Make a plan to go through your work bit by bit, saving the easiest tasks for last.
Put phones and any other distractions away. If you have to do your homework on a computer, avoid checking your email or social media while you are trying to work. Consider letting your family (or at least your parents) know where and when you plan to do homework, so they’ll know to be considerate and only interrupt if necessary.
If you have the option to do your homework in a study hall, library, or other place where there might be tutors, go for it. That way, there will be help around if you need it. You’ll also likely wind up with more free time if you can get work done in school.
To take a break, get up and move away from your workspace. Walk around a bit, and get a drink or snack. Moving around will recharge you mentally, physically, and spiritually, so you’re ready to tackle the next part of your homework.
For instance, you might write “I need to do this chemistry homework because I want a good average in the class. That will raise my GPA and help me stay eligible for the basketball team and get my diploma. ” Your goals might also look something like “I’m going to write this history paper because I want to get better as a writer. Knowing how to write well and make a good argument will help me when I’m trying to enter law school, and then down the road when I hope to become a successful attorney. ”
Try doing your homework as soon as possible after it is assigned. Say you have one set of classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and another on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Do the Monday homework on Monday, instead of putting it off until Tuesday. That way, the class will still be fresh in your mind, making the homework easier. This also gives you time to ask for help if there’s something you don’t understand.
If you want to keep everyone accountable, write a pact for everyone in your study group to sign, like “I agree to spend 2 hours on Monday and Wednesday afternoons with my study group. I will use that time just for working, and won’t give in to distractions or playing around. ” Once everyone’s gotten through the homework, there’s no problem with hanging out.
Most teachers are willing to listen if you’re trying and legitimately have trouble keeping up. They might even adjust the homework assignments to make them more manageable.
