Open Mic

Instead of battling against homework assignments every night, students could breeze through their assignments and even enjoy the process.

“Why not make homework fun?” Kim Bellini, owner of The Woodlands LearningRx suggests.
Instead of just helping students finish their homework as quickly as possible, there are a number of ways parents can help make the experience more enjoyable.

“Parents can really help foster a love of learning in their children,” Bellini said. “If parents make assignments fun, it can be infectious.”

Bellini offers several tips parents can use to help children develop their cognitive skills -- the mental tools that help them think, reason and pay attention.

“Stronger mental skills will not only help children do schoolwork faster and better, it will actually help them become smarter,” she said. “But remember the most important thing to do is adopt a fun attitude. Your kids take their cues from you.”

First, Bellini suggests creating a written homework plan that includes timelines and goals, using whatever tools are the most appealing to children: computer, notebook, giant calendar page, blackboard, sticky notes on the refrigerator door, even dry-erase markers on their bedroom window.

“Also remember to also develop a reward system,” Bellini said. “Use something that works for your family and budget.”

Bellini said “fun tickets” can be a good motivator. Each time a child earns a reward, give a ticket toward a set goal: going to the movies, extra TV time or a special trip to the playground. Praise is another important award. Bellini said to be generous, yet sincere.

“There is no need to be stingy with phrases like ‘good job’ and ‘way to go!’” she said.

Bellini also suggests starting with an after school snack before starting to work on homework. Once the child is ready to work, create a specific space to do homework.
“Break down assignments into smaller chunks,” Bellini said. “And remember to time the breaks too.”

Bellini said math problems can become a fast-paced game. This will build the cognitive skill of processing speed; basically turning them into faster thinkers.

She added that games can also be used to teach. For example, playing charades can help children act out what a word or concept means. This can build the skill of comprehension and visual processing.

“Anytime you can turn a mundane task into a multi-sensory activity, which uses different parts of the brain, it becomes more beneficial,” Bellini said.

Bellini also suggested letting a child play teacher. “Letting children teach you a skill or concept that they’re working on will improve their understanding of the concept and will build logic and reasoning skills,” she said.
If parents find that children are still struggling with their homework, they might consider visiting The Woodlands LearningRx for a cognitive skills test.

“A lot of times a weak cognitive skill can really affect a child’s ability to learn,” Bellini said. “Those skills can be built up through proven training methods and the learning issues can be eliminated.”

Located at 4840 West Panther Creek, Suite 205 in The Woodlands, the center offers brain-training programs for students of all ages  -- programs that enhance students’ ability to learn, read and succeed in a broad range of academic and work-related challenges, as well as programs for senior citizens who want to stay sharp and improve their quality of life. To learn more about The Woodlands LearningRx, call (832) 482-3082 or visit www.learningrx.com/the-woodlands

About LearningRx
LearningRx specializes in identifying and correcting the underlying cognitive skill deficiencies that keep people from achieving their full potential in school, business or life. The program was pioneered by Dr. Ken Gibson. Using a comprehensive skills assessment test and intensive one-on-one training, certified trainers quickly and effectively enhance weak cognitive skills such as attention, memory, processing speed, and problem solving.