How to Get Your Child to Focus and Finish Homeschool Work
One of the first things I try to do is let my son know what we're going to do after he finishes his assignment.
For example, I might tell him, "Once we finish this, we can go outside and play," or, "When you're done, you can go upstairs and play for a little bit, read a book, or do something else you enjoy."
Sometimes, simply knowing that something fun is coming next is enough to motivate him to finish his work.
I've noticed that this works best when I tell him about the next activity before he starts his assignment. When I remember to do that, he tends to work through his assignments more efficiently.
Of course, there are days when I forget, and suddenly, we're spending much longer on a single page than we should!
That's when I try another strategy.
1. I let my son know what's coming next
When homeschooling, there are days when I give my son an assignment, and he sits down and completes it in just 10 minutes. Other days, that same type of assignment can take almost 30 minutes, and he may still be working on the same page!
Sometimes, it feels like everything is taking forever. As a homeschooling mom, I want my son to stay focused, complete his work, and move on to the next activity without spending the entire day on one assignment.
Over time, I've found a few simple strategies that help motivate him to get his homeschool work done. If you're also homeschooling a child who gets easily distracted or takes a long time to finish assignments, here are two things that have worked for us.
2. Use a Timer to Encourage Focus
Remember That Your Child Might Need Help
Although these strategies are helpful, I've also learned that it's important not to automatically assume my son is wasting time on purpose.
Sometimes, he really is getting distracted. Other times, he may be struggling to understand something or having difficulty completing a particular part of the assignment.
I try to remind him that if he's having trouble with something, he can let me know so I can come over and help him work through it.
The goal isn't simply to get the assignment finished as quickly as possible. I also want to make sure he understands what he's learning and feels comfortable asking for help when he needs it.
If my son is taking a long time to complete an assignment and I find myself constantly reminding him to focus, I sometimes bring out a timer.
The timer might simply be the oven timer, or I might set a timer on his Yoto player (affiliate link) which is very handy if we're working upstairs. Here's another nifty timer that I found on Amazon that gives a cool visual as the time winds down. (affiliate link)
I set it for a reasonable amount of time based on the assignment and how long I know he typically needs to complete it. I also allow a little extra time so he doesn't feel rushed.
I've found that the timer can be helpful because he likes to finish before it goes off. Having that clear endpoint encourages him to pay attention to his work instead of getting distracted by everything else around him.
Sometimes, I also offer a little bonus time on his computer if he finishes before the timer goes off. He might use that time to look at pictures or watch a video he enjoys.
It's a simple incentive, but it can give him something extra to look forward to while completing his homeschool assignments.
Don't Forget to Take Breaks
Another thing I consider is how long we've been working.
If we've been doing schoolwork continuously for a while, sometimes we just need a break. I'll suggest taking five minutes to relax, getting a snack, or stepping away from the work for a little bit before returning to the assignment.
I've found that a quick break or something to eat can sometimes make a big difference. My son may come back feeling refreshed and finish the assignment much more easily than he did before.
When homeschooling, it's easy to get frustrated when a lesson that should take a short amount of time seems to drag on forever. But sometimes, a child needs a little encouragement, some help, or simply a moment to reset.
These are two simple strategies I use to help my son stay focused during our homeschool day: letting him know what comes next and using a timer when needed.
I don't use them perfectly every time, and they don't work every single day. But when I remember to use them consistently, they often help him complete his assignments so we can move on to another activity, enjoy a break, or get to something we've been looking forward to doing.
If you're homeschooling an easily distracted child, you might find that these small adjustments make a difference in your own homeschool routine, too.
Every child is different, so experiment with what works best for your family. And remember, the goal isn't just to finish schoolwork faster. It's to create a homeschool environment where your child can learn, grow, and make progress without every assignment becoming a struggle.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, if you purchase something through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps to support my blog. Thank you!
Hi, I'm Christal!
I'm a SAHM of 2 amazing kids, and I'm passionate about learning and sharing my experiences as a homeschool mom, homemaker, and home baker. If even one of my stories brings value to your life, this entire blog is worth it! Thanks for dropping by!
