Homework Help: Everything You Need to Know

Jun 30, 2023 • Homework

Homework has always been a point of contention among students, parents, and educators. While some students may consider it a burden, there are several reasons why homework exists and why it is a must for academic success. 

In this ultimate guide to homework, we will explore the benefits of homework, the right amount of time to spend on assignments, valuable tips and strategies to overcome difficulties, and where to find homework help. 

Whether you are a student looking for ways to improve your homework routine or a parent seeking guidance about how to help your child, this guide can help!

If you’re looking for a particular subject, click to jump to a section. 

1. Why homework?
2. Benefits of homework 
3. The right amount of time spent on homework
4. Finding homework motivation 
5. Managing homework anxiety
6. Effective homework planning
7. Understanding homework assignments
8. Breaking down homework assignments 
9. Overcoming homework difficulties 
10. Getting homework help 

The Big Question—Why Homework?

As long as there has been school, there has been homework. And when there’s homework, there are teachers, parents, administrators, education experts, politicians, and students with strong opinions about the value of homework. 

Homework often raises the question of its purpose and relevance. But there are several reasons why homework is assigned.:

1. Revisit Concepts: Homework allows students to review and reinforce what they have learned in class, helping them retain information better and longer.
2. Prepare for Upcoming Classes: Completing homework tasks prepares students for future lessons, enabling them to participate and engage in classroom discussions.
3. Build Persistence and Determination: By working on problems at home, students develop key skills such as persistence, problem-solving, and determination.
4. Develop Useful Habits: Regular homework practice helps students develop discipline, time management skills, and a strong work ethic essential for academic success and beyond.
5. Avoid Negative Consequences: Neglecting homework can result in negative consequences such as low grades, missed opportunities, and disciplinary actions.

Homework plays a key role in education and should not be overlooked by parents or students. 

Check out the pros and cons of homework.

Benefits of Homework

Contrary to popular belief, homework provides several benefits that contribute to a student’s academic progress and general development. Here are five key homework benefits:

1. Enhanced Learning: Homework allows students to dive deeper into the subject matter and conduct additional research beyond the classroom. This helps to create a deeper understanding of the topic. 
2. Time Management Skills: With many assignments and deadlines to meet, homework teaches students how to manage their time and prioritize tasks.
3. Independent Work: Homework creates independence and self-reliance. Students are responsible for completing their assignments without relying on peers or teachers.
4. Communication Skills: Writing essays and other assignments improves students’ communication skills. This helps them articulate their thoughts and express their opinions effectively.
5. Resource Utilization: Homework encourages students to explore various resources beyond the internet, such as books, magazines, and journals. This helps to foster a broader understanding of the subject.

What’s the Right Amount of Time to Spend on Homework?

Determining the appropriate time allocation for homework is essential to balance academic commitments and personal well-being. 

The Toronto District School Board offers a simple guideline to help determine how much homework is appropriate at each grade level. Following the guideline of 10 minutes per grade level, each grade should have this amount of homework: 

• 30 minutes in Grade 3
• 40 minutes in Grade 4
• 50 minutes in Grade 5
• 60 minutes in Grade 6
• 70 minutes in Grade 7
• 80 minutes in Grade 8

While these time frames provide a rough estimate, it is essential to consider individual circumstances and adjust accordingly.

Ultimate List of Homework Help

Finding Homework Motivation

Even if your student loves school, homework can sometimes be a downer. Motivation is crucial to completing homework effectively. Maintaining Motivation is not always the easiest. 

Here are some strategies to keep motivation on track:

1. Make a Plan: Create a plan to get homework completed. Make a list of everything your student needs to do and give specific timeframes in which it should be done.  
2. Use the Reward System: Set rewards for your student, such as enjoying a favourite treat or engaging in an activity they want once they’ve completed their tasks.
3. Set Long-Term Goals: Set goals for each semester or academic year, and reward your students with something significant once goals are met.
4. Stay Organized: Use a planner and ensure that your student writes down all their upcoming assignments, tests and events so you can keep track of everything in one place. 
5. Be Positive: The key is to approach homework with a positive attitude. Show your student that this is an opportunity to learn and grow instead of a chore that has to be completed. 

Staying motivated is the key to homework success.

Getting Help With Homework Anxiety

Homework anxiety can be a massive hurdle for many students. Homework anxiety can cause stress for students and delay the completion of their homework. Recognizing the signs of homework anxiety is crucial in order to address the issue. 

Factors such as being overly anxious or striving for perfection can contribute to homework anxiety. But various solutions can help reduce anxiety and help with homework:

• Set Time Limits: Devoting a specific time slot for homework can provide a sense of structure and ease anxiety. This helps with improved time management and can be especially beneficial if your student struggles to start or complete tasks.
• Take Breaks: Incorporating regular breaks into your student’s study routine can help with homework anxiety. During the breaks, engage in activities like brisk walks, coffee breaks, or listening to music to shift your student’s focus away from assignments and recharge their mind.
• Seek Support: If self-help strategies aren’t working, consider speaking to a professional. Therapists and counsellors are trained to help individuals overcome anxiety. In times like these, seeking therapy can be a valuable resource for guidance and support.

Remember, you don’t have to face homework anxiety alone. You can effectively manage and overcome homework anxiety at home by implementing these strategies and seeking appropriate help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and wellness, you can find help and resources here.

Effective Homework Help Planning and Scheduling

When homework is piling up, it can feel overwhelming. Students must manage their time efficiently to stay on track and not get left behind. With a good schedule and proper planning, students won’t have to worry about missing homework assignments or not having enough time to finish them. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to put a homework plan together. 

Follow these straightforward steps to get started:

1. Assess the Workload: Before diving into the tasks, take a moment to check the entire workload for the day or week. This assessment will give you a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished.
2. Set Priorities: Determine which assignments can be completed quickly and which need in-depth research and analysis. Consider each task’s deadlines to establish priorities.
3. Create a Plan: With a clear understanding of the tasks and their order of importance, develop a final plan and establish a routine for success. Be prepared to make adjustments along the way. Don’t forget to consider the satisfaction of checking completed tasks off a list—it can work wonders for motivation!
4. Choose a Homework Space: Choosing a specific time and place to complete homework is essential. Many people underestimate the value of their study environment on their success. Find a clean desk, gather all the necessary materials, and create a focused study space.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively plan and schedule your child’s homework, maximizing their productivity and creating a conducive environment for successful studying.

See how Oxford Learning can help with assignments and homework.

Mastering Assignment Understanding

Understanding what the homework assignments are asking for is crucial. If your child is taking the wrong turn at the beginning can hinder their progress and prevent them from correctly completing their homework assignment. Similarly, you need to be more accurate with homework instructions to ensure your student’s grades.  

There’s a helpful trick to unravelling assignment requirements. When reading the task with your child, pay close attention to the following keywords; they act as clues to what your student needs to do.

Here’s a cheat sheet on how to find keywords:

• Name, Define, or Arrange: These words show that your student should get the necessary information and present it clearly and organized.
• Explain or Summarize: When encountering these words, your child’s task is to convey the information in their own words, providing a concise yet comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Apply or Illustrate: Your student should use their knowledge to solve a problem or show how a concept can be implemented.
• Analyze, Contrast, or Examine: These keywords prompt your child to delve deeper, comparing various elements and exploring their connections. It requires a thorough examination and critical assessment.
• Evaluate or Predict: Here, your child is expected to draw conclusions based on their knowledge, critically analyze the information, and make informed judgments or predictions.
• Provide Examples: This entails finding supporting evidence to substantiate your student’s conclusions and using relevant examples to reinforce their points.

By focusing on these keywords, students will understand the assignment better and start working with a clear understanding of what is required. These tips help students meet the assignment expectations and get the best grades possible.

Breaking Down Homework Assignments

When students are faced with an overwhelming amount of work, it’s crucial to have a strategy to tackle it and minimize stress. Rather than hoping for the task to shrink magically, take proactive steps to break it into manageable parts. 

Here’s a practical approach to overcoming daunting homework assignments:

1. Create an Assignment List: Take a sheet of paper and write down all the tasks to complete, along with the deadlines. This list will serve as a visual representation of their workload.
2. Differentiate Between Easy and Hard Tasks: Assess each assignment and determine which ones are easier to do, need more effort, or pose a more significant challenge. Start with the more manageable tasks to build momentum and boost motivation.
3. Divide and Conquer: Break homework into smaller, manageable parts. Identify any sub-tasks or components that need to be completed for more manageable tasks. For the more challenging assignments, determine if they can be further divided into smaller steps or stages. This approach will make the workload appear less daunting and allow students to focus on one task at a time.
4. Take Well-Deserved Breaks: Take a break after completing a session or task. By beginning to work on assignments early enough, there will be time for rest and rejuvenation. These pauses are beneficial for maintaining productivity and contribute to a positive mood.

Adopting this systematic approach allows students to navigate assignments effectively without feeling overwhelmed. Breaking assignments down into manageable parts helps to maintain focus, build momentum, and experience a sense of accomplishment. Learn more on how to break down homework assignments.

Remember, with proper planning and perseverance, even the most challenging tasks can be conquered.

Overcoming Homework Difficulties

Difficulty with homework is a common challenge for many students. Finding effective ways to overcome these difficulties is crucial, whether it’s a lack of motivation or specific obstacles. 

Here are some common problems students encounter and strategies to address them:

Problem: Rushing through homework

Solution: When assignments feel tedious or repetitive, rushing through them is easy. However, this approach often leads to subpar work. 

To combat this, try the following:

• Mix Up the Order: Instead of completing tasks in the same sequence every time, change the order. This variation makes the process less monotonous and helps maintain focus.
• Break it Down: If a lengthy assignment feels overwhelming, break it into smaller, manageable parts. By tackling one section at a time, you can maintain productivity and avoid the temptation to rush.

Problem: Not able to do homework alone

Solution: Some students need help with home independently and require external support or company. 

To address this issue:

• Join a Study Group: Collaborating with peers working on homework assignments can provide the necessary motivation and companionship. Study groups allow for discussions, sharing of ideas, and clarifying doubts, enhancing the overall understanding of the material.
• Find a Tutor: Tutoring can significantly help students when they are having difficulty studying or doing homework alone. A tutor can solely be there as support for your child when they need help, and they can also help foster and develop your child’s homework and study habits.

Problem: Failing to retain information

Solution: Memorization can be challenging for some students, but effective strategies can significantly enhance retention. 

Consider the following approaches:

• Use Varied Presentation Methods: Instead of relying solely on large chunks of text, explore alternative ways to present and organize information. Experiment with mind maps, tables, graphs, or visual aids that help illustrate concept relationships and connections. This multisensory approach can improve comprehension and aid memory recall.
• Practice Active Learning Techniques: Instead of passively reading or reviewing material, engage in active learning strategies. This can include summarizing key points in their own words, teaching the concepts to someone else, or creating flashcards for self-quizzing. These methods encourage active engagement with the material and enhance retention.

Getting Help with Homework

When all the tips and tricks are being used, and homework still seems like an uphill battle, it’s time to turn to the experts.

Here are a few avenues to explore for homework assistance:

• Reach Out to Your Child’s Teacher: Their teacher should be your first point of contact when seeking guidance for your child’s homework. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or clarification. Approaching the teacher with questions is an essential step in getting involved in your child’s academic success.
• Find a Study Group or Study Buddy: Being part of a study group or having a study buddy allows your child to ask questions and engage in discussions with fellow students. Explaining concepts to others and hearing their perspectives can deepen your students’ understanding and will enable them to explore alternative memorization techniques. 
• Consider Getting a Tutor: A private tutor can offer personalized assistance tailored to your child’s specific needs. Invest in the support of a tutor to gain valuable insights and additional guidance.

Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a smart and proactive approach to overcoming challenges. With the proper support and guidance, your child will gain confidence, enhance their understanding, and succeed in their homework.

Consult with a professional tutor to get homework help.