Don’t rush to start homework. When kids get home, our first inclination is often to get the homework out of the way before dinner so that they can relax later. This is a great idea, but sometimes it is not always the most effective in terms of getting homework done. In fact, if they play in the backyard or stop in a park on their way home from school, even for ten minutes, they will be able to complete their homework more efficiently than if they sat right down to do it. Therefore, get their bodies moving a bit and then start homework. This way, their brains will be primed and ready to go.
Encourage brain breaks while studying. Schools have been increasingly incorporating “brain breaks” into the day in which the teacher will have the class stretch by their desks, do some jumping jacks, stroll around the room, and then sit back down to do more effective learning. This can also work at home when your child is studying for a big test. Encourage him to take a “brain break” and run around the block or ride his bike for five minutes. That will not only give him renewed energy but will also help the information he is studying stick in his brain.
Even if your child’s school does not have a comprehensive gym program, you can take steps to ensure that his brain gets the movement it needs!