Homework & Creativity

I have always had a thing about routine…  I just don’t like it that much.  I find that there are things that have to be done every day but I have to add a bit of variety nonetheless.  For instance, I work out every day but it is very rare that I actually do the exact same thing every day.  For breakfast, I have a few favorites but I definitely vary the food and drinks I have every morning. 

For things that I have to do and that I actually don’t really like, I also find ways to make them more interesting.  For instance, when it comes to cleaning the house, I tend to use different detergents so that the variety of smells makes it a more pleasant experience.  For shopping, I try different shops.  I find that being creative with everyday tasks makes them just that much more interesting and things that most people tend to hate become just another enjoyable activity to me.

The same applies to homework.  We all know that the H word is one of the most dreaded by kids and often by parents.  Why not make it a more pleasant experience by adding some creativity to it.  Here are a few examples of what you can do:

If you have a science project, go and do your research on the field.  A lot of projects are based on specific areas according to where you live.  When the project is given out, look at what you can do and plan a trip with your kids to actually confirm their findings.  In the meantime, they can work on the project their usual way, do the research and the work but they also have something to look forward to.

In order to cut the negative association that goes with homework, let your kids do it in different parts of the house or rearrange their room or study area on a regular basis so that they don’t always see the same environment.  However, remember that it is very important that the place they work in is adapted to studying.  But if you are cooking in the kitchen while they do homework, you could kill two birds with one stone and be able to help and interact with your kids while getting dinner ready.  You can also make sure that the little darlings remain focused.

To solve a simple math problem, you can find a few minutes to put it in practice.  When kids learn some basic operations like adding and subtracting for instance, you can ask your kids to explain the problem to you with real money and groceries for instance.  Every now and then, you can even let them keep the money.
If your kids are learning languages, get them to use their artistic or creative skills to learn vocabulary and use sentences.  Use simple vocabulary at the dinner table or get some post it notes and put labels on objects they know in that language in the house or around.

If they need to write a poem or an essay, get them to act it out first or draw it or build it.  It will trigger their imagination and get them going.  It will also get them excited and they will be more inspired.

If you have a long commute to and from school, start on the homework with little games, such as a guessing game where your kids quiz you about what new things they learnt that day.  You can also start discussing what they have to do so that they can get on with it as soon as they get home and get it done faster.
Also vary the tools they use.  Within the school’s requirement, if books are provided, use different colours to cover the books, use different styles of pens and pencils.  If you can buy your own books, choose interesting covers that have to do with the subject.

Always think of that little extra thing that will add to the homework experience to make it more fun.  Use analogies that you know your kids like, talk about their favorite sport or their favorite movies, actors, actresses, singers.  It will not only make the homework more interesting but it will also help your kids remember things better. 

If you start this when they are younger and when you spend more time helping them with their homework, they will develop these habits themselves and later do it naturally.  Homework might still remain one of the things they HAVE to do and not their favorite but at least, they’ll know to apply their creativity to it to make it more interesting.  And they will be able to use that creativity later in life for everything they do!