MANAGING HOMEWORK EFFECTIVELY AT PRIMARY 6

By Good School Learning Hub

Homework often becomes a daily source of tension in the upper primary years. Parents want homework completed properly, while students feel tired after a long school day and struggle to stay focused. After more than 15 years of working with primary students, I have seen that homework itself is rarely the main issue. More often, it is how homework is approached that determines whether it supports learning or creates unnecessary stress.

Problem:

Many parents find that homework takes longer than expected and often leads to repeated reminders or arguments. Some students rush through their work to “get it over with,” while others drag it out, becoming distracted or frustrated. Parents worry that unfinished or poorly done homework will affect understanding and results, especially as expectations increase in the later primary years. This creates a cycle where homework becomes stressful rather than productive.

Details:

In the upper primary years, homework serves several purposes at once: reinforcing concepts, building responsibility, and developing independent learning habits. What we see year after year is that students struggle when homework feels endless or unclear. Fatigue after school, difficulty with certain topics, and fear of making mistakes all affect how children approach their work. When homework becomes a battleground, learning suffers — not because students are incapable, but because they feel pressured or overwhelmed.

Solutions:

Managing homework effectively starts with clarity and structure. Setting a regular time and quiet space helps children mentally prepare for homework each day. Breaking tasks into smaller parts makes them feel more manageable and reduces avoidance. Parents can support learning by encouraging children to attempt questions independently before stepping in, and by reviewing mistakes calmly rather than correcting everything immediately. When homework is treated as a chance to practise and understand, rather than to perform perfectly, it becomes more meaningful and less stressful.

Alternatives:

Some parents choose to supervise every homework task closely to ensure accuracy, while others leave homework entirely to the child to avoid conflict. Both approaches are understandable. However, constant supervision can limit independence, while no guidance at all may allow misunderstandings to persist. A more balanced approach provides support when needed, while gradually encouraging students to take responsibility for their work and learn from feedback.

Further thoughts:

Homework in the primary years is not meant to test perfection; it is meant to support learning and habit-building. When handled calmly and consistently, homework can become a routine part of the day rather than a source of stress. Parents do not need to control every detail for homework to be effective. With clear expectations, steady support, and patience, homework can help students build confidence, responsibility, and readiness for the demands ahead.