Laura Stebbins
Kids say it's one of the worst parts of going back to school...Homework. But, experts say it doesn't have to be so bad...You just need to know how your child learns. 7's Kim Khazei has more in ‘back to the books.'
For many kids...Homework can be a hassle.
Michelle Holmes Foster, MJ's mom
"Getting homework done is a chore. He needs something that's going to prompt him.
14-year-old MJ's mom says she and her son use a few techniques to make the tough tasks easier.
Michelle Holmes Foster, MJ's mom
"He's a very visual learner, so flashcards are really an added asset to his studying style. We also utilize a dry erase board that tracks his goals and the things he needs to do."
Experts say recognizing how your child learns best can improve their performance.
Lynn Grush, MD, child & adolescent psychologist, Massachusetts General Hospital
"They feel more comfortable and they have more success."
Visual learners, like MJ, work best using colors, charts and flashcards.
Lynn Grush, MD, child & adolescent psychologist, Massachusetts General Hospital
"Looking at pictures, at graphs and trying to put information into categories in a visual way."
Hands-on learners can get distracted easily and need a quiet study space. They also do better when given breaks from studying and rewards when they finish their work. Some children are auditory learners... They can benefit from listening to music during homework or having their lessons read out loud.
Lynn Grush, MD, child & adolescent psychologist, Massachusetts General Hospital
"And may find listening to a book on tape is helpful."
But many students are a combination of several different learning styles...So experts say the best advice is to try out a few techniques.
Michelle Holmes Foster, MJ's mom
"It's really important to us, to make sure his academic experience is the best it can be."
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