time. 6:30-700 he can do whatever he wants. Normally it is watching TV. 7:00 is shower time. 7:30 is our time with him. we check his home and make him correct his mistakes. 8:00-9:30 is free time for him. My son have a average grade of 98 so normally his home work is correct. Video games during the school week is not a reality in my house.

Laura - posted on 11/05/2011

I think it depends on the child. I have two children; my 6th grade child comes in and starts her homework immediately without even being told (which is nice!) but my 1st grader likes to get a snack and wind down first. My oldest rarely needs help where my younger one needs a lot of help with homework as she has other learning and vision issues we have to take into consideration. I find it easier to wait until dinner is done and cleaned up so I can give her my full attention, rather than trying to juggle multiple tasks. I think it really depends on each child's needs and energy level :)

Danielle - posted on 10/07/2011

It's easier for me to have my son do it right after school.

Polly - posted on 10/04/2011

haha, mine would never be done "unwinding" if I did that! LOL

Polly - posted on 10/04/2011

Directly after school!!! Procrastination is a bad problem around here so we have to get the work done first.

Kitty - posted on 10/04/2011

right after my 7 yrs old likes to play video games right after and no more!!! he does home work then practice piano then it is all good!

Sherri - posted on 09/28/2011

Immediately when the walk in the door from school. Period they do nothing else until it is completed. So if they want any free time at all they have to finish all their homework.

Rachel - posted on 09/28/2011

That depends on the child. Does he seem to focus better after he has had a chance to play and be a kid first? If so then let him play until dark then do his homework while you cook supper. This way you can help him with his homework and cook supper. No fussing because he's had his KID time.

Anaya - posted on 09/26/2011

I would prefer they do their homework right after school, but with sports or after school activities that doesn't always happen. So i've decided to let them come home, have a snack, unwind and then start on their homework before dinner. That seems to be working right now.

Khara - posted on 09/20/2011

My kids always do homework first... That way they don't get distracted with something else... They are still full of energy right after school!! :) They have a snack, do homework, & then they can play outside or inside up until I start cooking... Showers before dinner, playtime, lay down at 8pm watch tv til 8:30.... Lights out :)

Ashley - posted on 09/19/2011

I let my son take a break until 4pm, then we eat dinner. He does his writing/sight word/spelling/reading homework at 5, then I let him take another break. At 7 we sit down to do his math homework. His teacher this year is very math-heavy which I think is good.

Beth - posted on 09/19/2011

We have to do it directly after school because if we wait they've already let loose and it's hard to get them settled down to get started on homework.

Dharshini - posted on 09/12/2011

Since I am a working mother and my son is at the after school care till I return, I have a schedule for him where homework time which includes reading is between 7 - 8pm daily.
At the daycare, he has play time with friends so once we reach home at 5pm, it gives him time to have a wash, dinner and then straight to homework before he sleeps at 8pm.
Routine works for us as he knows that this is what is expected of him. Since he is still in the early grades, homework is not too hard and therefore, the time is sufficient.

D - posted on 09/08/2011

If possible right after, its a great motivation to get it done but be careful, they may rush because they are excited to do something else, I always check my son's when I get home for mistakes.

Alinda - posted on 10/03/2009

About an hour after we get home from school. I let them change, get something to eat and play for a few minutes while i get things together. Then we start homework.

Anna - posted on 10/03/2009

My daughter is in 1st grade this year and has reading homework nightly with other homework only occasionally. On Monday's her Dad picks her up from school and takes her to ballet, so homework comes later--usually right before bedtime. But, every other day of the week she rides the bus home and she usually does her homework before anything else. If she needs help with something, she'll wait to do it, but that's because she doesn't like Dad's help because she says he doesn't know "how to do it the right way." As for me...I really could care less if she did her homework--she's a straight A's gifted girl--reading at a mid to late 2nd grade level as a 1st grader who started school early and based on her age should only be in Kindergarten this year.

Kristine - posted on 10/03/2009

After reading a lot of the responses here, it seems most of you have it easy. My 4th grade son certainly has issues with homework (and schoolwork). It doesn't matter when we do it, the response is always the same. He definitely understands the work, just chooses to stare a hole through you instead. Then at this point will stop talking as well. I believe we've done everything we can think of to make things better, but to no avail. Then there will be days when everything is perfect.
We've tried taking favorite things away as punishment. That didn't work. Then slowly returning those favorites as rewards for doing well. That quickly lost its charm. You can only imagine the incredible aggravation this is causing my husband & I. This is very tiring. I have actually considered this being more of a behavioral issue than a learning issue. I signed him up to be evaluated at a Kumon center. Perhaps there's a strategy there that can help! Another thing to note, his math (state) scores are much lower than they were 2 years ago - 40% and now 8%.
I would love to hear suggestions and successes from you.
Thanks!

Jenie - posted on 08/31/2009

I let my kids have a small snack, and then they are to go to their designated homework area and complete their homework. Before they even think about playing video games, calling friends, or just lumping on the couch to watch TV...Which those things are limited as well!!!

Teresa - posted on 08/31/2009

I see most of you have your kids do homework right away.But what works best for us,is to do it later.After getting off the bus,none are ready to sit down and concentrate.I let them have a snack,then go play to burn off their energy,have dinner...then it's homework time.We have a routine,the youngest does hers first.We sit at the dining room table,she in the "homework chair" and I to her left,to help,just in case she needs it.Then for her brother,I sit to his right.He's left handed and I can see what he's doing easier.After that,it's shower and off to bed.I rarely have any problems,I guess because it's routine now.My oldest son is a Junior in H.S. and does his homework in his room,not needing my help anymore!

Tara - posted on 08/30/2009

I agree with directly after school. My 7 year old son and 13 year old daughter know when they come home from school... that all homework is to be done, then take a shower and have free time before dinner.

Marianne - posted on 08/29/2009

Straight after we get home works best for us....later on wee one too tired

Leah - posted on 08/29/2009

For now, directly after school. My son is in Kindergarten, and we tried to let him do homework later in the evening (let's just say, it didn't work out). Some children are different. I think the older they get, then let them figure out what schedule is best. But for the young ones, it's about retaining the information they learned at school. Waiting to do homework later than after school may cause more frustration for both of you. I could be wrong since each child is different, but I'm going off of our own experiences. Not to mention recounting my "high school days".

Cassandra - posted on 08/29/2009

I've tried it both ways and I come to realize that for my son, right after school is best. He seems to be able to concentrate better and take direction a lot easier. After he has had time to play and lose focus, it's much harder to get him to really concentrate on his work. I guess you just have to know your child.

Connie - posted on 08/29/2009

I give my 10 yo dd a bit of time to unwind after getting off the bus and getting home. We talk abit about her day and she plays outside if the weather is nice or inside if it's not. We eat an early supper and then she does her homework.

Mary - posted on 08/29/2009

first, it's homework. we need 2 get that out of the way. even on days that i'm working, it is understood by my children and caregiver that after homework's done..then u can have fun.

Gretchen - posted on 08/29/2009

I got our kids, and my advice to you would be to have them do it first thing when they walk in the door after a snack. That way they have time later on to do other things they may want to do. Plus that way they don't forget about it until the next morning, or late at night when it is time for them to go to bed. Hope this helps a little.

Ashley - posted on 08/29/2009

We have about 30 min of down time when we get home from school. They get a snack and just rest. Then we do homework which doesn take but 20 min max

Quida - posted on 08/29/2009

I agree with the other posts. A healthy snack should be ready for them when they come in because those school lunches are hold overs until they get home. Once they have eaten, homework is to be done and if old enough chores and make sure you have activities for them and not to just let them run outside and play. That helps them become the creative individuals they are today. e.g. gamenight, movie night. I only allow them to watch 1/2 hour of tv twice a week which is tues and thurs then they are free to watch it on the weekends. Make them pick up a book and read to keep their grades up and minds sharp.

Christine - posted on 08/29/2009

I find that doing homework after school yields better results for my children....I have their favorite snack on the table for them as they come on and they unpack their bags and we all talk about the day as they are picking at their snacks and taking out their things. I have a tool box for each of them with all of the same supplies in it. They really enjoy the routine of it all...It does take a while for them to get used to it but after about 2 weeks, they start reminding me about their homework! LOL

Danielle - posted on 08/29/2009

We do homework right after school while I am preparing dinner. Both my boys play sports so we have an hour and half between school and practice time. By the time they get home from practice it is well after 8 pm and they are to tired to concentrate fully on their work.

Anida - posted on 08/29/2009

I have found that homework right after school is best because they are still in work mode. After a snack of course but this encourages them to get it done so that they can have free time. I have tried it both ways and found that this is better. Of course I am home with them when they get home so we are able to do that.

Michelle - posted on 08/29/2009

I think it has to depend on your schedule. My kids get home around 4 and we have homework time from 4:30-5:00. We eat supper at 5 and then off to practice at 5:30. I would do it after supper but one or the other or both will have practices in the evenings.

Belinda - posted on 08/28/2009

yep i have found that straight after school is best!

Cyndi - posted on 08/28/2009

Directly after school works best for us. If they get it over with they can play or whatever until supper, then bed. If they put it off, it is generally a struggle to get it done later.

Jackie - posted on 08/28/2009

I used to have my son do his homework later in the evening, but he started telling me he just wanted to get it out of the way. Now he does it after his snack when he gets home (or during) and then he has the rest of the evening to play or do what he wants. I find it works best if you let them decide when they want to do it (as long as that's before bed the night before school).

Virginia - posted on 08/28/2009

I try to let my son have 5 to 10 minutes of wind down time and a snack then we tackle the homework then supper and bath and bed at 8 makes it a busy night but it makes sure he has his time and he knows that if he buckles down and does his work then he gets more play time! He is a first grader and loving it!

Nerisse - posted on 08/28/2009

You should let your child/children do his/their homework after school. Let them rest and have snack for a little while then ask them to do their homework. This is the best way to teach them to prioritize their schooling first. My mom did the same thing with me and my 4 siblings and it helped us a lot.

Penny - posted on 08/28/2009

Do like I do and fix a light healthy snack and have them do homework for the first hour they are home. This gets it done, you can make ddinner, and then the rest of the evening is free for sports etc.

Christine - posted on 08/28/2009

We usually spend about 45 minute at the park after school. I think that they need this time to get out some energy from sitting all afternoon. Then home for a snack and homework. The rule is that it has to be done BEFORE dinner. We are also putting into effect this year a no DS or Wii during the school week. This is going to be a ruff year for my middle guy and the oldest is now in 4th grade, so I don't want them rushing through homework to play their games.

Amanda - posted on 08/28/2009

In our house it depends on the time of year. When it gets dark later we have them do their homework after they have had a chance to have a snack and run off a little energy. During the winter when it gets dark earlier we have them do all their play and outside stuff and then come in a do their homework. It also depends on how well your kids focus before and after play.

Julie - posted on 08/28/2009

My son is in 4th grade this year. Last year homework time was directly after dinner. This year my son has been complaining about the time (yea, only 2 weeks into school), so I asked him what time(s) would be better. He came up with a time. We talked about how the new time is subject to change depending on how it goes. Sometimes giving your child a "buy-in" helps him/her to be more accountable and responsible. Try it.

Malissa - posted on 08/28/2009

Chores first and then homework

Danielle - posted on 08/28/2009

Hi Diana-I find it most helpful and productive to get them home and let them have a snack and talk about the day. That usually takes about 20 minutes and its a good way for them to unwind and then start the homework. My kids know that if they want to play or watch TV or whatever they may want to do it cannot be done til after homework. I keep reminding them that the less time it takes to do that homework the more time they have to play before supper, baths and bed and they settled into the routine quite well. I am a creature of habit so my kids benefit from that:) Good Luck.

Irene - posted on 08/28/2009

I agree with everyone on here so far...kids need routine. My kids get home, unpack their bags, have a snack and then get stuck into homework. It's so much easier than trying to get them back in school mode once they've had a taste of play mode. Then you're just constantly nagging at them all the night until they do it and by then you're just plain worn out too. I don't have the energy to sit with them by the evening time either so it's just easier to get them to do it as soon as they get home from school and get it out of the way.

Lesley - posted on 08/28/2009

i get my daughter home from school give her some thing to eat calm her down then get her to start it. she really enjoys doing her home work. she dose kip mcgrath aswell and has homework from there and it dose not bother her :)

Kristin - posted on 08/27/2009

It depends on the kid and it depends on your schedule. I have tried all kinds of things and I found for my son, that no matter what, homework was always a fight. So I switched to a positive incentive program---and for him right now, that's Pokemon cards. Every day he completes his homework and turns it in to his teacher, he gets a card. We went from always complaining about doing it and hit and miss in turning it in, to 5 cards a week! The only thing about time is that it's got to be done before he gets too tired.