Homework that needs no nagging - what are your dcs keen to do (if any!)?

[posey]

Today came in from school with ds (who is y3) and he got straight into a homework task which was choosing a word from his current reading book and finding synonyms and antonyms for them. He loved it and would have done several had I not then had to encourage some times tables practise.

Dd (y9) then came in and went straight off to do some Mandarin homework (I think she likes the arty nature of the characters). I know her Spanish will be done the night before its due in.

Just interested in what appeals to your dc?

With ds1 it is Maths which he likes & is good at. He loathes any writing homework though.

Dd (also Y9) is pretty good to get on with everything, though often leaves things till the last minute...

Posey - love that your DD can learn Mandarin in yr 9.
Mine love any topic work which involves free research and free writing - usually history homework, sometimes literacy.

Realitychick - she chose Mandarin as an "enrichment" activity (compulsory after school activity) in Y7 and continued it as her enrichment in Y8. Now it is one of her timetabled subjects.

DD y6 always gets straight on with homework whatever subject. So conscientious, don't know where she gets it from!

DS y4 a very different story. Though will generally get on with maths with not too much fuss.

Hi Posey, does your DD go to St Mary Magdalene Academy in Islington by any chance? Sounds very similar to DS's school

Ds (6) maths and reading. Reading interest is a recent thing. For some bizarre reason he absolutely loves maths.

Getting him to do writing practice or spelling is a nightmare. He has even got detention for not doing it and he still won't complete it at home.

His most outstanding interest and talent appears to be procrastination.

MollieO - complete opposite of mine!

Sonflower - maybe

My boys are bookworms. Also, maths games on the computer, Verbal maths and spelling DSs will oblige if I ask, doing anything else is like pulling teeth.

DD enthusiastically tackles any homework task set for her.

No chromosome difference there, no sirree, couldn't possibly be a factor could it?

I would love my 9.5 DD to do any homework without grumbing. The only thing she is passionate about is reading which is great until it comes to writing about what she's just read. Currently she has a 'long' project on the go, it's all about moving to mars and what she would need to do this. I am almost certain she hasn't started it. The problem stems from her last school where expectations were low in the homework dept. She would get around 20 minutes worth for the whole week. Her current school is much more academically rigorous and she has up to 40 minutes a night.
DD really wants to please her teacher, but is a lazy moo and finds it hard to get motivated or even started.

The boys are generally keen to do things that:
a) They can see are worthwhile tasks (for advancing/reinforcing their learning)
b) For a particular teacher they know will look at it, mark it promptly and give them feedback
c) For teachers they know gives out prompt detentions for late homework
and/or
d) When the teacher has offered a prize/reward for the best one(s)

DD1 enjoys English and Art H/W and dd2 enjoys anything that involves drawing or making a powerpoint.

Tbh though, they have both always had a good attitude to H/W and just get on and do it. We've never had to nag. They are both self-motivated.

DD1 hates doing Maths H/W though - but she does just get on and do it. And dd2 hates RE - but ditto.