I found a way to get homework done without arguing!

Jonathan was out of school Monday and Tuesday due to illness. On Monday evening, he got most of his work done, but on Tuesday he was starting to balk--his teacher does send home everything he should have done in school, plus the regular homework. So, I asked him how long he thought it would take him to finish the work (it doesn't have to be done that day, but I would rather he stay caught up).

Jonathan: 30 min., mom.
Me: I think you can do it in 10 min.
Jonathan: how about 15 min?

So, I set the timer for 15 min. He chugged away, and got all 4 pages completed with 20 seconds to spare. He was so proud of himself for beating that timer! And he was able to get the work done quickly and easily.

Definately one to use again

 

Good job Sharon! Good job Jonathan!!

I would try that one with my two but I dont' think it would work. Neither seems to care how long it takes them to do it, even if it means they are late for dinner. I might see if I can tweak it a little with Cassie.

 

Cool!

Unfortunately, that would not work for us either. That would just mean sloppy work done as quickly as possible without concentrating on anything but how long it is taking.

 

That is an idea that I'm going to remember. I have a sneaking suspicion that will be what is needed to keep Timothy going sometimes.

Marissa

 

QUOTE(ehm @ Apr 1 2009, 04:22 PM) [snapback]1254699[/snapback]
Cool!

Unfortunately, that would not work for us either. That would just mean sloppy work done as quickly as possible without concentrating on anything but how long it is taking.



Fortunately, he didn't have that problem. But, it could be that his teacher does random handwriting grades, so he never knows what paper will be graded for handwriting

 

Jackson's third grade teacher used time limits as an incentive for him to keep up with work in class. The results were great!

 

So glad you found something that works. Unfortunately, we deal with sloppy handwriting here and like some of the others, would probably have to go and do it all over again, lol.

 

Yup, one of my children does some of their homework before I get home from work. After dinner I go through and erase anything that is not in their neatest handwriting. Even then we still have some handwriting issues, if there was a time limit. Yikes!!

 

BTW, we did it again yesterday. The timer was set for 10 min, his work was done in under 4. Not because he rushed through, but because that was all he needed. I do make sure the time on the timer is more than he needs.

 

QUOTE
After dinner I go through and erase anything that is not in their neatest handwriting.


I used to do that, too, with Jackson, from 1st-4th grade. I made him rewrite things, practice on tracing worksheets, write sentences over and over, etc. It was all for nothing. He's in 5th grade now and his handwriting is as atrocious as ever. His last two teachers haven't marked off for neatness, so he just doesn't care. He CAN write and print very neatly when he takes the time, but he doesn't want to take the time. I hope he learns how to type well, because his handwriting is not going to cut it.

Sharon, I'm glad the timer is working so well for you!

 

It does seem to be helping us, I don't have to erase quite soo much lately and the most recent report card showed improvement so I am holding out a little hope lol. Now the issue is not bearing down enough on the paper with the pencil so the words can actually be seen. Always something right?

 

ehm, try making sure you use #2 pencils, the boring yellow ones. The "fun" pencils tend to have softer lead, and write lighter. The "boring" ones will naturally write darker--the reason they are used on good old fashioned scan trons

 

QUOTE
I used to do that, too, with Jackson, from 1st-4th grade. I made him rewrite things, practice on tracing worksheets, write sentences over and over, etc. It was all for nothing. He's in 5th grade now and his handwriting is as atrocious as ever. His last two teachers haven't marked off for neatness, so he just doesn't care. He CAN write and print very neatly when he takes the time, but he doesn't want to take the time. I hope he learns how to type well, because his handwriting is not going to cut it.

Sharon, I'm glad the timer is working so well for you!


Sorry to go OT a bit but I remember the days in my primary school where the teacher's made me rewrite sentences numerous times due to my handwriting and you know what? I still can't write 'prettily' :lol: I do work neatly though but unfortunately few people manage to read my scribbles :blush: In my case I just think I got my dad's handwriting skills/genes and I was doomed from the start!

Sharon I think it's a good method and can definitely see how it can work with many children but as all methods there are some children that it won't work well with. What is great is that you found something that works well for your son! Always fun to discover those handy tricks with your own children

 

I like the negotiating at the outset. Very cute and astute of him!

 

:laughing: Ryan LOVE to be timed. WE do that not just for homework but chores too!

 

Sharon, I'm glad the timer is working for you guys, that's great!! I wish something like that would work for us, but I know it won't. Most of the time the boys finish their homework at the Monster Club, occasionally one of them will have a little bit more to do, usually Michael. He can't go outside and play with Isiah and their friends until it's done so using a timer isn't going to help us. He usually sits there and pouts for a few mins with me telling him the longer it takes him to finish, the longer it'll be before he gets to go outside and the less time he'll have outside. That boy can give every excuse in the book and milk a sad situation for all it's worth...TOTAL DRAMA KING!! LOL

 

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I hope he learns how to type well, because his handwriting is not going to cut it.


hmmm, maybe he'll be a doctor, he'll fit 'write' in with them!