Q&A for How to Do Homework

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  • Question
    How can I make doing homework for enjoyable?
    Ronitte Libedinsky, MS
    Academic Tutor
    Ronitte Libedinsky is an Academic Tutor and the Founder of Brighter Minds SF, a San Francisco, California based company that provides one-on-one and small group tutoring. Specializing in tutoring mathematics (pre-algebra, algebra I/II, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus) and science (chemistry, biology), Ronitte has over 10 years of experience tutoring to middle school, high school, and college students. She also tutors in SSAT, Terra Nova, HSPT, SAT, and ACT test prep. Ronitte holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MS in Chemistry from Tel Aviv University.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Homework usually isn't very fun on its own, but you can give yourself rewards to make it more enjoyable. So, for example, telling yourself that once you're finished you can binge your favorite show or go get ice cream. That will help propel you forward.
  • Question
    How can I keep track of my homework?
    Ronitte Libedinsky, MS
    Academic Tutor
    Ronitte Libedinsky is an Academic Tutor and the Founder of Brighter Minds SF, a San Francisco, California based company that provides one-on-one and small group tutoring. Specializing in tutoring mathematics (pre-algebra, algebra I/II, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus) and science (chemistry, biology), Ronitte has over 10 years of experience tutoring to middle school, high school, and college students. She also tutors in SSAT, Terra Nova, HSPT, SAT, and ACT test prep. Ronitte holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MS in Chemistry from Tel Aviv University.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    My best advice for that is to keep a calendar, whether it's a paper calendar, a Google Calendar, or a calendar app on your phone. As soon as you get assignments from class, you can add everything to the calendar so you don't forget.
  • Question
    What can I do when I get stuck?
    Community Answer
    Take 3 to 4 minutes rest; get up and walk around or drink some water and then wash your face. Then sit down again and start off by the question asked just as you got stumped and write down some of the key points you know about the topic. Then, with a clear mind, you try doing it again. You can ask friends too.
  • Question
    How do I motivate myself to do homework?
    Community Answer
    Think of your final goal. For example, if you wanted to become a cardiologist, think about having your own office, treating and helping your patients and other people, doing charity, and (the selfish reason) spending the money. Make a goal but it doesn't have to be long-term; the goal can be as simple as you get chocolate when you finish your math homework. What matters is having the goal in mind to keep you motivated.
  • Question
    How can I do my homework more quickly?
    Community Answer
    By understanding what you are supposed to do. Once you understand it, it will be easier and you will be done in no time.
  • Question
    How can I do a homework assignment that is really long?
    Community Answer
    Take 5-10 minute breaks every 45 minutes or so. If you have a long report or reading assignment, break it up into easier to manage sections and just take one section at a time.
  • Question
    How do I stay focused if I get distracted easily?
    Community Answer
    Try going some place quiet, such as a library. If that does not work, try working in a place where you will get some background noise, such as a cafe or park. Lastly, remember to give yourself breaks, especially if you will be working for more than two hours. This will allow your mind to refresh itself, and help it stay focused.
  • Question
    How can I become my teacher's favorite student?
    Community Answer
    Complete your homework on time and get good grades. Speak up and answer questions in class. Ask about extra credit. Behave yourself in class and don't get into any trouble.
  • Question
    What should I do if my homework is too hard?
    Community Answer
    Keep trying. You should also seek help. Email a teacher or ask a friend or family member for help on the assignment. If none of those work, then look online for similar problems or videos about the topic to better help you complete your homework. Tell the teacher the following day that you found it too hard, exactly why and ask for help to get through this part.
  • Question
    I am home schooling my 12-year-old daughter (7th grade). How do I give her homework if she can't currently use a computer?
    Community Answer
    Not all homework needs to be done on the computer, but for assignments that require one, you could bring her to the local library.
  • Question
    How can I make time to do my homework?
    Community Answer
    Make a plan for your day that includes time for homework. If you do a lot of different things after school and you travel a lot, then you may find time on the bus or in the car.
  • Question
    My parents rarely care about my difficulties, the teachers don't pay attention to my problems, and I am a loner. Will asking an older brother do?
    FluffyKittens
    Community Answer
    It depends on how helpful your older brother is. If he's a good support, by all means, ask him for help!
  • Question
    I can't focus on homework because I am reading this article. How can I solve this problem?
    Community Answer
    Stop reading this article and go away from your computer (or whatever you are reading this on).
  • Question
    I am afraid of my teacher, what if he gets mad when I make mistakes on my homework?
    Community Answer
    Be cautious and double check your answers before turning anything in. Most likely your teacher will not get angry with you, though he might be disappointed. Even if you're afraid, make sure to ask your teacher if there's anything in the lesson you don't understand, this will make it easier to do your homework.
  • Question
    I get distracted easily, and I don't have access to anyplace quiet at home. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Ask your parents to help you set up a quiet space/time during which you can focus on your homework. If that's simply not possible, ask for help in making arrangements to work in the library or somewhere else you know you could concentrate.
  • Question
    What if I need to use the computer for homework?
    Community Answer
    Use the restrictions on the computer. That way some things that are distractions can't be opened. If worse comes to worse, use someone else's computer.
  • Question
    My parents and teacher are not available to help me with homework. What can I do when I need help?
    Community Answer
    Try to find time during the school day to get help like during lunch or stay behind a few minutes and ask a few questions during class, or look for online support.
  • Question
    What should I do if I'm very tired, but I have lots of homework left?
    Community Answer
    Take a 30 minute nap, eat a snack, and drink some caffeine while doing your homework. Make sure you don't take a nap that's longer than 30 minutes or it will disrupt your sleep schedule. Let your comfy bed be the motivation that drives you.
  • Question
    How can I stop wasting time on random websites when I am on my computer doing homework?
    Community Answer
    Delete all of your history (except your research or homework websites), try to take a break every hour, and if you do find your self searching for something that's not homework related, delete it and get back to doing your homework.
  • Question
    What if the math homework is so long?
    Community Answer
    Long homework can be very tedious, but it won't seem such a drag if you break up your time doing it into smaller chunks. For example, if a math assignment has 20 questions, you could try doing the first ten before taking a break to refresh your mind, then working through the next ten.
  • Question
    What if I have a lot of homework?
    Community Answer
    Break it up into parts so it doesn't feel like so much, then just do one part at a time. Take a five minute break after finishing each part so you don't get exhausted or overwhelmed.
  • Question
    I get distracted by some sites while doing my homework, but I need my computer to do homework. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    If you can, you should block the sites that distract you. Some computers give you the ability to block specific sights for a specific time.
  • Question
    What should I do if I don't know how to do my homework?
    Community Answer
    You could ask your parents, your teacher, or your friends to help you if you don't know what to do.
  • Question
    What can I do if I can't see my teacher the next day?
    Community Answer
    Ask a friend for help, or make a list of questions so you won't forget, and see your teacher whenever you can make the time. Many teachers are willing to meet during recess, lunch, in the morning, etc. so don't be afraid to ask.
  • Question
    I can't have screen time, so what can my carrot be?
    Community Answer
    You could have your favorite snack or start a new book!
  • Question
    What if I just don't want to do it?
    Community Answer
    Try to make it more appealing. Do homework with a friend, if you think you can do this without goofing off, or promise yourself a reward for when you're finished. Most people don't "want" to do homework. It's not fun, but it's important. There will be a lot of things you have to do in your life that you don't want to do, so it's best to just get used to it.
  • Question
    What do I do if I hate homework?
    Community Answer
    You need to stay focused and motivated, and think about the consequences of not doing your homework. You won't learn everything the other students learn, and you'll likely get bad grades.
  • Question
    How can I find someone to help me with my homework?
    Community Answer
    You could ask anyone -- Your parents, older siblings, tutors or maybe even teachers at school.
  • Question
    What if I have no time between my classes?
    Nela Loftin
    Community Answer
    Try to work on it at home, or work on it if you have a free period/ study hall.
  • Question
    Can I seek help?
    Community Answer
    You most certainly can. Peers, tutors, or teachers should be able to provide you with any assistance that you might need.
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