Benefits of Homework in Kindergarten Tips to Success

Homework for kindergarten…already? Yes, if your child is in kindergarten, he may already have homework. Homework helps establish healthy study habits, routine and responsibility. It also reinforces information learned in school. It's never too early to give your child these skills.

You probably won't need homework tutoring for your kindergartner. This first year is all about establishing good habits that will last throughout your child's educational experience. Here are some tips that should help you.

• Routine: Kids need a routine. This is true for eating, sleeping and playtime. During the school day, there is structure. Kids learn the rules, and feel secure when they know what is expected of them. The same goes for home life. Having an established routine helps your child know what to expect, and gives a sense of order to her life. Add homework time to the routine by putting it in after school, following a snack and before dinner. Kids get tired, so doing homework in the evening is not recommended. Instill the idea of getting work done and then being free to play as a reward.
• Space: Set up an organized, clear space for doing homework. It should be free of distractions, the TV should be off and there should be quiet. Have supplies needed for homework available, such as pencils, paper and crayons.  
• Attention: Sit with your kindergarten child and look over his homework with him. Make sure he knows what to do, and provide help if needed. Never do his homework for him, but instead provide encouragement. If you find his assignment unclear, contact his teacher either that evening or the following day. Good parent-teacher communication is important during school years. Teachers like to hear from parents and are always willing to help.
• Lighten up: If your child forgets her homework, or is too tired to finish it, don't get upset. Sometimes there are after-school activities that burn up a kindergartener's energy, and she is just too exhausted to complete any homework that day. Remember that it's kindergarten, not law school, and cut your child some slack. Send a note to the teacher explaining, and let it slide on occasion. There's no need for burnout in kindergarten.