It’s a staple fixture for the vast majority of children and teenagers in education, but it appears that homework still causes tension in homes around the country.
Clinical Child Psychologist David Coleman spoke on Today with Sean O’Rourke on RTÉ Radio 1, explaining that there are certainly perceived benefits from having exercises to do each day after school.
“Most people would say 'oh its a great chance to rehearse or practice stuff already done, its a great way for parents to be involved…'”
However the nature and extent of homework, in David’s opinion, needs to be monitored as well.
“One of the pieces of research thats been done has shown that for children who are challenged by school – challenged by the academic element – struggle more with homework, and [for] those who are really bright, it takes away the joy”.
So what can you do, to ensure daily homework is a positive experience for parent and child?
David’s advice is to keep things structured.
“Have a plan… so that homework is just part of the daily routine, that it’s as expected as brushing your teeth”
He went on to say that it’s best to try to get homework done earlier in the afternoon when children have more energy, which in turn leaves them with a whole evening of free time.
David believes the key for primary school-level children is to chunk homework into short bursts of up to 10 minutes, allowing for a break and some physical activity in between.
Written by Paul Moriarty
