Homework hell

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Just hoping for some sympathy and maybe some useful strategies.

Year 9 dd is pretty motivated, wants to do well, and always gets there in the end. However, I am really tried of weekend homework dramas. Basically, during the week she doesn’t have much time (long school day, extracurricular activities) so any homework that does get done, gets done quickly and with no fuss. However, she always has quite a bit of homework and revision for tests on the weekend, and she moans about it and seems to take a really long time doing it (lack of focus and lots of breaks).

Ds(15! Is in S4 in Scotland, this is his exam year and he has prelims starting in 2 weeks 😱

I have had to spend a bit of time with him over the last 6 months working out study techniques. This has included working out what type of note taking/revision cards, mind map,quizzing, practice he thinks works best for each subject.

We also found the best way to stop him procrastinating over study is for him to break down into chunks of 25-35 mins with a plan/set objective for each chunk (unless he is doing a timed past paper which takes longer). Breaks are good and recommended, Ds takes 10ish mins between chunks to let what he has done sink in, grab a snack/kick a ball about/have a chat and this helps him to focus on the next chunk.

I have DS in Year 9 who is like this all week! There no telling him either we just have to nag him to get on. My DD who has just started same school is the opposite. She just told us they have been recommended the Forest app for if they are distracted by their phones. It grows a tree if they don't pick it up. Going to try this for DS.

They also teach the Pomodoro method at their school, not really been used yet but this is based on doing short timed sessions of study

Agree with @BrokenWing here.

Chunks.

Whilst I was studying for A-Levels the best routine was 40 mins work, 20 mins break.

As yours is younger I'd suggest something smaller. 30 mins work and 15 mins break? It gives the brain and body time to rest. No one can keep working endlessly, production and quality levels drop after 40 mins.

So have a break, eat something, drink something, do something entirely non-work related and then pick it up again. You may find that works better.

Thank you!

I will encourage her to break into into chunks, and the Forest app will really appeal to her!!! Yes, her phone is one of many problems...

I have a DD in year at boarding school. After school she has extra sport or clubs. Supper at 6.15pm then prep 7-8.30pm Monday to Friday. She often stays until 9pm.

It's tough but they just have to get on with it. Easier as no parents to try and negotiate with and no mobile phones!

I'm tempted to suggest increasing her weekend commitments so she has no choice but to get her work done quickly then as well? Might work ….

She’s doing it. Teenagers moan about homework.
Extracurricular during evenings shouldn’t stop homework being done unless it’s more than 3 hours a day.
State school we had finish 2:30. Extracurricular until about 7pm. Food. Study until 9:30.
Boarding was full on activities or prep until 10:00 every day in sixth form.
She just needs to crack on.