easy homework channel

Get Expert-Verified Homework Help and explanations personalized with AI

Understand faster with 24/7 personalized learning, score higher with practice tests included in study sets new.

Get ahead with Brainly, the AI Learning Companion™

Join the hundreds of millions of students using brainly.

Take your questions to the Brainly Community

• all All subjects
• literature English
• mathematics Mathematics
• sociology Social Studies
• business Business
• history History
• health Health
• geography Geography
• biology Biology
• physics Physics
• chemistry Chemistry
• informatics Computers and Technology
• artmusic Arts
• otherlanguages World Languages
• spanish Spanish
• french French
• german German
• pedagogics Advanced Placement (AP)
• first aid Medicine
• technology Engineering

Get personalized homework help for free — for real.

BusyTeacher.org

Ten Easy Homework Tasks to Set

Homework doesn’t always have to be something that a teacher has to mark or that students hate doing..

Used correctly, it’s the springboard to a great class with students doing most of the work before they even sit down. It’s also the first ten minutes of your lesson already planned.

10 Easy Homework Tasks to Set

Go onto youtube and watch something.

This is a classic. Find something on YouTube that is relevant to your topic, vocabulary set or grammar point. For some great videos, check out Jamie Keddie’s lesson stream http://lessonstream.org/language-level/pre-int-to-intermediate-a2-b1/ .

Mr. Bean is great for lower levels; Monty Python are funny for higher ones.

Make sure you talk to students about what they watched. Did they enjoy it? Did they hate it? Generate discussion on and from the video you all watched.

Think about Something to Talk About

Thinking homework is a difficult concept for lots of students and teachers because ‘thinking’ isn’t seen as a productive skill. However, the greatest academic and business minds regularly set aside time to think and plan what they are going to say or do. Here are a couple of thinking questions you could give as homework.

‘Think about the best things about your country. Explain them to yourself in English. You’ll tell the class about it tomorrow.’

‘Think about the most important person in your life and why they are/were important. Describe them to yourself in English. You’ll tell your partner about it tomorrow.’

‘Think about your ambitions. Explain what you hope to do in the future to yourself in English. You’ll tell the class about them tomorrow.’

Bring Something into the Classroom

It’s the old show and tell lesson. In the digital age this could be a picture or a a film as well as something real. Students bring in an item and then tell the rest of the class about it. Make sure you get other students to ask questions and, if you have a very big class , split the learners into groups so you can get through the presentations quicker.

Talk to Someone in English

This is easier to do if you live in an English speaking country. If students can’t talk to each other then they might be able to find someone online using www.skype.com or on a virtual world like secondlife.com .

Lots of students only want to practice with native speakers or those who speak English fluently. Don’t let them think speaking to each other won’t help them improve. There are hundreds of great discussion questions from ITESLJ http://iteslj.org/questions/

As always, make sure you ask them questions about what they talked about in the next session.

Listen to a Song

Songs are great chunks of language . Set one as a piece of homework asking students to notice something about the lyrics. This could be a language point or the story.

Grammar songs Present Simple/continuous She is leaving Home – The Beatles It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls Singing in the Rain Past Simple Summer Loving – Grease Soundtrack / Candle in the Wind – Elton John / Dido – Best Day Present Perfect I’ve had the time of my life – B.Medley and J. Warne Future Tense I Will Always Love you – Whitney Houston/ My Heart Will go on – Celine Dion Conditionals If I was a Rich Girl – Gwen Stefani / If I had a Million Dollars – Bare-naked Ladies Superlatives – Simply the Best – Tina Turner

Story Songs A boy named Sue – Jonny Cash (Brilliant story and song that everyone will love…) One Piece at a Time – Jonny Cash (a man steals a whole car by taking one piece of it at a time from the factory where he works) She’s Leaving Home – The Beatles Bare-naked Ladies – Bank Job (lovely story about a heist gone wrong) Waltzing Matilda – The Pogues

Draw Something

A bit like going back to school…and a little strange for adult learners. I got students to draw , among other things, their dream house, their dream car, an invention they would like to create, the perfect school, the perfect jail or the perfect hotel.

A word of warning though, confident students who are creative will love these tasks but other students might bitterly hate them.

Take a Photograph of Something

Ask students to take a photo of something that they will show to the rest of the class in the next lesson. You could get them to email this to you or print it out, or just show it on their phone. It could be something they love, hate, need, an important possession, a person…anything… as long as they can talk about it with the rest of the class.

Again, the assessment for this activity lies in the students taking time to think about what they are going to say. Make sure students ask questions about the pictures.

Little stories, be them amusing, scary or instructional are proven to help language learners. For homework, ask students to find a good anecdote in their language which they can then recount to the rest of the class in English. There are some great anecdotes at One Stop English , but if you have your own they will be much better.

Read Something

There are lots of great little stories on the internet, the news, fables or short stories.

Comics are great homework reading - click here for a big list

There are also some good ‘choose your own adventure’ kind of stories at ‘ Choice of the Dragon ’.

Play a Video Game

Really? Really… Ask your students to play them and then tell you what they enjoyed or didn’t enjoy about them. These could be games they already have at home or something online.

Vocab and grammar games like Word Frog are great for improving spelling and the mechanics of language, but there isn’t anything to talk about.

Adventure games ( Google ‘flash adventure games’ )– are a great way of getting students to engage with something and they will have something to discuss in class about what they saw. A classic is Detective Grimoire .

Like it? Tell your friends:

You've got talent using talent shows to learn english.

6 Lessons Using Smartphone Cameras

To Assign or not to Assign ESL Homework: That is the Question

Suggestions

5 youtube channels to help you be a more organized student.

Surviving college life, in general, can be a difficult challenge, but being a studious and productive student can be even more exhausting. Sometimes it’s easier to just kick back and watch hours of YouTube content than to start working on that English paper or chemistry homework.

1. Plant Based Bride

Now, this is a channel that isn’t exactly dedicated to college students but the content is so relaxing it really makes me want to work. Elizabeth, the creator of the channel, is a sweet introvert who cares about the world around her. Most of her videos revolve around her bullet journaling, but she also does some work on different issues that she cares about. She also makes videos about her vegan and minimalist lifestyle.

2. studycollab: alicia

Alicia is the student I always wished I had been in high school. She’s on top of her homework and tests all while maintaining a successful YouTube channel. Although she might not boast the same amount of content as some of the other channels on this list, what she lacks in quantity she makes up for in quality.

3. Studytee

There’s not a lot of videos but there is variety. Some classic study videos, note taking tips and general college advice are just some of the things to find here. Not to mention the simple minimalist style adds a calming element to the videos. They might not be uploaded as often as some channels but every single one is an absolute treat.

4. studyquill

There’s so much content it can be easy to just sit down and become immersed in her happy and productive world. Thankfully her content is also very motivated, leaving me itching to accomplish something. Originally I came for the bullet journal content but stayed to learn more. I always come away with a fresh mindset and new ideas.

5. Caitlin’s Corner

At the end of the day, I probably spend more time on YouTube than I should, but it’s nice to know that there are creators out there struggling with the same student problems I do. It can be hard to be a motivated and productive student in this digital age with all of its distractions, but at least these ladies have their lives together so I can learn how to do it too.

Ashley Peterson, Geneva College

Leave a reply, related posts, why is it so hard to study online, alt-right algorithms, interactions between audiences and creators heated in watcher situation, reviving radio through daily drive, doom-scrolling dooms media as we know it, ruby franke, 8 passengers and perilous family vlogging, why content creators like xoxo, akouto are necessary online, worthikids, louie zong and the youtube renaissance man, exploring the “obsessed artist” trope in film, by the way, the universe is always singing, dark cafes and big yellow taxis—the everlasting world of joni mitchell, spanish rock band airú sparkles on their first u.s. tour, taylor swift and the maritime superstition of football fans.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Additional menu

Khan Academy Blog

Making Homework Easier: Tips and Tools for Parents 

posted on September 20, 2023

By Stephanie Yamkovenko , group manager of Khan Academy’s Digital Marketing Team.

Homework can present challenges for parents and children alike. You naturally want to provide support for your child’s learning journey and ensure they are reaching their full potential. In this blog post, we will delve into practical strategies to assist your child with their homework. From fostering understanding and offering encouragement to breaking down tasks and implementing rewards, we will explore a variety of effective approaches to help your child achieve academic success.

Step 1: Set Up Your Child for Success

Your child’s study environment can have a significant impact on their homework performance. Create a space that is free from distractions like the television, smartphones, or noisy siblings. The study space should be comfortable, well lit, and have all the necessary materials your child might need, such as pens, papers, and textbooks. If your child’s workspace is noisy or uncomfortable, they may have difficulty focusing on their homework, resulting in lower productivity. 

For example, if you live in a small apartment, consider setting up a designated corner with a small desk or table where your child can focus on their work. You can use dividers or screens to create a sense of privacy and minimize distractions.

If the only place to do homework is in the dining room or kitchen, try to establish a routine where the area is cleared and organized before study time. This can help signal to your child that it’s time to concentrate and be productive.

Remember, it’s important to adapt to your specific circumstances and make the best of the available space. The key is to create a dedicated study area that promotes focus and minimizes interruptions regardless of the size or location of your home.

Try Confidence Boosters for Your Child Here!

Step 2: make it fun.

It’s important to make homework fun and engaging for your child. Here are some examples of how you can do it:

• Use games : Incorporate educational games like card games, board games, or puzzles that align with the subject your child is learning. For instance, use Scrabble to practice spelling or Sudoku to enhance problem-solving skills.
• Turn it into a challenge : Create a friendly competition between siblings or friends by setting goals or time limits for completing assignments. Offer small rewards or incentives for accomplishing tasks.
• Make it interactive : Use hands-on activities or experiments to reinforce concepts learned in class. For science or math, conduct simple experiments at home or use manipulatives like blocks or counters to visualize abstract concepts.
• Use technology : Explore online educational platforms or apps that offer interactive learning experiences. There are various educational games, virtual simulations, and videos available that can make homework more enjoyable.
• Incorporate creativity : Encourage your child to express their understanding through art, storytelling, or multimedia presentations. For example, they can create a comic strip to summarize a story or make a short video to explain a concept.

Remember, by making homework enjoyable, you can help your child develop a positive attitude towards learning.

Step 3: Use Rewards

Rewards can be a powerful motivational tool for children. Offering positive reinforcement can encourage them to complete their homework on time and to the best of their ability. 

Here are some examples of rewards our team has used with their children:

• Extra screen time: “I use Apple parental controls to add screen time on their iPad.”
• Access to a favorite toy: “My eight year old has a drum kit, which drives us all up the wall. (Thanks, Grandma!) But when they’ve been doing a lot of school work, we put on headphones and let him go nuts.”
• Praise for a job well done: “Specific, measurable praise is what works best.” 
• Trip to the park: “A trip to the park is good for everyone, especially for the kids to run around with the doggos.”
• Movie night: “I know every word and song lyric in Moana ; we now reserve showings for good behavior.” 
• Stickers or stamps: “Gold stars were such a thing growing up in the 80s; turns out they still work.”
• Stay up a little later: “An extra 30 minutes feels like a whole day for my young ones; use this reward with caution as it can become the expectation!”

So, celebrate your child’s efforts and encourage them to continue doing their best.

Step 4: Break Down Difficult Tasks

When facing daunting homework assignments, follow these step-by-step instructions to break down the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks:

• Understand the requirements and scope of the task.
• Break down the assignment into individual tasks or sub-tasks.  
• Splitting the middle term
• Using formula
• Using Quadratic formula
• Using algebraic identities
• Determine the order in which tasks should be completed based on importance or difficulty. 
• Start with the easiest task. Begin with the task that seems the least challenging or time-consuming.
• Progress to more challenging tasks: Once the easier tasks are completed, move on to more difficult ones.
• Take breaks: Schedule short breaks between tasks to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
• Check completed tasks for accuracy and make any necessary revisions.
• Finish the remaining task(s) with the same approach.
• Celebrate small achievements to boost confidence and keep motivation high.

By following these steps, you can make daunting homework assignments more manageable and less overwhelming for your child.

Step 5: Get Targeted Help

If your child is struggling with homework, it might be worth considering seeking personalized assistance. You have the option to search for professional tutors or explore online tutoring platforms, such as Khan Academy’s AI tutor, Khanmigo .

This AI tutor can offer personalized guidance and support tailored to your child’s specific needs, helping them grasp complex concepts and practice essential skills. Incorporating this approach can effectively complement your child’s learning and enhance their homework performance.

Enhance your child’s learning and boost homework performance!

Homework can be a challenge for both parents and children. But with the right approach, you can help your child overcome difficulties and support their learning. Encourage and understand your child, create a comfortable environment, break down difficult tasks, use rewards, get professional help when needed, and make it fun. With these tips and techniques, you can help your child achieve success, develop a love for learning, and achieve academic excellence. Remember that each child learns differently, so it’s essential to adjust your approach to meet their unique needs.

Get Khanmigo

The best way to learn and teach with AI is here. Ace the school year with our AI-powered guide, Khanmigo. 

For learners     For teachers     For parents

As a nonprofit, we need your support to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.

Free online tutoring, with students like you.

Get math homework and SAT help, join small SAT® prep groups, and more–100% free for students and teachers.

We are a non-profit with the mission of connecting the world with free, peer-to-peer tutoring.

Founded by Sal Khan

CEO of Khan Academy and Schoolhouse.world

Official U.S. State Partners

Ways to Learn 📓

Join a 4-week bootcamp to prep for your next sat..

Taking the SAT this fall? Learn test-taking strategies, work on practice tests, and receive personalized support through a virtual bootcamp with 5 - 10 fellow students and a certified, trained peer tutor who has already excelled on the SAT. This program is part of a research study on the impact of a no-cost, online SAT tutoring program.

1:1 math homework and SAT help from peer tutors.

Stuck on homework? Get live, one-on-one support from tutors certified to help in math–from Pre-Algebra to Calculus.

Catch up or learn something new in small groups.

Join other learners like you to prepare for the upcoming SAT®, refresh on math concepts, get ahead for your next school year, and more!

Get help with math, test prep, and more.

Pre-Algebra

Trigonometry

Pre-Calculus

Meet our volunteer tutors 👋

Schoolhouse is powered by a global community of certified, trained tutors (many of whom are high-schoolers themselves!) who are passionate about learning and giving back.

Tutor from USA

Tutor from Ghana

We help students go above and beyond 🚀

Showcase what you've learned..

Schoolhouse Certifications let you prove your mastery of Khan Academy math units–and allow you to become a tutor, yourself. We'll provide you one portfolio that showcases it all–it looks great for colleges, too!

Teach what you know.

As a Schoolhouse tutor, you can give back to other learners who need it the most, while gaining leadership experience and volunteer hours. We welcome students to become tutors–no prior experience is required!

We support your classroom with free peer tutoring.

Homework help, concept reinforcement, and more–so your students can feel confident to tackle their next day in class.

Community Voices 📣

During the pandemic, everything went out of order. later on, i stumbled upon schoolhouse.world. it was amazing since i didn't have to pay, reveal my personal details, and i did not have a hard time using it since it is very accessible. the global community amazed me. it was amazing that a shared love for learning integrated different people from different parts of the world., christine a.

Learner from the Phillippines 🇵🇭

I joined Schoolhouse in August 2021, hoping to find a new outlet to tutor others and give back to the community. I didn't expect to be welcomed into such a wonderful, tight-knit community. Everyone at Schoolhouse is compassionate about learning and willing to work together to make this platform as amazing as possible!

Tutor from United States of America 🇺🇸

Join our movement to connect the world through learning.

Proudly supported by.

Arne Duncan

Former US Secretary of Education

University Partners

Official State Partners

SAT® and AP® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this website.

Schoolhouse.world: peer tutoring, for free.

© Schoolhouse.world

10 Tips to Get Your Homework Done Fast

Introduction

It's a tale as old as time: the clock ticking away ominously as you sit there, a heap of untouched homework glaring at you. The common hurdle many face is not the complexity of homework but the time management and discipline it requires. As the night descends, the looming deadline causes stress levels to skyrocket. However, fret not! Through this article, we unfold ten practical homework tips and hacks aimed at transforming this daunting task into a manageable one. Let's break it down together and achieve ultimate motivation.

Make a To-Do List

The first step towards conquering your homework begins on a note of organization. Drafting a to-do list is a classic yet effective homework tip. This list will serve as your roadmap, outlining the tasks at hand. It not only organizes your thoughts but also provides a clear picture of the workload, helping to prioritize tasks accordingly.

Gather Your Resources

Before diving into the homework ocean, ensure you have all the necessary gear. Books, notes, stationery, and any other materials should be at arm's length. This prep step is a significant time-saver. It's also a moment to seek homework help if you realize you're missing crucial information. Having everything ready will smoothen the journey, ensuring you don't have to scurry around searching for a pen or a textbook amidst a study session.

Seek Help When Needed

There's no glory in struggling alone. When a concept seems confusing, seeking homework help from teachers, peers or online platforms can provide clarity. Platforms like Tutorpeers come in handy, offering assistance in over 50 subjects with affordable tutors available 24/7. The best part? All studying happens on the platform, eliminating the need for extra apps. This smart strategy not only saves time but also builds a better understanding, making your homework journey a lot smoother.

Create a Timetable

A timetable is your game plan. Allocate time slots to each task based on its complexity and urgency. This structure provides a clear vision, helps in tracking your progress, and ensures that you are on schedule. It's a step closer to mastering the art of time management, a core element in achieving homework success.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into more insightful homework hacks in the following sections aimed to ease your homework routine, offering a lifeline when you're in dire need of homework help.

Designate a Distraction-free Zone

Crafting the right environment is crucial for homework success. Dedicate a spot that's not only free from distractions like noise or visual clutter, but also inviting and comfortable. Ensure you have a comfy chair, a table at the right height, and enough room to spread your resources. Personalize your space with elements that make it enjoyable to be at—be it a plant, some soft music, or pictures that inspire you. This homework hack goes beyond just limiting distractions—it's about creating a space where your mind can focus and flourish.

Limit Technology Usage

It's easy to lose track of time browsing social media or responding to messages. Create a tech-free bubble during your homework time. Keep your phone, tablet, or other distractions in another room. If you need a device for your work, consider using apps that block distractions.

Team Up With a Study Buddy

Companionship can make the daunting homework journey enjoyable. A study buddy brings a different perspective, and together you can divide tasks, discuss concepts, and keep each other on track. It's a blend of social interaction and productivity. Platforms like Tutorpeers offer a fantastic avenue to connect with peers for one-on-one tutoring sessions. Whether it's homework assignments or exam prep, having a study buddy from Tutorpeers can significantly enrich your learning experience. Ready to elevate your homework game? Sign up as a learner on Tutorpeers and discover a community ready to support your academic journey!

Take Scheduled Breaks

Continuous study sessions can lead to burnout, hampering productivity. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, can be effective. However, everyone's rhythm is different. Some might find longer work intervals of 2 hours with a 15 to 20-minute break more suitable. The key is to find a rhythm that keeps you refreshed and focused. Tailoring your break schedule to what suits you best can significantly enhance your concentration and efficiency, making the homework routine more sustainable and less stressful.

Reward Your Progress

Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator. Set up a reward system to celebrate small and big wins alike. Finished a challenging assignment? Treat yourself to a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. Maintained a consistent homework routine for a month? Maybe it's time to discuss that iPhone 15 reward with your parents. By associating rewards with accomplishments, you create a motivating cycle that makes tackling homework a more enticing endeavor. This cycle of work and reward fosters a positive attitude towards homework, steering you towards a path of homework success.

Prioritize and Chunk Your Tasks

Start by listing all your assignments and categorize them based on their due dates and importance. Tackle the most urgent and challenging tasks first. This approach not only helps you meet deadlines but also allows you to focus on complex tasks while your energy levels are high.

Once you've prioritized your assignments, break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. For example, if you have a 10-page essay to write, aim to complete two pages a day instead of cramming it all into one night. This method makes the work less daunting and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you tick off each mini-goal.

By combining prioritization with task chunking, you'll find that your homework becomes much more manageable. You'll reduce stress, improve your focus, and, most importantly, you'll get your homework done more efficiently.

Conclusion:

The voyage through piles of homework need not be solitary or dreary. Armed with these 10 insightful tips, navigating through the homework landscape can be a more organized, less stressful endeavor. Implementing these strategies can usher in a transformative approach towards homework, morphing it from a dreaded task to a manageable, even enjoyable endeavor. Embrace these hacks, seek homework help when needed, and stride confidently on the path of academic success. Your journey towards achieving homework success just got a lot smoother!

Q: How can I enjoy doing homework?

A: To enjoy doing homework, try to make it more engaging. Use colorful notes, listen to calming music, or turn it into a game. The key is to find what makes the task enjoyable for you.

Q: What's the best time of day to do homework for maximum efficiency?

A: The best time to do homework varies from person to person. Some people are more productive in the morning, while others find their focus in the evening. Experiment to find your peak productivity hours.

Q: How long does it take to receive scores?

A: The time it takes to receive scores can vary depending on the type of assignment and the grading process. For most regular homework assignments, you can expect feedback within a week.

Q: Is multitasking an effective way to get homework done faster?

A: Multitasking might seem like a good idea, but it often leads to decreased focus and quality. It's generally more effective to concentrate on one task at a time.

Q: How can I minimize distractions while doing homework?

A: To minimize distractions, create a dedicated, clutter-free workspace. Use apps or techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to manage your time and take short, scheduled breaks to recharge.

Share with friends

You may also like.

SAT Exam Dates 2023: Complete Guide

Looking to take the SAT exam in 2023? Look no further than our comprehensive guide, which includes everything you need to know about the exam, including its history, format, and sections. And get the inside scoop on registration deadlines and tips for choosing the best exam date.

Ensuring Repeat Bookings: A Tutorpeers Tutor's Guide

Master the art of tutoring on Tutorpeers with key strategies for success. From the critical first impression in introductory sessions to maintaining professionalism and a structured approach, this article offers actionable tips for tutors aiming for repeat bookings.

Plan a Sequence of Sessions for Your Learner

Plan your tutoring sessions with precision! Utilize Tutorpeers' new Chat feature to communicate and structure a sequence that maximizes learning, tailoring each session to your learner's needs.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Cookie Policy

• What's New: AI Travel Planning
• The Rundown: iPhone 16 Launch Event

6 of Our Favorite Homework Apps to Help Students (and Parents)

Tools to assist with various subjects, creating flash cards, and keeping track of assignments

• New York Institute of Technology
• The Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls

Getting homework done can be difficult. When your child needs extra help, there are apps to make the process easier. These solutions help both students and parents succeed all school year.

  If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The apps in this article are free to download, and some may include in-app purchases .

Easy to use with over 40 languages to learn.

ESL courses to strengthen English skills.

The interface can be clunky at times.

It has a limited vocabulary.

This popular language-learning app sits at the top of both the iOS and Android app stores as an excellent solution to strengthen foreign language skills. Whether your child wants to learn outside of their curriculum or wishes to practice what they learned in class, Duolingo is an excellent addition to any digital device.

With over forty languages to choose, your child can practice German, Italian, Spanish, French, or dozens of other languages. If your student is currently enrolled in ESL courses, they can strengthen their English skills from the bottom-up.

Unlike other language learning solutions that focus on memorizing vocabulary, Duolingo uses a combination of reading, writing, and speaking exercises to create a more natural learning experience.

Download For :

It's great for helping math students who fall behind.

2D graph plotting and quick calculations.

It's somewhat limited depth.

Doesn't provide much about why an answer is incorrect.

Mathematics can be one of the most challenging courses for students, with complicated steps that are quickly forgotten after a long school day.

Especially challenging is that many parents struggle to help their children with subject matter that they haven't been acquainted with for years. Photomath is an excellent solution for struggling mathematicians.

Children can scan complex or simple math problems, learning how to solve them with step-by-step instructions. A built-in calculator improves the experience, allowing for smart, on-the-fly calculations and 2D graph plotting abilities. Linear equations, logarithms, trigonometry, functions, and basic algebraic expressions are only a few of Photomath's vast capabilities.

Great music learning app.

Tools for learning and practicing instruments.

Voice-overs and instructional design.

Lacks human touch helpful when learning instruments.

One school subject that is sadly overlooked is music. If your child is trying to learn a musical instrument and struggling, consider investing in Yousician. This app allows students to practice guitar, bass, piano, or ukulele.

Students can practice their instruments along with the charts and diagrams that display on the screen. They'll receive real-time feedback when they miss a note or fall out of tune. Included step-by-step video tutorials are available to show your child how to be proficient in a specific skill set.

Practicing an instrument has never seemed so natural. With different genres of music available, your child can quickly sort out their favorites.

Khan Academy

Kindergarten math to AP physics.

Thousands of interactive exercises.

Lacks room for creativity or alternative teaching styles.

Not a lot of opportunities for collaboration.

Ready to increase your knowledge in math, science, computing, history, economics, and more? Whether as an educational tool for your child, or an extra app for a parent to enjoy in their free time, Khan Academy offers solutions for all ages and skill ranges.

The Khan Academy app offers thousands of interactive exercises to strengthen old or new skills. Children can practice anything from kindergarten mathematics to advanced placement physics. Quickly access a collection of portable courses on-the-go or on your computer.

Additionally, you can download content for offline study so that you have access to it no matter where you are. Parents wishing to learn something new can jump into advanced high school courses or enjoy courses on entrepreneurship and career-building.

Quizlet Flashcards

Digital flashcard platform suitable for all ages.

The focus on memorization is ideal for studying.

The ad-supported platform may be distracting.

User-generated content means some inaccuracies possible.

While flashcards can be an excellent method for analyzing new material, they use a large amount of paper that is eventually thrown in the trash. With Quizlet Flashcards, your children can learn new topics from existing or self-created sets while also saving trees.

Quizlet digital flashcards allow students of all ages to practice and excel at various topics using their smartphones. In addition to basic flashcards, Quizlet offers multiple modes to encourage different methods of memorization.

If your child attends the same class as another student using Quizlet, the two can share flashcards. Those who use the app to study foreign languages can hear keywords spoken to them in 16 languages.

PowerSchool

Parents/guardians can monitor child's education.

Access to handouts, attendance records, etc.

Complicated interface.

Steep learning curve.

Here's an app that both children and parents can enjoy: PowerSchool Mobile. Many school districts use the PowerSchool system to manage grades and reports. If your child's school is a participant, you can use the mobile app to keep a close eye on your child's educational progress.

While not every school offers support for the PowerSchool Mobile application, it is worth checking with your child's teacher to see if the option is available. Depending on how a teacher chooses to use the tool in their classroom, you may also have access to handouts, attendance records, school bulletins, and more.

In addition to keeping up with teacher-provided classroom documents and updates, parents can manage what push and email notifications they receive from the child's school. This simple mobile app can help parents become more involved and aware of their children's school performance.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• 10 of Our Favorite Apps for High-Schoolers
• The 21 Best Educational YouTube Channels for Kids
• 7 Free Back-to-School Apps for Students
• The 20 Best Free Learning Websites for Kids in 2024
• How to Use Facebook's Messenger Kids App
• Our 8 Favorite Parental Control Apps and Services of 2024
• Back to School: Laptops, Smartphones, & Books, Oh My!
• How to Keep Track of Your Kids With Geofences
• Google Family Link: What It Is and How to Use It
• How to Use Samsung Parental Controls
• Minecraft Safety Tips for Parents of Minecrafters
• How to Set up an iPhone or iPod Touch for Kids
• Google Parental Controls: How to Make Google Safer for Your Kids
• How to Get a Microsoft Store Student Discount
• How to Use Amazon Kids+
• Best Free Family Feud PowerPoint Templates

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

• Skip to Nav
• Skip to Main
• Skip to Footer

• Saved Articles
• Newsletters

How to Create Effective Homework

Please try again

Based on a recent spate of articles on homework, it’s clear that the homework wars -- how much? how often? -- are still topic of big interest to both parents and teachers. Some teachers hate to give homework; others see it as a vital necessity. But according to some research presented by Annie Murphy Paul, the question isn’t how much, but whether the homework teachers do give actually advances learning.

“A recent study, published in the Economics of Education Review,” Paul wrote in “How Can We Make Homework Worthwhile?” , “reports that homework in science, English and history has ‘little to no impact’ on student test scores. (The authors did note a positive effect for math homework.) Enriching children’s classroom learning requires making homework not shorter or longer, but smarter.” Paul goes on to describe specific practices, like spaced repetition (in which information is presented and repeated spaced out over time), retrieval practice (testing or quizzing not for assessment, but to reinforce material learned), and cognitive disfluency (“desirable difficulties” used to make learning stick) -- all memory/retrieval techniques that may help homework move beyond busy work and advance real learning.

But to get those elements to work, said Fires in the Mind author and speaker Kathleen Cushman, students must be motivated to do their homework in the first place. One example Cushman gave was creating a project so interesting and involved, students naturally wanted to keep working on it after the bell rang. She pointed to a chapter in the book where she describes a particular motivation for some high school students she interviewed, under the heading “Homework We Actually Want to Do”:

“Christina and Nicholas both remembered a global studies unit on the French Revolution in which students acted out a courtroom trial of the king and queen. The project brought even routine homework assignments to life, they said.

“I was the queen. So of course I wanted to do my homework all the time, so I could know the facts of what happened and what didn’t happen, know what I wanted to say when someone tried to say I did this or that thing. I could say, ‘Oh no, I didn’t!’ - because I’d read my homework,” said Christina.

Christina was using a form of retrieval practice -- but because it was so much fun to be the queen, she only knew she wanted to stay in character. The queen had to study the information to get it right.

Another way teachers can take a good, hard look at homework practices, said Cushman, is to ask themselves a few vital questions: “Does this homework ask each student to practice something that the student hasn’t yet mastered? Does the student clearly see its purpose? When students are asked to repeat or rehearse something, does it require them to focus? Or can they do it without really paying attention?” If the homework meets these criteria, she said, then it falls into the desirable realm of “deliberate practice .”

Dan Bisaccio, former high school science teacher and now Director of Science Education at Brown University, said that after years of experience giving homework to high school students, he now “preaches” to his future teachers: “Homework should be practice and extensions of what happens in class and should not be ‘new learning,’” he said. “That is, students [shouldn’t be] having to teach themselves new content or skills.”

He said he agreed with Cushman that motivation is key, and tried to design homework that kept students interested. “Teachers need to clue into what motivates their students, giving them something that they really want to complete, and complete well.” One assignment Bisaccio used, called an “Experience Map,” asked students to create a map of their experiences after a field study or other important project - a technique employing both retrieval practice and the somewhat trickier interleaving, a “desirable difficulty” in which problems of different types are presented in one assignment, making students think harder to come up with solutions and answers.

“We ‘map’ mentally and physically each day. It helps to keep us orientated through our frenzied sun-up to sun-down daily experiences,” reads the assignment. Directions are to draw a field experience map, including -- with regard to the class -- where students have been, what they have done, new challenges, and insights. Special suggestions for drawing include “a place of danger, a favorite place, a place of power, a place with a secret.” Students are also called upon to map the places where they learned the most, where they were challenged the most, and where the funniest experience happened.

In addition, Bisaccio asked students to write what had challenged them most as a learner, what had stretched their limits most -- meant to be reflections just for students themselves, and asked to be kept on the back of the map. “What they wrote on the back was not shared with others,” he said. Once the assignment was completed, maps were posted to form a class atlas of what they had learned.

All the examples included here, however, are examples of homework in a traditional classroom. What about homework in a flipped classroom , where the lectures, usually videos, are the homework? A recent New York Times article on flipped classrooms may provide insight into flipping homework on its head, too: it quoted high school senior Luwayne Harris, saying, “Whenever I had a problem on the homework, I couldn’t do anything about it at home. Now if I have a problem with a video, I can just rewind and watch it over and over again.”

Teacher's Page

Inspire your class, read our suggestions!

Colorable Number Chart

Last Updated 19 Apr 2024

Helping people learn for 24 Years

Started 19th April 2000 See Recent Additions

Times Tables

Print out The Times Tables and stick them in your exercise book.

Test Your Tables with an interactive quiz.

Play with the Properties of the equation of a straight line

Visit the Math is Fun Forum

Math Tools :: Math Links Mathematics is commonly called Math in the US and Maths in the UK.

• This Day In History
• History Classics
• HISTORY Podcasts
• HISTORY Vault
• Link HISTORY on facebook
• Link HISTORY on twitter
• Link HISTORY on youtube
• Link HISTORY on instagram
• Link HISTORY on tiktok

HISTORY at Home Lessons & Activities

HISTORY at Home is a free video series of brief history lessons designed to teach, inspire and motivate. Check here Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings to see what new presenters can teach you about history, and be sure to download our “lesson plan” worksheets to test your knowledge after watching each video. Share your answers on our social media channels with #historyathome

Dan Abrams is the CEO and Founder of Abrams Media, Chief Legal Affairs Anchor for ABC News, and the host of top-rated cable series “Live PD “ and the new hit series, “Court Cam,” on A&E Network.

Dan Abrams: How Teddy Roosevelt Inspired the Teddy Bear

Garry Adelman

Award-winning author, speaker, battlefield guide and vice president of the Center for Civil War Photography, Garry Adelman is Chief Historian at the American Battlefield Trust .

Ulysses S. Grant, the Unlikely Hero

Civil War Photography Was Ahead of Its Time

Using fictional metaphor (like zombie lore) and historical events to facilitate discourse around large-scale problem-solving, Brooks explores new ways to attack old problems as well as new concerns.

The History of Hand Washing

How Joseph Lister Cleaned Up the Infectious World of Surgery

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence J. Fishburne III has achieved an impressive body of work as an actor, producer and director. Fishburne’s versatile acting has won him awards in theatre, film and television.

How Frederick Douglass Inspired the Civil Rights Movement

Kevin Frazier

As co-host of four-time Emmy Award-winning show Entertainment Tonight , Kevin Frazier continues to impact the entertainment industry as a multi-faceted journalist, producer and entrepreneur.

Kevin Frazier: How the Buffalo Soldiers Helped 'Win the West'

"The History Guy" Lance Geiger

Lance has always loved history—a passion he got from his mother, who emphasized education, and his father, who liked John Wayne movies. He now follows his passion of telling stories from our forgotten history.

The History of Toilet Paper

Hospital Ships: A History of Service

How An African Slave Helped Save Generations from Smallpox

Barnstorming Aviator Bessie Coleman

Macey Hensley

Macey Hensley started learning about the U.S. Presidents at the age of 2. After appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show for the first time at 5 years old, she was deemed Ellen’s “Presidential Expert”.

President Zachary Taylor, AKA 'Rough and Ready'

All About President Ulysses S. Grant

All About President Martin Van Buren

Billie Jean King

One of Life Magazine's “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Billie Jean King is the founder of the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative.

Althea Gibson, the 'Jackie Robinson of Tennis'

Padma Lakshmi

Emmy-nominated Padma Lakshmi is internationally known as a food expert, model, actress and best-selling author, as well as the recipient of Variety’s Karma Award and the NECO Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

How Florence Nightingale Changed Medicine

Brad Meltzer

In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction, Children’s Books and even comic books, for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.

The Secret Plot to Kill Abraham Lincoln

The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington

Brian Unger

Brian Unger is the host of HISTORY's "How the States Got Their Shapes." He’s best known as a founding correspondent and producer at "The Daily Show" and his role on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

How 'Distancing' was Used to Shape Our States

How Transportation Innovations Helped Shape Our States

John Bukaty

John Bukaty was born and raised in Kansas City, Mo. The son of an NFL player and a stay-at-home mom, he grew up drawing, in mud at first, and then with paper and pencil.

Get Instant Access to Free Updates

Don’t Miss Out on HISTORY news, behind the scenes content, and more.

• Privacy Notice
• Terms of Use

Need help with the site?

Create a profile to add this show to your list.

This site uses various technologies, as described in our Privacy Policy, for personalization, measuring website use/performance, and targeted advertising, which may include storing and sharing information about your site visit with third parties. By continuing to use this website you consent to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Enter your email to unlock an extra $25 off an sat or act program, by submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., 8 easy ways to finish your homework faster.

How many times have you found yourself still staring at your textbook around midnight (or later!) even when you started your homework hours earlier? Those lost hours could be explained by Parkinson’s Law, which states, “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, if you give yourself all night to memorize those geometry formulas for your quiz tomorrow, you’ll inevitably find that a 30 minute task has somehow filled your entire evening.

We know that you have more homework than ever. But even with lots and lots to do, a few tweaks to your study routine could help you spend less time getting more accomplished. Here are 8 steps to make Parkinson’s Law work to your advantage:

1. Make a list

This should be a list of everything that has to be done that evening. And we mean, everything—from re-reading notes from this morning’s history class to quizzing yourself on Spanish vocabulary.

2. Estimate the time needed for each item on your list

You can be a little ruthless here. However long you think a task will take, try shaving off 5 or 10 minutes. But, be realistic. You won’t magically become a speed reader.

Free SAT Practice Tests & Events

Evaluate and improve your SAT score.

3. Gather all your gear

Collect EVERYTHING you will need for the homework you are working on (like your laptop for writing assignments and pencils for problem sets). Getting up for supplies takes you off course and makes it that much harder to get back to your homework.

The constant blings and beeps from your devices can make it impossible to focus on what you are working on. Switch off or silence your phones and tablets, or leave them in another room until it’s time to take a tech break.

Read More: How to Calculate Your GPA

5. Time yourself

Noting how much time something actually takes will help you estimate better and plan your next study session.

6. Stay on task

If you’re fact checking online, it can be so easy to surf on over to a completely unrelated site. A better strategy is to note what information you need to find online, and do it all at once at the end of the study session.

7. Take plenty of breaks

Most of us need a break between subjects or to break up long stretches of studying. Active breaks are a great way to keep your energy up. Tech breaks can be an awesome way to combat the fear of missing out that might strike while you are buried in your work, but they also tend to stretch much longer than originally intended. Stick to a break schedule of 10 minutes or so.

8. Reward yourself! 

Finish early? If you had allocated 30 minutes for reading a biology chapter and it only took 20, you can apply those extra 10 minutes to a short break—or just move on to your next task. If you stay on track, you might breeze through your work quickly enough to catch up on some Netflix.

Our best piece of advice? Keep at it. The more you use this system, the easier it will become. You’ll be surprised by how much time you can shave off homework just by focusing and committing to a distraction-free study plan.

Stuck on homework?

Try an online tutoring session with one of our experts, and get homework help in 40+ subjects.

Try a Free Session

Explore Colleges For You

Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.

Career Quiz

Take our short quiz to learn which is the right career for you.

Get Started on Athletic Scholarships & Recruiting!

Join athletes who were discovered, recruited & often received scholarships after connecting with NCSA's 42,000 strong network of coaches.

Best 389 Colleges

165,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.

SAT Prep Courses

1400+ course, act prep courses, free sat practice test & events,  1-800-2review, free digital sat prep try our self-paced plus program - for free, get a 14 day trial.

Free MCAT Practice Test

I already know my score.

MCAT Self-Paced 14-Day Free Trial

Enrollment Advisor

1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 1

1-877-LEARN-30

Mon-Fri 9AM-10PM ET

Sat-Sun 9AM-8PM ET

Student Support

1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 2

Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM ET

Sat-Sun 8:30AM-5PM ET

Partnerships

• Teach or Tutor for Us

College Readiness

International

Advertising

Affiliate/Other

• Enrollment Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility
• Cigna Medical Transparency in Coverage

Register Book

Local Offices: Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM

• SAT Subject Tests

Academic Subjects

• Social Studies

Find the Right College

• College Rankings
• College Advice
• Applying to College
• Financial Aid

School & District Partnerships

• Professional Development
• Advice Articles
• Private Tutoring
• Mobile Apps
• International Offices
• Work for Us
• Affiliate Program
• Partner with Us
• Advertise with Us
• International Partnerships
• Our Guarantees
• Accessibility – Canada

Privacy Policy | CA Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information | Your Opt-Out Rights | Terms of Use | Site Map

©2024 TPR Education IP Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University

TPR Education, LLC (doing business as “The Princeton Review”) is controlled by Primavera Holdings Limited, a firm owned by Chinese nationals with a principal place of business in Hong Kong, China.

Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

A complete, free online christian homeschool curriculum for your family and mine, complete, all free curriculum.

Easy Peasy helps enable families to homeschool who thought they couldn’t because of a lack of time, money, or know-how. Others join EP just because it’s easy and fun and they’re confident of the quality of education. We seek to free families from the burden of pursuing the “perfect” and encourages them to let it be “enough.” Each family and each child is different and we want to encourage your family to be who you were created to be.

Find our quick start guide at this link.

In 2011, I (Lee Giles) began putting my children’s assignments online so that they could work independently and so that I had the assignments saved for their younger siblings. I also wrote it from the beginning to be able to be used by other families. EP grade levels and individual courses include 180 days of homeschool lessons and assignments. It covers reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, math, history/social studies/geography, science, Spanish, Bible, computer, music, art, PE/health, and logic. It uses only free materials found on the internet.

This site holds preschool, kindergarten, and first through eighth. We have a separate high school site . Choosing a level (on My EP ) will set reading, language arts, math, computer and logic, any of which can be switched to a more appropriate level without affecting the others. Choosing a theme enables all of your children to study the same topic at the same time. The themes are based around the history courses of ancient history, early American history, geography and cultures, and modern history. Music and art are part of these themes and science is set to what would typically be studied at the same time.

You choose the courses. Set it and forget it. Then your child just clicks on the assignment box for each course (found on My EP ) and does their assignment. It will track what lesson they are on and their days. It does not save any other information. We do not keep any records of your students. It’s just an aid for you.

And yes, it’s all free . You’ll need paper, pencil, etc. and some minor supplies if you choose to do the experiments and art projects, but all of the reading materials, etc. are all free and online. We do offer offline courses for math, reading, and language arts, which you can find in our store . In the store you can also find workbooks of Printables, the worksheets used in the online courses so that you don’t have to print. There is a suggested donation for using My EP if you so choose.

My hope is to enable families to continue homeschooling no matter their life circumstances. A sister site, All-in-One High School , holds the high school courses.

You can read my responses to the questions “Is it enough?” and “How can this be free?” .

You can read more about the curriculum on the  About  and  Overview  pages. You can also see if your questions have been answered on the FAQ page.

Note: EP is not an online school. We are a homeschool resource. Your home is the school! You are the administrator. We’re just here to help you on your way.

See what’s new on the site.

New September Study

I have opened the link to the latest September Study. This year’s theme is Abiding. The study is 30 days going through John 14 and 15. I have gone through it with my family. I usually recommend middle school and up for independent learners and to do it together if you want to use it with younger students.

September Studies

September Studies are month-long themed Bible studies. You can find the past ones at the link above. You can use them on My EP if you like. On the Settings page, you’ll find it in the Bible course block toward the very end of the list. You can get an addition Bible block from the Extras page if you need it. Parents, feel free to make yourself a student block and use any of our Bible studies or something like Hebrew.

Site Maintenance

Around the 4th of July is typically when we do any bigger changes on the site. In response to the trouble we had with one of our servers a few weeks ago, we are moving our store, placement test, and Brain Blast (vocabulary and spelling activities) to a new server. That will come with some temporary outages hopefully all just over the weekend and you’ll never notice! For some of you, it may take longer for cache things to clear out and let through the new info. If you are having trouble on Monday accessing those things, you could try resetting your router (turn it off and on).

This week there will be a couple of other changes. I’ll be deleting off the site a couple of our old courses that no one should be using. A couple of courses are moving from the main settings page to the “extras” page as they have been replaced and are being phased out. People using those courses have had a note on their course about that. You’ll be able to continue those if you are still using them, but no one should be starting with those courses. They will be labeled OLD.

EP a Financially Smart Move :)

I was contacted by someone working for badcredit.org. They were writing an article on Easy Peasy. EP has been mentioned in news articles outside the homeschool universe before, but this is the first time that I know of that an article has been dedicated to EP. I thought it was neat that EP is going out to a new audience. You can do a favor and just click on the link to help boost its searchability to help people find the article.

I had a lovely conversation with my interviewer for the article. I learned he grew up going to Catholic school and was interested in the idea of a cheaper alternative for religious education. Part of the conversation made it into the article, which was written by another man than the one I talked to. It’s a different article than I would have written, but it’s interesting to me what was interesting to them, what was pulled out and included.

Easy Peasy article on BadCredit.org

Great is the lord and greatly to be praised.

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. Psalm 145:3-4

How are you declaring the works of the Lord to the next generation? Do your children know your testimony? Do they know how the Lord has changed your life? Do they know how the Lord has answered your prayers? Yes, read the Bible stories to your children. Hey, act them out. Draw pictures. Make a puppet show. I’ve been having my kids each tell a Bible story after dinner as way to work on Scripture memory, though we don’t worry about getting it exactly right. They are stories of the works of the Lord, of His mighty acts, of His unsearchable greatness.

But our family also has a miracle wall (pictured above). We’ve posted notes and mementos that mark miracles we’ve experienced and awesome answers to prayers. They range from our daughter’s free art lessons, to healings, to provisions of money, to protection from lice, and even an evaluator to sign our homeschool paperwork! Our kids know how the Lord has helped us along the way. They know the Lord delivered me from all things streaming and how much I love God’s word. They see (or hear) me singing (and maybe a little dancing) and clapping the tambourine most every night. 🙂

Declare the mighty acts of the Lord! Praise God! Let your children know how great our great God is!

Love Your Children

Titus 2:4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children.

I turned 47 this year. Three of my children are now adults. Does that mean I can count myself an older woman? Because I want to teach you younger women something. Love your husbands. Love your children.

Here are our definitions of love from 1 Corinthians 13.

Love is patient. What does patience with your child look like on you? (and with your husband if you are married)

Love is kind. What does kindness look like and sound like when you interact with your family?

Love is not jealous. Can you spot any places where jealousy lurks?

Love is not boastful or proud. Love isn’t happy to be proved right.

Love is not rude. (Hint: Instead, it is meek and gentle.)

Love does not demand its own way. Consider the interests of others in the decision.

Love is not irritable. What does that mean when you are talking with your family?

Love keeps no record of wrongs done. Neither your husband nor your children owe you anything. Love is selfless. It’s not about you. Jesus paid your debt on the cross and theirs too. If you want your debt wiped out by the blood of Jesus (and you do), then you need to count everyone else’s debt wiped out as well!

Love never gives up. Where have you been tempted to give up?

Love never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. How can you do that? Give thanks. Praise. Remember your good and perfect God is still and will always be good and perfect. Trust Him and rejoice.

No Series: Efficient & Meaningful Homework Review

• Share social media

Efficient & Meaningful Homework Review

Teaching channel requires an active paid subscription to access over 1,600 videos of great teachers at work in their classrooms..

Click Here to register for the Video Library Subscription. Please note, the Teaching Channel Video Library has been upgraded to a new system. This video link is no longer accessible. To access this video, please log into your new Teaching Channel subscription and enter the video title into the search bar.

Attention University Group Students with a paid subscription to Teaching Channel, please check with your administrator or professor for the necessary login credentials

Save to My Resources

Please create a new account or log in to access this content.

Enjoy your first video for free. Subscribe for unlimited access.

Have questions about subscribing?

Click Here to learn more about individual subscriptions. Click Here to learn more about School and Institution access.

Discussion and Supporting Materials

• Supporting Materials

Thought starters

• What are the advantages of using this homework routine?
• How does this process encourage student accountability?
• Notice how the use of small groups increases both the efficiency and effectiveness of reviewing homework.?

24 Comments

Maria Gonzalez ... Nov 17, 2020 10:51pm

I really enjoyed the video and how you have the student do peer homework. I agree with this video it does teach the students to be accountable and responsible but they also learn new ways that they might find easy or less complex to get the correct answers. although my questions what would you do to prevent from students not doing the homework routine? 

Cheryl Tomlin Jul 5, 2020 5:14pm

This sounds like a great strategy for making homework more meaningful and helpful in learning and retaining the skills practiced. Question: How do you prevent students from not doing their homework, and using the time in class when they are supposed to be reviewing their answers to copy from their classmates? We have a huge cheating problem at my high school, so I'd love to hear some ideas! 

Andre Clark Sep 25, 2017 4:59pm

Bryce Jensen May 5, 2017 1:19am

• Transcript: Efficient & Meaningful Homework Review

Transcripts

Interviewer: Okay, so you have your homework out from last night?

Interviewee: Yeah.

Interviewer: So please take a few moments to go over it at your tables.

Every time they come into my class, they come in the same way. That is, they come in, they write down the homework, and they take out last night’s homework and begin to compare their work. They look over their homework so they’re comparing answers, and if there’s ever a disagreement, then they work together to come to an agreement if there is one right answer. If not, they’re just sharing their strategies. Then, after a few minutes of doing that, I’ll take questions, any outstanding questions that they may have.

Interviewee: You could’ve picked whichever of them make, takes or adds.

Interviewer: Or adds, exactly. That’s how I started by saying that there is more than one answer.

For the most part, they tend to resolve things in their group, but often there are questions at the end, and so I’ll take those as a whole class. It makes the homework meaningful and not just “Something I have to do every night and my teacher collects and does I don’t know what with it.” It keeps them accountable to each other. It also keeps the rest of the class from not having to listen to the one person who has the one question and the other 20 of us have to sit there and listen and watch me go over something they already understand.

[End of Audio 01:21]

School Details

Data Provided By:

Cultivating Independence in a Chemistry ClassroomV1

Picking, Packing, Shipping, and Receiving - Supply Chain Man...

Reviewing for Supply Chain Management Test

November Resource Round-Up: Literacy for Inspiring Young Readers & Writers

English Language Arts

Mindfulness to Calm, Focus, & Learn

Growth Mindset

How Success Criteria Can Motivate Your Students

3 Steps Teachers Can Take to Prioritize Their Mental Health

Professional Learning