Strategies for Tackling Homework

Strategies for Tackling Homework

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Strategies for Tackling Homework

Strategies for Tackling Homework

Strategies for Tackling Homework

Ah, homework. An inevitable, but often unenjoyable, part of school. While many students dread homework, it is an important part of your education.


What’s the Point of Homework, Anyways?

Homework should, ideally, reinforce concepts that you learn in class. In some cases, homework might prepare you for upcoming exams or test your knowledge in preparation for a reinforcement lesson or new, upcoming lessons.

Homework also serves as a tool for students to develop life skills. Some of these skills include managing time, following directions, completing assignments with a deadline, and applying knowledge.


Strategies for Tackling Homework

  1. Keep the above notes in mind as you start receiving homework assignments. Think of homework as a tool to help you learn concepts and gain life skills. Keep a positive attitude. Positivity and open-mindedness can improve your outlook on homework or any daunting task.
  2. Find a quiet place to work without distractions. If it’s too distracting to do work at home, try going to a library. Also, it’s very important to limit distractions like your cell phone, TV, music, or even other browsing tabs open on your computer. You will get through assignments much faster and understand concepts better without multitasking and distractions. Consider turning your phone off or at least on Do Not Disturb Mode while you are working. For your computer, try apps like Forest, Freedom, or RescueTime.
  3. Prioritize your homework based on 1) what’s due first and 2) what you think will take you the most time. If you know math homework tends to take you a while, don’t wait until 10 PM to start it. You might feel the urge to put off the most unappealing tasks, but you will be more focused and capable of doing challenging work if you start it first.
  4. Set a timer for each homework assignment. If you feel frozen in the face of a mountain of assignments, set a 20-25 minute timer for each one. Work without interruption until the timer goes off and stop wherever you are when it does. You might be surprised at how much you are able to get through with 20 minutes of undivided attention. Repeat until your homework is complete!
  5. Make note of the questions and assignments that are especially challenging or time-consuming. Remember, homework is supposed to reinforce concepts. Let your teacher know that you are struggling and ask for additional help or clarification. Oftentimes students just want to be done with the assignment, but their lack of understanding will impact how they do on tests and even how they do for the rest of the year because concepts build on each other. Your teacher should want to see you succeed and offer advice or resources to help you complete homework more efficiently and understand the material.

Consider Hiring a Tutor

If you are still struggling with homework, consider hiring a tutor. Tutors can help you understand concepts and even offer helpful tips and tricks for specific problems. Tutors can also teach you time management and organization skills that will help you with homework and beyond.

 

If you’re a parent, learn how you can help your student tackle homework in this article.

New Blog Post: Educator Spotlight. Jacky H. is a math, physics, and Chinese language tutor at Hodis Learning & Music.

Educator Spotlight: Jacky H.

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Educator Spotlight: Jacky H.

New Blog Post: Educator Spotlight. Jacky H. is a math, physics, and Chinese language tutor at Hodis Learning & Music.

What subjects do you teach?

  • Academic Tutoring: AP Physics 1, 2, and C (Mechanics + Electricity & Magnetism), Lower Division Physics, Multivariable Calculus, AP Calculus BC, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, AP Chinese Language, and Mandarin
  • Art Lessons: Painting- acrylics, oil, and watercolor

 
What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator?

The most rewarding part about being an educator is seeing my students improve and succeed in the subjects that were once nightmares for them.  

Having had the same experience as many struggling students, I understand that it can be extremely challenging to conquer these academic barriers. Having the ability now to help them overcome their weaknesses is so rewarding!


What are the most common areas you see your students struggling in? How do you help them in those areas?

Though my students are in different grade levels, and vary in subject focus– from science to mathematics– they all seem to struggle in a similar fashion. It’s not that they are incapable of understanding the material, it’s that they don’t have a key or trick to understanding the foundational science or math behind the problems. 

It is my job to guide them towards discovering their own trick that helps them remember the information, and help them see that learning is fun.


What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching students?

I enjoy painting outside of teaching students. It helps me to relax and destress from schoolwork, provides me with a fresh perspective on this world, and most importantly, allows me to encapsulate moments and memories in a physical form.


What do you think makes Hodis Learning & Music a great service and company to work for?

The teachers and mentors at the company are all passionate about their studies and teaching. We also all want to make learning easier and more fun for our students!

Schedule Your First Session with Jacky Today!

Call or email us to speak to a representative and sign up for sessions now.

 

Learn more about Jacky.

What's your start of school feeling? Photo shows four children, each showing a different emotion: fear, anxiety or stress, happiness and excitement, and anger.

How to Handle Your Start of School Feelings

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How to Handle Your Start of School Feelings

What're your start of school feelings? Photo shows four children, each showing a different emotion: fear, anxiety or stress, happiness and excitement, and anger.

The start of a new school year can bring on a lot of emotions. Whatever your feelings are about starting school again, we have some helpful tips to manage your feelings and use them to start this school year on the right track.


Scared:

Nervous about meeting new people? Starting at a new school? Making friends? These are totally normal things to feel nervous about, but you don’t want to let your fear keep you from all the fun things that can happen at school. 

  • TIPS: Talk to someone you trust. Remember a lot of people feel scared about starting something new– you’re not alone. Say something nice to one new person every day. Explore a new club or activity. Get familiar with the campus. Try eating lunch in a different spot each week.


Anxious or Stressed:

Do you get stressed just thinking about all the work you have to do this year? 

  • TIPS: Look at your schedule and write down all the important dates for each class. Use daily lists to focus on what you have to do each day. Practice taking 3 deep breaths whenever you start to feel anxious or stressed. Consider starting a meditation or mindfulness practice, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes every day. Check out more of our tips for starting a productive and stress-free school year.


Happy or Excited:

Feeling excited about starting a new school year is great! It’s an exciting time, so keep your enthusiasm up in all school-related activities. 

  • TIPS: Approach new situations with positivity and enthusiasm. Try meeting new people. Reach out to classmates who might seem scared or anxious. Participate in your classes. Introduce yourself to your teachers.


Angry or Upset:

Are you angry about having to wake up early again for school or having less free time? This feeling is understandable, but don’t let it affect your whole year. 

  • TIPS: Talk to someone about how you feel. When something makes you angry, try to find one positive thing about it- for example, if homework makes you angry, think about how you might learn something new from it. It might seem silly to do this, but it will help you start to see the positive side of situations. You can’t control a lot in life, but you can control how you think about and react to things.

 

how to handle your start of school feelings. Consider hiring a tutor.

 

Consider Hiring an Expert Tutor

Tutors at Hodis Learning & Music have years of experience helping students experiencing the full range of emotions about the start of school. Whether your student is in Kindergarten or in college, we have the right tutors for you! Call or email us today to learn more and get started.

5 Tips for Starting a Productive and Stress-Free School Year. Image shows a chalk board with the blog post's name on it. Books, school supplies, an apple, and a graduation cap can be seen in the photo, along with Hodis Learning & Music's logo.

5 Tips for Starting a Productive and Stress-Free School Year

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5 Tips for Starting a Productive and Stress-Free School Year

5 Tips for Starting a Productive and Stress-Free School Year. Image shows a chalk board with the blog post's name on it. Books, school supplies, an apple, and a graduation cap can be seen in the photo, along with Hodis Learning & Music's logo.

Can you believe that school is starting already? After a summer of no classes it can be difficult to readjust to the schedule and demands of school. Here are 5 tips to get back into the swing of things a little more swiftly and cultivate a productive, stress-free school year.


1. Reset your sleep schedule.

Many students experience fatigue when returning to school because they’re not used to waking up so early for class. To nip this fatigue in the bud, allow your body to readjust its circadian rhythm by beginning to wake up at the time you will for classes at least a few days before they start.


2. Make a study plan.

I get it, making a study plan is the last thing you want to do while you’re technically still on summer break. But this practice is invaluable as it will prepare you for a less stressful and more productive school year. Look through your syllabi, take note of large exam dates, and schedule blocks of time each week to study and complete homework for each class. Don’t forget to schedule extra study sessions before your big exams, too. Use the roadmap from our Building Strong Study Skills Series to employ the most effective study strategies.


3. Budget time for hanging out.

Yes, you’re in school to receive an education that will prepare you for your career and any future education you may pursue. But school is also full of people and experiences that will stick with you for life. Spending time with good friends is a great way to feel connected, accepted, and happy. So when you’re thinking about your schedule, be sure to budget time for hanging out with friends. If you’re intentional in structuring your schedule, you can give yourself room to excel as a student and a friend.


4. Understand your resources.

Your school likely offers more resources than you are aware of. Give yourself some time to familiarize yourself with resources like college preparation resources, community service recommendations for high school service requirements, and guidance and counseling services. If you’re a college student, look into professors’ office hours, student health services, and organized study groups. And remember, expert private tutors at Hodis Learning & Music are available to serve K-12 and College students. Knowing your options ahead of time will help when you need to use them.


5. Try something new.

If your motivation is struggling from the grind of classes, sometimes changing it up can help. Join a new club or organization on campus or pursue a new hobby. There are so many areas to explore: sports, theater, music, art, etc. Trying something new can help you feel excited again.

Good luck with your start to the new school year! May it be a time of growth and learning.

 

Start a Stress-Free School Year with an Expert Private Tutor Today

Call or email us to learn more and get started!

New Blog Post: Educator Spotlight. Photo is of Hodis Learning & Music's math tutor and Mandarin tutor, Wu L.

Educator Spotlight: Wu L.

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Educator Spotlight: Wu L.

math tutor, Wu L. educator spotlight.

What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator?

Having immediate positive feedback is one of the most exciting things about being a math tutor. Witnessing the impact I have on a student’s success makes me incredibly happy and satisfied. When students begin to understand concepts in our sessions, they will often excitedly ask me to give them another problem to solve. Watching them solve the problem completely on their own is almost always the most rewarding part of the session – for the student and for me.


What are the most common areas you see your students struggling in? How do you help them in those areas?

One thing I noticed is that students tend to have an abstract, all-encompassing fear of math. Students often say that math is hard for them but have trouble pinning down exactly what is difficult for them. I believe knowing the timetable plays a very important role in students’ liking of math. Having this integral foundation makes the whole math process a lot smoother and it also gives people a sense of confidence to deal with whatever comes next, a sense of readiness. Although it may be daunting for some students to learn their times tables up to 10, it pays off tremendously. I also see many students struggling with fundamental algebra rules such as adding/subtracting fractions, multiplying decimals/fraction etc. With students taking algebraic courses, I like to go through math problems that use all of these basic rules to refresh their memories. Going through these fundamentals can help students identify and tackle their areas needing improvement. And doing so will set them up for success.

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching students?

I love the outdoors. Camping, hiking, biking or even simply driving on the freeway in wide open country. It helps me to think and connect with myself and helps me cultivate a different perspective. I also love music, especially the music from the late 70s through the 90s. I recently began teaching myself the guitar to learn my favorite song, “Landslide.”


What do you think makes Hodis Learning & Music an excellent service and company to work for?

The company treats its employees well and pays them better than most other tutoring companies while also offering some of the lowest rates around to students. With the rising cost of living, the company is even raising the pay for all of us in August. And on top of that, the company also donates 20 percent of its profits to local nonprofit education organizations such as SPEF and PEF. Giving back to the local community and prioritizing employees’ wellbeing is something I believe in and I am grateful that the company and I are on the same page.

 

Schedule a Session with Wu Today!

Call or email us today to learn more and start sessions.

 

Learn more about Wu.