Homework Help for Kids - Breaks

Homework help for kids - Breaks

The brain learns and remembers best the stuff at the beginning and at the end of study periods. So breaking up study into chunks is a good idea - it’s important to train your child to take regular breaks from homework to get the most out of it.

And even more importantly, to train them in the difference between “good” and “bad” breaks.What do I mean by a “bad” break? Well if your child sits in front of his homework fidgeting for half an hour then says “I’m giving up for a bit,” and goes and watches TV for the next 30 minutes, that is not good study hygiene and I’d call that a “bad” break!

Here are some points to bear in mind to encourage your child to take “good” breaks from homework:·

• Use breaks, where possible, to reward yourself for completing a goal, either a milestone, like getting to the end of a section of questions, or a time-related goal like completing 15 minutes of intense revision


• Make sure that very young children take breaks after brief periods of study, while older children can work for 30 or even 60 minutes, depending on their individual needs


• Breaks only need to be a few minutes long – this is long enough to give the brain a chance to absorb what it has just learned and get ready for more!


• Breaks should revitalize you for your next study period, not sap your energy! Watching TV is an energy-sapping break and should be avoided.

Good breaks might include:

• A refreshing or soothing drink


• A light snack


• Some brief physical exercise to get the blood flowing – perhaps half a dozen star jumps


• Stepping outside and taking some refreshing breaths of fresh air

Happy homework helping with your kids!

Cassie