Many students dread the eventual homework assignments given by teachers. For many, these assignments pile up and require hours of one’s time to complete. Instead of dreading this eventuality, it is better to adapt and make homework more fun. I will be giving some easy tips for both students, parents, and teachers on how to make homework fun!
1. Creating a Fun Workspace
Creating a fun workspace is more important than you would think. It is common for students to work on homework in a unoptimized space. This space can make homework more difficult in the form of distractions. Creating a separate, curated space is essential to improve your enjoyment and focus while completing homework. Make sure to setup a space that is quiet and closed off. A home office, spare bedroom, or even dining room are some great choices to consider. Once incorporated into a routine, it becomes far easier to focus in a space designated for completing work rather than trying to adapt a space more traditionally used for relaxation. This is why in many cases it is a bad idea to use a personal bedroom.
2. Use Supplemental Apps
Apps are a great tool to begin incorporating into your homework routine. Math, spelling, and geography apps are some ideas to start with. Most core subjects have some sort of app that can be used to help complete and enhance the homework experience. This is great because it brings an extra layer of interactivity to the homework. For many it can feel “dry” to just complete worksheets. Implementing apps into the homework routine helps “gamify” the experience which many students find engaging and entertaining. It also gets the student more interested in the subject and lesson!
3. Organize Study Groups
Completing homework can feel isolating. Locking yourself in a room without socialization can decrease your mental health and create burnout. Organizing a study group is a great way to combat this. It is also a great way for you to meet other students in your class that you might otherwise not socialize with. This tip does come with some caveats however. Study groups can quickly become distracting. Especially if it is a group of friends. This is why it is a great idea to reach out to students you may not have talked to before. Who knows maybe you will make a new friend!
4. Reward Yourself
Many students cram while studying. This is the process of studying for hours on end without a break. The biggest detriment to a healthy and productive study session is burn out. To avoid this, it is important to reward yourself while studying. Some examples of rewards to give yourself are:
- 5 – 10 minute break
- Taking a minute to eat a snack or meal
- Watch TV
- Read a good book
Taking a break will actually help your retention of information. While studying, and especially while cramming, the mind is exposed to a lot of information in a short amount of time. The mind needs time to digest and process information before it can truly be learned. This is why it is recommended to take a 5 – 10 minute break every hour of studying to help regain focus and process the information you have studied in the last hour.
5. Listen to Music
Listening to music or other relaxing sounds can help enhance your focus. In addition, it elevates your mood and helps in processing information you are learning. However, music can quickly become distracting if you are not choosing the right type. In general, study-focused playlists are a good place to start. These are generally more relaxing sounds and beats that will not distract your mind from the task at hand. In many cases too, music helps create an association for content learned during that time. This makes it easier to remember things learned during the study session for tests later on.
Find Your Balance For Homework
Each person is different in their preferences on how to make homework fun. A student may prefer complete silence, while another prefers to listen to music. Experimenting with each of these tips is a great way to see what works best for you. I encourage you to give each one a shot and see how it enhances your homework experience! If you want to work with a professional tutor on completing and organizing your homework experience, schedule time with our executive functioning coach today!