how to make homework a game

How to Turn Homework into a Game So Students Want to Do It

Wish i had this as a kid..

Photo of Tom Liam Lynch

While working with a middle school literacy coach recently, we talked about how to make homework more meaningful to their humanities classes. When teachers assigned reading, students would often not do it. Plus, the teachers felt homework was challenging for them to assess efficiently in class. How do you make homework easier, fun, and valuable for students and teachers?

Our solutions is called Homework XP . All we did was turn the whole nature of homework into a game (borrowing some principles from game theory ). First, students don’t have to do homework; they choose when they do it. Second, students can choose from a range of “quests” at any time to do. Each quest is carefully written to be relevant to the content-area (in this case humanities), generic enough so it can be done many times, and emphasizes connecting what is done in class to what students experience at home . After all, if it is home -work it should honor the fact that home and school are quite different experiences. Finally, all students have 0 homework XP (experience points) to start and can earn as many as they want throughout a marking quarter. No limit.

What do these Homework XP quests look like? Each quest has a slip printed on a unique color paper with instructions and room to write about a paragraph. The teacher places the slips in a designated place in the classroom labeled Homework XP. Students take a half-sheet of paper slip home and complete the quest based on the instructions. Quests are pre-labeled with point values. Students bring them back when ready (I recommend having a Homework XP bin set up) to redeem their points. Here are a few examples:

Music to My Ears (3 XP)

Copy down a phrase or line from a song you heard that relates to a book you are reading. Include a brief explanation of how the article relates to what we are studying in class.

Interview (4 XP)

Talk with a member of your family or community about what we are reading and write a brief summary of their insights and questions.

Like On TV (3 XP)

Describe a connection you observed between a television show or movie and what we are reading and discussing in class.

Me, My Selfie, and I (5 XP)

Share a selfie of you at a museum, arts, or community event, including a connection you make between the event and the books you are reading for class. Email me the selfie.

If you adopt or adapt Homework XP for your classroom, please let me know. I’d love to know how it works for other teachers and students. You can tell me here in the comments or via Facebook , Instagram ,  Twitter , or LinkedIn .

Just sign up here.

It's that easy. Go on.

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12 Best Strategies for How to Make Homework Fun: From Drab to Fab

Had enough of staring at that homework mountain, wondering, “How to make homework fun?” Well, get ready for a game-changer! We’re here to add a sprinkle of magic to your study routine and make homework a total breeze. Say goodbye to the yawns and welcome a world where studying is actually kind of cool.

Ever catch yourself daydreaming during a homework marathon, secretly wishing for some fun vibes? Brace yourself because we’re about to flip the script! No more dragging your feet—let’s swap the snooze-fest for a celebration. Ready to dive into the super-secret world of making homework not just doable, but seriously awesome? Time to roll up those sleeves and join the quest for homework fun!

Table of Contents

How to Make Homework Fun?

Have a close look at how to make homework fun:-

1. Splash Some Color

Transform your study space into a masterpiece! Hang up your favorite posters, toss in some funky cushions, and maybe throw in a touch of twinkling fairy lights. Your study nook should feel like your happy place – a spot you actually want to be.

2. Race Against the Clock

Time to channel your inner sprinter! Set a timer on your phone and kick off the homework race. It’s not just about finishing; it’s about beating your own record. The suspense adds a bit of thrill to the task at hand.

3. Treat Yo’ Self

Homework and snacks? A match made in heaven. Stock up on your favorite munchies – be it chocolate, chips, or something healthier if that’s your style. Take a bite after every completed task, and suddenly, homework feels like a tasty adventure.

4. Jam to Your Tunes

Crafting the perfect study playlist is an art. Choose tunes that keep you in the zone. Whether it’s the latest pop hits, chill lo-fi beats, or even a bit of classical Mozart – music turns your homework scene into a personalized concert.

5. Switch It Up

Break free from the usual four walls. Take your homework to the kitchen, backyard, or a local coffee joint. New environments spark fresh ideas, making homework a bit like a mobile exploration.

Turn your to-do list into a game board. Assign points to tasks, set milestones, and watch those imaginary scores climb. Suddenly, homework isn’t just work; it’s a quest for victory!

7. Study Squad

Gather your study comrades for a group session. It’s not just about work – it’s about shared laughter, group brainstorming, and maybe even some friendly competition. Homework turns into a social hangout with added productivity.

8. Tech Magic

Dive into the world of educational apps and online wonders. It’s like bringing Hogwarts to your homework. Interactive lessons, virtual flashcards – suddenly, learning becomes an adventure powered by tech.

9. Doodle Time

Unleash your inner artist! While tackling assignments, doodle away. Visual aids not only make your notes look cool but also help you remember stuff better. It’s like adding a touch of creativity to your study routine.

10. Break It Down

Breaks aren’t just for stretching – they’re for quick dance sessions, mini snack parties, or even a round of your favorite game. It’s the perfect breather to keep your energy high.

11. Your Study Style

Find your study sweet spot. If you’re a visual learner, use colorful diagrams. Hands-on? Build something related to your topic. Make your study routine as unique as you are.

12. Real Talk

Relate your homework to things you love. If you’re into music, link your history assignment to your favorite band. Suddenly, it’s not just homework; it’s a journey into your passions.

Remember, your homework routine is like a canvas – add your own strokes, experiment, and turn it into a masterpiece uniquely yours!

How do I make my homework feel fun?

Best tips to make homework feel fun:-

  • Deck Out Your Space: Spruce up your study spot with colors and stuff that makes you smile. A cool space can turn homework from meh to yeah!
  • Time it Right: Break your work into chunks and schedule mini breaks. Trust, it’s like a hack to keep things chill and less stressy.
  • Goals = Treats: Hit a goal, treat yourself. Simple. Whether it’s a snack, a quick TikTok break, or a victory dance – rewards make homework a little party.
  • Jam While You Slam: Make a playlist of your fave tunes. Homework with a side of music? Suddenly, it’s less boring and more like your personal concert.
  • Move Around: Don’t be stuck in one spot. Change it up! Maybe study in the living room or backyard. A new view can make homework feel less like a sentence.
  • Game On, Homework: Turn it into a game. Set a timer, challenge yourself, or compete against your own best times. It’s like making homework your own video game.
  • Study Buddy Vibes: Grab a friend for company. Studying together is like a mini party, plus you can help each other out. Double win!
  • Tech Wizardry: Dive into cool apps or websites. Learning with a touch of tech feels kinda futuristic and fun.
  • Doodle Time: Get artsy with your notes. Doodles, colors, and cool charts – suddenly, homework feels like a masterpiece in the making.
  • Break It Down, Break It Up: Breaks aren’t just for stretching. Dance a bit, grab a snack, or just chill. It’s like hitting pause and then coming back with fresh vibes.
  • Find the Cool Stuff: Dig into the subject and find the interesting bits. It’s like a treasure hunt for cool info. Suddenly, homework is an adventure.
  • Stay Chill, Stay Positive: Keep it positive. Instead of thinking “Ugh, homework,” focus on nailing each task. It’s all about the wins, not the “ugh.”

There you go! Homework, but make it a vibe. Experiment, find what clicks for you, and turn that study sesh into a party!

How can I make my homework less boring?

Best tips to make homework less boring:-

  • Funky Study Spot: Make your study zone feel like your own little clubhouse. Add some cool stuff – maybe a comfy pillow, your favorite mug, or even a funky lamp. A rad space can make a huge difference.
  • Jam Out While You Work: Queue up your favorite tunes! It’s like giving your homework its own concert. Suddenly, it’s not just about the task; it’s about the beats.
  • Slice and Dice It: Break down that homework mountain into tiny molehills. It’s way less overwhelming when you’re conquering little tasks instead of facing a giant to-do list.
  • Treat Yo’ Self: Earn treats as you go. Finish a section, grab a snack, scroll through your socials – it’s like a reward system for being a homework champ.
  • Change the Scenery: Move around a bit. Take your homework to different spots. The kitchen, the couch, or even your backyard. Changing it up can make it less yawn-worthy.
  • Homework Olympics: Challenge yourself! How fast can you finish a page? It’s like turning your work into a mini competition – and who doesn’t love a good challenge?
  • Study Pal Time: Grab a buddy if you can. Homework sessions become less of a bore when there’s someone to share the struggle and the occasional a-ha moment with.
  • Tech Time: Dive into the tech world. There are apps and websites that make learning kinda fun. It’s like bringing homework into the 21st century.
  • Doodle Breaks: Let your creative side loose. Doodle, scribble, make your notes a piece of art. It’s like turning your homework into a masterpiece, one doodle at a time.
  • Nap Power: Sneak in short power naps during breaks. It’s like a little energy boost that makes the next round of homework a tad more bearable.
  • Connect the Dots: Find connections to stuff you like. Can your math homework relate to your favorite game? Suddenly, it’s not just numbers; it’s a bit of gaming strategy.
  • Keep the Good Vibes: Stay positive. Focus on the interesting parts of what you’re learning. It’s not just homework; it’s a journey of discovery.

Now go rock that homework scene!

How can I make my homework fun for kids?

Check out the best tips to make homework fun for kids:-

  • Super Cool Study Spot: Make their study nook look like a fun zone! Add stickers, colorful pens, and maybe a cozy blanket. Homework feels way more exciting in their very own cool corner.
  • Jammin’ with Homework: Time to turn up the volume! Create a homework playlist with their favorite tunes. Now, homework sessions become a dance party – learning with a beat!
  • Tiny Task Challenges: Break homework into tiny tasks and make it a challenge. Can they finish a page before their favorite song ends? It’s like a race against music time!
  • Sticker Star Bonanza: Stick a star on completed tasks! Collect enough stars, and there’s a special treat waiting. Homework turns into a starry adventure.
  • Homework Storytelling: Transform boring problems into an epic story. Math becomes an adventure with characters and plots. It’s not just homework; it’s story-making time!
  • Study Buddy Fun: Pair them up with a study buddy – maybe a sibling or even their favorite stuffed animal. Learning together is way more fun!
  • App-tastic Learning: Dive into fun educational apps and games. It’s like playing games, but with a secret side of learning. Who said homework can’t be fun and gamey?
  • Artsy Craftsy Homework: Break out the arts and crafts! Turn a history lesson into a creative masterpiece. Homework is suddenly an art project in disguise.
  • Outdoor Homework Adventure: Take the homework outside, weather permitting. Math under the sun or reading under a tree – fresh air makes everything feel more like play.
  • Homework Playtime: Role-play the subjects! They can be the math hero or the science explorer. It’s like turning homework into a little playdate with their imagination.
  • Themed Homework Days: Pick fun themes for different days. Maybe Tuesday is “ Dinosaur Discovery ” day for science homework. It’s like turning homework into a mini themed party.
  • Celebrating the Wins: Always focus on the victories, no matter how small. Celebrate their achievements because it’s not just about homework; it’s about their awesome efforts.

Let’s make homework feel less like a task and more like a playground of learning!

How do I do homework when I dont want to?

Have a close look at how you should do homework when you don’t want to:-

  • Dip Your Toes In: Start with the easy stuff. It’s like testing the water before taking the full plunge into homework.
  • Time It, Don’t Fight It: Set a timer for a short burst of focus, like 15 minutes. It’s like saying, “Alright, let’s do this for just a bit.” You might be surprised how time flies.
  • Make it Cozy: Fix up your study space with things you love. Blankets, snacks, or even your favorite hoodie – make it a chill zone.
  • Tiny Tasks Rule: Break down your homework into baby steps. Tackling little bits is like eating a slice of pizza instead of the whole pie – way less overwhelming.
  • Earn Your Stripes: Reward yourself along the way. Finish a chunk, take a quick break, maybe grab a snack. It’s like leveling up in a game, but with homework.
  • Flip the Script: Find the cool parts of what you’re doing. Connect it to stuff you like. It’s like turning homework into a secret mission related to your interests.
  • Talk it Out: If it’s a real struggle, chat with someone. A friend or family member might have some tips or just a good joke to lighten the mood.
  • Snack Breaks Rock: Short breaks are your homework BFF. Stretch, grab a snack – it’s like hitting the refresh button for your brain.
  • Positive Pep Talk: Pep talk time! Remind yourself you’ve got this. Positive vibes make homework a little less of a mountain to climb.
  • Dream of the Finish Line: Picture the endgame – that sweet feeling of being done. It’s like daydreaming about the weekend during a dull meeting.
  • Mix it Up: Change your homework routine. Do things in a different order. It’s like taking a new route to school – a bit more interesting.
  • Embrace the Meh Days: It’s cool to have “meh” days. Don’t beat yourself up. Accept it, do what you can, and move on. Tomorrow’s a new day.

Let’s turn homework from a chore into a casual hangout!

So, there you have it—your guide to making homework a bit more exciting and a lot less snoozy. It’s not about turning every assignment into a wild party (though that would be cool), but more about finding your own rhythm.

Whether you’re jazzing up your study spot, rocking out to tunes, or turning tasks into mini-games, the homework world is your playground. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about making each study session a bit more fun and a tad less “ugh.”

As you tackle those assignments, keep the good vibes rolling. Find what clicks for you, mix it up, and turn your homework routine into something uniquely awesome. Because hey, learning is an adventure, and homework? Well, it’s just a part of the journey. So, go ahead, embrace the fun, and happy studying!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a homework session ideally be.

The ideal duration varies from student to student. It’s best to start with shorter sessions (30-45 minutes) and gradually increase as your child’s concentration improves.

What if my child still dislikes homework despite these strategies?

Sometimes, students may have underlying issues. Consider discussing this with their teacher or a school counselor for further guidance.

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Blooket: An Easy “How To” Guide For Teachers

Blooket! If you’ve not heard of it by now, you’re missing out! Blooket is a fantastic game platform that enables teachers to create fun and interactive review activities and quizzes for the classroom and for online learning.

In this guide, we will show you how to get started with Blooket, how to create question sets and quizzes, and how to play Blooket in class and online with students. First, let’s take a look at what Blooket is.

What Is Blooket And What Is It Used For?

Blooket is a gamified education platform that allows teachers to host quiz-style games that students participate in via their own device. Teachers can choose existing question sets or create their own. The existing quizzes are created by other teachers and shared on the platform, meaning there are literally thousands of pre-made games ready-to-go on a large variety of topics and subjects.

The quizzes and games on Blooket can be used in a variety of different ways in educational and learning contexts. Here are a few examples of what Blooket can be used for:

  • Classroom Learning : Teachers can use Blooket quizzes as an engaging tool to review concepts taught in class. This could be particularly useful when preparing students for a test.
  • Distance Learning : In remote or hybrid learning environments, teachers can use Blooket to ensure students remain actively engaged. It provides a fun and competitive way to learn and participate in class, even from home.
  • Self-study : Students can use Blooket to study on their own or to review concepts they’re struggling with. They can join games created by others or create their own.
  • Homework Assignments : Teachers can assign Blooket quizzes as homework. This can be a more interactive way to reinforce concepts outside of class time, compared to traditional homework assignments.
  • Team-building : The multiplayer aspect of Blooket can foster a sense of community and friendly competition among students. Teachers can use this to promote teamwork and cooperation.
  • Assessing Understanding : Teachers can use Blooket to assess students’ understanding of a topic. By analyzing the results of a quiz, they can identify areas where students may need additional help.
  • Learning in Libraries or After-School Programs : Blooket can be used in libraries or after-school programs as an educational activity. It can be used to promote learning in a fun, game-like environment.

How To Sign Up To Blooket?

In order to use Blooket, the first thing you’re going to have to do is sign up. Luckily, this is super easy and absolutely free!

A laptop on a desk displaying the Blooket website Sign Up Page

To register for Blooket, simply visit Blooket.com and choose to to either ‘ Sign Up with Google ‘ to use your Gmail account, or ‘ Sign up With Email ‘ to use any email address. Once signed up, you’ll be asked to confirm whether you’re a teacher or a student. Choose teacher, and then you’re ready to start using Blooket.

How To Use Blooket

Question sets.

Once you’ve signed up to Blooket, the next thing you need to do is to choose a question set to use in your quizzes. There are two options, you can create your own from scratch or you can click on ‘ Discover Sets ‘ to browse through a huge library of question sets made by other teachers.

A Picture Of Blooket Discover Sets

What’s great about these discover sets is that they are made by other teachers, and so you are likely to find a ready-to-use quiz relevant to your lesson. There are also lots of question sets on trivia and general knowledge and so these can be used when you have extra time in class or want to reward students with a fun game.

There is also the option of creating your own question sets so that your quiz is exactly tailored to your lesson and your students’ levels. To create your own, simply click on ‘ Create ‘. Next, you’ll be asked to choose a descriptive title for your question set and to give it a brief description. This helps other teachers find your quiz questions and know what it is about.

Once you’ve given your question set a title and a description, it’s time to make the actual questions. Click on ‘ Manual ‘ and then on the next page choose ‘ Add Question ‘. You will then be prompted to type in your question and choose a picture for the question (optional). You must then type in up to 4 multiple choice answers and indicate the correct answer by checking the box next to the correct answer.

How To Add Questions On Blooket

Next, click ‘ Save ‘ and then choose ‘ Add Question ‘ again to add another question. Once you have added all the questions to your question set, you’re ready to ‘Host’ a quiz and share with your students.

Hosting On Blooket

Once you have created or chosen your question set, the next step is to ‘Host’ a game. In your dashboard, you’ll see a blue ‘ Host ‘ button under each question set. Click on the ‘ Host ‘ button and then you will be given a choice of game modes.

Choose one of the game modes and then click on the purple ‘ Host ‘ button on the right. You’ll then be given the option to set a time limit for the game. Once you’re ready, click on the ‘ Host Now ‘ button.

Joining A Game On Blooket

After clicking on ‘ Host Now ‘ you will see your unique Game ID . This is the code that students need to know to join your Blooket game. Give the Game ID to students and instruct them to visit play.blooket.com on their devices to join the game.

Joining A Game On Blooket

Once students enter the unique Game ID they will be placed into a ‘lobby’ where they choose their character and wait for the ‘Host’ (the teacher) to start the game. Once all students have joined, the ‘Host’ must click ‘ Start ‘ on their device. This will activate the quiz and allow all students to start the game. Students will then answer the questions and try and score as many points as possible.

The game will continue until the time runs out or all the questions have been answered. At the end of the game, the ‘Host’ will be able to see how well each student performed. You can choose to keep the results private, or you can share them with the class and celebrate the winners.

If you feel students can benefit from answering the same set of questions again, you can host a different game mode with the same question set.

Live Game Modes

When ‘Hosting’ a Blooket quiz, you have the choice of choosing a ‘ Live Game Mode ‘ or to ‘ Assign Homework ‘. The live game modes are games you can play in class, or via distance learning, in real-time.

There are currently 13 different live game modes to choose from. The ‘Classic’ game mode is a typical quiz format in which students answer questions and earn points to climb the leaderboard.

My students’ favorite game mode by far is the Crypto Hack game. In this game, students will answer questions to ‘mine Crypto’ (get points). Students will also get a chance to steal another player’s points by guessing the secret word they chose at the start of the game.

How To Assign Homework

Another great feature of Blooket is the ability to assign quizzes as homework. This allows students to complete tasks in their own time. To assign homework on Blooket, first, go to your chosen question set and then click on ‘Host’. Next, you’ll see the live game modes, but if you scroll to the bottom, you’ll see a button that says ‘ Assign Homework ‘.

Click on ‘ Assign Homework ‘ and then choose a HW game mode that you want students to play. The next page will give you options to change the homework title and the time in which students have to complete the task.

Assigning Homework On Blooket

Once you have set the time and typed in your homework title, click on ‘ Assign Now ‘. This will then take you to a page with a unique link to the homework assignment. Send this link to students and they will be able to complete the homework in their own time on their own devices.

Related Resources

And there you have it! I hope you found this guide on how to use Blooket useful and I hope your students have as much fun playing Blooket as mine have! Before you go, don’t forget to check out the many free teaching resources we have on Games4esl, including Online Quizzes , Activity Videos , PPT Games , Worksheets , and more.

how to make homework a game

28 Ideas On How To Make Homework Fun For Students

how to make homework fun

Do your children seem to need continual nagging to complete their homework? If your answer is “yes,” then don’t worry; we’ve all been there. Parents naturally want their kids to advance and do well in class, but after a full day of paper, pens, and books, many students won’t feel like doing their assignments.

No matter what the ages or grades of the students are, academic burnout may happen to any student, which affects overall learning and development. To solve this issue, we have brought 28 ideas on how to make homework fun and interesting for students of any age. Not only for parents but also if you are a tutor, these tricks and tips will come to your use.

28 Ideas on How To Make Homework Fun for Students

Homework enables the students to revise and evaluate the classroom learning and develops a habit of self-study, which in turn helps the students to score better. But it can be energy-draining, challenging, monotonous, and difficult to focus upon for students of any age.

Getting students to enjoy their homework and assignments could be immensely difficult at times. Especially after a long break or vacation, they find it difficult to focus on homework. Simultaneously, the importance of home tasks cannot be ignored. Wondering what the solution is?

It’s easy – why not make the homework fun and engaging? Yes, this is the ALL-IN-ONE solution to create a spark of interest in homework. There is practically a plethora of ways to let students feel enthusiastic while doing homework. However, not every strategy suits every student.

For instance, some students love to go outdoors and complete their homework or study amidst nature. On the other hand, some students simply want to stay indoors and complete home tasks in their study area.

So, while implementing a strategy or adopting ways to make homework fun and interesting, you must make sure you are doing the right thing for the right individual so that the student receives maximum benefits.

Here are 28 brilliant ideas that will guide you on how to make homework fun for elementary, middle, and high schoolers. Take a look:

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1. rewards are magical motivators.

It’s nothing new to provide children with little rewards in the classroom. But when it comes to the concept of homework for students, these approaches are rarely used. Instructors aren’t always aware of what’s offered or if it’s useful, and some parents may create their rewards. A great idea is to offer rewards inside the classroom.

Giving out vouchers, stickers, snacks, toys, or meal coupons that let youngsters earn money by doing their homework is something we advocate. The advantages of these magical motivators include having a friend sitting next to you in class, access to the internet, and unscheduled time in the classroom. If they link accomplishing their tasks to positive classroom experiences, students will be more engaged and motivated both inside and outside of the classroom.

2. Get Some Favorite Snacks

How to make homework fun and captivating? Let’s face the truth: A hungry student will be disinterested, uninspired, and miserable. Give them something healthful and palpable to eat while they do their schoolwork because most young kids are ravenous when they get home from school. Some options are apple slices, popcorn, grapes, crackers, flapjacks, and cheese.

If you want to attempt something a little more systematic, make a list of nutritious after-school snack suggestions and recipes and try them out every day. A delicious, crunchy apple is one of the healthiest nutrients for youngsters’ brain development. Some other nutritious and palpable snacks for students are Pancakes, Butter Popcorn, Fruit-flavored Yogurt, nut mix, sliced pears with ricotta cheese, Banana Smoothies, etc.

3. Beat the Clock

This is perfect for young kids who are reluctant to complete their schoolwork. Try it out, and you’ll thank us later. Young children like competing in races. By creating timed tasks, you may make schoolwork feel more like a race. For instance, keep track of the number of words they can spell properly or the number of arithmetic problems they can do in five minutes. Challenge your child to beat their previous best the next day.

To make it more fun, a little competition with siblings or best friends will work great. Nevertheless, make sure that the competition is healthy and doesn’t turn into an aggressive one. Often, students’ psychology works differently, and they tend to be violent in these kinds of situations.

4. Get A Homework Buddy

Allow your child to have a buddy or two over to study if they struggle with a particular topic or have difficulties concentrating in a quiet, empty room. If a second child is too distracting, set an example by helping your youngster. You may pay bills, prepare supper, respond to emails, or even work on a crossword puzzle or other mental exercise while they are doing their schoolwork.

Working on homework teaches children that work is a part of life, not just school, and fosters friendship without being overpowering.

5. Design an Awesome Workspace

Improve the area where your kids complete their schoolwork to increase efficiency, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Have tools and materials available, such as cool notepads or notebooks, colored pens, highlighters, and sticky notes, to assist students in completing difficult projects.

Use calendars, whiteboards, chalkboards, corkboards, or even simply paper and tape to help them visualize and keep track of all they need to complete. You may also decorate it with art and other items that inspire you. For pupils older than 5 years old, you may also hang up some aesthetically pleasing motivating quotations and photos in their study space to help them stay focused and goal-oriented.

6. Make Them Feel Comfortable

The comfort level of the students is the first and foremost thing you have to take care of while making them complete their homework. Not every learner has the same comfort level in the same ways, and these levels tend to differ from one person to another. It’s the responsibility of a parent or a teacher to understand their comfort zone and then plan accordingly.

For instance, provide them with a variety of alternatives or let them design their strategy. You might also inquire as to what time they like to complete their assignment. You won’t need to repeatedly remind people of their duties if you reach an agreement.

7. Incorporate Intervals and Breaks

Some learners might be able to finish their entire load of homework in one sitting. If your class has any pupils that can’t sit still, think about introducing breaks into the assignment process. Weekly study regimens can accommodate breaks.

Give a food break, allow them to complete one level of a video game, or let them talk to a buddy during a quick break. To establish expectations for when and how homework breaks should be taken, teachers might talk about these concepts with parents and students.

This functions in two main ways. It first rewards pupils for finishing their schoolwork. In addition, it gives them a mental break so they can come back to their job reenergized and motivated.

8. Role Plays Work Wonders

Create your little school and let your youngster take the role of the instructor to make enjoyable learning-based games. Assume the position of the student, and have your youngster explain a concept to you in the teacher’s role. This game will help players better comprehend the topic and develop their logical and reasoning abilities. It works especially well with courses that call for theory, like science.

By letting your kid pick their favorite stuffed animals and playthings and placing them in their little classroom, you can make schoolwork enjoyable. Begin by registering, saying “mummy,” “gift,” “Mr. Teddy,” etc. Since kids love to pretend to be teachers, you’ll soon notice that your kid is becoming more self-assured.

9. Make Them Stay Positive and Focused

Ensure to keep the students’ attitudes toward school and the values of their schoolwork are always positive. To keep them inspired and on track, shower your youngster with compliments on how great they’re doing. If they are getting pissed off with the pressure of homework, make them understand its importance and how positively it can impact their learning.

Spend five minutes after each homework session going over your child’s accomplishments. Have a look at our selection of free-to-download home learning packs if you’re out of things to do. To keep them motivated, you can reward or recognize their achievements in front of their peers. This will not only boost their confidence but also will help them maintain a positive outlook toward homework and studies.

10. Take It Outside

Outdoor learning is one of the most feasible ways to do homework with fun in a natural environment. If the weather is good, create a cozy and safe study space outside and let the student finish all the homework outdoors.

Studies also demonstrate that being outside, nearer to nature enhances productivity. The fresh air can aid students’ attention if they have spent the entire day in a classroom. In between jobs, rewarding them with a brief game of football or Frisbee will keep them engaged. You can conduct some fun outdoor Math or English fun homework activities.

11. Altering the homework concept

Many kids feel burdened by their homework assignments. What if, though, you adopt a whole new approach to homework? It can be argued that schoolwork has a lot of unfavorable associations. These concepts usually start early in life and persist into college.

By referring to assignments in different ways, teachers can change these mental habits. Better ways to describe homework include home learning, brain workouts, and study time. You might try using these phrases in place of homework in the classroom.

12. Get Help If You Need

Homework can be frustrating if your child doesn’t understand the material or gets bored easily. Furthermore, excessive pressurizing or insisting on too much can mess up the student’s psychology. To be honest, in extreme cases, none of the methods will work. If your child or student is struggling beyond the normal limit, get them some expert help!

Education Advisors have plenty of advice for students who are not able to cope with homework. They also conduct counseling sessions from time to time in case it’s required.

13. Go for Audio-Visual Resources

Engaging additional senses in the at-home learning process is another technique to cheer up your boring assignments. Focus may be improved by using a child’s perception of touch, smell, or taste in a unique manner.

Sending kids home with instructions for making scented play dough, for instance, improve learning. The dough may be used in classes including math and spatial concepts. Plus, the aroma of scented/colored clays keeps kids focused while they work. Additionally, it enables children to link the smell to what they learned, improving memory and recall.

Another item that teachers might give their pupils as a take-home is a stress ball. Before, during, or after tasks, using a stress ball can encourage creative thinking and anxiety reduction positively.

14. Meditation Can Reduce Stress

Stress is not something that happens only to adults. With the increased competition in academics, young learners nowadays are suffering from severe stress, which ushers’ negative impacts on their mental health. Sometimes, both the little children and older students can’t express this stress and fail to explain how they are feeling.

Homework pressure often creates such challenging situations which disrupt the emotional equilibrium of youngsters. In situations like this, meditation can reduce stress and improve focus. Positive thinking, fear and the tension and anxiety that lead to depression may all be lessened by meditation. Being aware without judgment is one of the foundational elements of meditation, and this attitude of acceptance may ward against unpleasant thoughts.

15. Make It a Group Effort

Since time immemorial, team working is super effective for any activity. The same applies to homework as well. If students sit for the home task in a group, they will be able to wrap all the assignments up quickly.

Now the question is – how? Teamwork involves group discussions as well as brainstorming, which gives rise to new ideas. Students try to develop new ways to complete homework through mutual discussion.

16. Take Help from Learning Apps and Libraries

If your child struggles with their homework, it can be difficult for you as well. Games and visual examples in amusing math practice applications may be a terrific way to give your youngster practice with things he is having trouble with. Therefore, make schoolwork enjoyable for your youngster by downloading an app that simplifies the subject.

There are so many online applications and libraries that will help students enjoy fun and encouraging homework sessions. If the toddler or an older student specifically refers to a particular app or a website, talk to him/her about it properly. Then visit the online resource, and if you think it is a legit and helpful one, let your child or student use it during his/her homework time.

17. Tell Them Not to Take It Too Seriously

There are more important things in life than homework and grades. Too much focus on grades can affect your child’s love for learning. Think about what values you want to instill in your child and make sure the homework is not getting in the way.

If you believe your child’s teacher is giving out too much homework after you see your child demonstrate an understanding of the subject, don’t be afraid to voice your concern. Even if nothing changes, it will show your children that you care and empathize with them. That matters a lot!

18. Storytelling Can Be a Great Idea

Storytelling is a fantastic idea to make children complete their homework without facing any boredom. Especially for specific subjects like Math, History, and Literature, storytelling develops a context that allows the students to grasp things very easily.

If you find a student is finding it difficult to understand a concept and complete assignments on it, you can give a try to the storytelling method a since it works well. Storytelling has the power to captivate learners and keep them engaged irrespective of their age and grades.

19. Create A Homework Mood

Creating a mood for homework is a bit difficult for younger students but setting the right environment can help them complete the tasks as quickly as possible. However, it’s not an issue for the senior students but can be a bit overwhelming for the little kids.

You can select a comfortable location for them to study and use their favorite stickers, lights, etc., to decorate the space. Keeping in mind the results as well as their abilities to take the pressure, set goals and establish rewards. It’s vital to make them understand the goals and disclose a bit about the rewards but don’t let them know exactly what’s going to happen. This will create an enthusiasm to complete the homework in no time.

20. Turn on Some Music

The psychological effects of music are undeniable. Music brings concentration and helps to focus on a particular work pleasantly. Then why not use it for your children’s homework? Science dictates that music is the best aid for studying.

Play some soft music while the student is doing his/her homework and this will help to create an ambiance. You can also play cool, energetic, upbeat music since it radiates energetic vibes and the student will find immense energy as well as positivity to complete the tasks.

21. Ask Them to Do the Tough Tasks First

One more cool thing to try out is doing the tough tasks first. It’s a perfect strategy if the student has a list of various tasks of different levels of complexity. You will be able to realize how much time he/she needs to complete the tasks and edit afterward if needed.

Completing the more complex tasks at first enables a student to think and decide critically. The remaining time can be enjoyed with much lower stress while doing the easier assignments. If your child gets bored very quickly you can try this method out.

22. Get Creative

Wondering how to make homework fun creatively? Homework doesn’t sound exciting to students. To be more specific, solving sums after sums or writing science projects doesn’t sound fun alone. Rather, if you mingle these tasks with an artsy adventure, the same old boring homework sessions become interesting.

For instance, you can ask them to paint out the math problems, prepare a model for their science projects, or act a portion of the history or literature books. Some other effective ideas may include creating a range of paintings while explaining a paragraph to a child, making clay characters, and doing some moves with the music.

23. Doing Homework at School

Nowadays, as the syllabuses are changing, students have too much pressure from homework to deal with. After coming home from school, it’s quite natural for them to feel exhausted. At times it becomes impossible for a kid to keep their eyes open for homework.

The best remedy here is to complete the majority of their homework at school. Your child also doesn’t have to stay up all night looking for answers or trying to understand how to remember academic facts. They can use their free time at school to complete some of the homework to stay relaxed later. Also, completing homework with peers involves so much engagement and fun.

24. Ask Them to Work on Different Subjects in a Session

Are you trying to know how to make homework fun without putting in much effort? Plan a routine for your child so that they can work on different subjects in a single session. Try to mix and match the subjects to make them feel comfortable with the pace of the study.

Working on a maximum of 3 subjects a session will help a student to get rid of the homework quickly without considering it as a pressure. Ensure they are not in a rush to complete one subject after another. Make it as systematic and orderly as you can to avoid any unwanted confusion.

25. Get Academic Help

Getting a little homework help is a feasible way to make homework fun. Nevertheless, you must make sure that none of you, the teachers, or the program facilitators are not spoon-feeding them, or else it will affect the student’s development in terms of learning.

If there is a math problem that is too difficult to solve or a paragraph with heavy words, you or the tutor can give your helping hand to the student so that he/she can complete it on his/her own. For instance, you can give a clue to solve the sum or narrate the context of the paragraph.

26. Planning Is the Key

Planning is a powerful habit to make homework sessions fun and organized. Not only at school, but also this habit will help a student throughout his/her life. It’s required for a student to be extremely serious about homework in a studying period and systematic planning can help in completing all the assignments on time.

If your child is in high school or middle school, you can guide him/her to make homework routines. However, elementary school kids and preschool students need their parents’ or teachers’ assistance to make advanced homework plans.

27. Ask Them to Write on Their Favorite Topics

Working on something you love will make you feel more connected to the work. The same applies to both the kids’ homework and older students’ homework. If you are thinking about how to make doing homework fun, you can ask them to write a paragraph or a short essay on their favorite topics.

To implement this strategy, first, talk to the students on a one-on-one basis and try to know their individual preferences in terms of writing. Then assign them a task where they will write whatever they want on their favorite topics. This will act as a warm-up session before doing the homework.

28. Provide Choice

One of the key reasons why younger and older students become disengaged with their homework is they find it meaningless. This is where the mentors and the parents have to play the biggest role. They need to make the student understand why homework is important and how it can benefit them in the future.

This will make the kids’ homework sessions more engaging and they will be able to connect emotionally or personally. How to make homework fun in this way? It’s simple, provide the students with more choices while assigning the homework. For instance, if there is a tough project, they can choose to work alone on it or work with partners.

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Elementary school homework tips.

Homework gives elementary students a way to practice the concepts. But you have to be very careful while making them do the home tasks as at this age they don’t develop an understanding regarding the benefits of homework. To them, homework is just something that parents and teachers use to restrict them from doing what they want.

Below are some effective tips on how to make homework fun for kindergarten students.

  • Make sure kids have a creative, engaging, and well-lit place to do the homework.
  • Give the kids delicious snacks from time to time so that they don’t get distracted due to hunger.
  • Encourage the children to complete their homework by giving them small rewards or recognizing their efforts to make the entire process more manageable.
  • Instead of dictating to them what to do and threatening them, be a mentor, a leader, and a motivator.
  • Create a homework routine for elementary students manually or use desktop app for planning your homework. Don’t forget to keep short breaks in between.
  • Try to keep distractions to a minimum. This means no phone calls, loud music, and TV during homework time.

Set good examples for them but without comparing them with anybody. Have you ever seen your little one saving money? Point that quality out, praise him/her for it, and set it as an example.

Middle School Homework Tips

Middle school students develop a fair understanding of the importance of homework. So, you are not supposed to face much trouble to make them complete their tasks. Check out these middle school homework tips below. These tips will work wonders if you are looking for ways to make homework fun for 7th graders or 8th graders.

  • Designate a specific amount of time for homework. This will help them to complete work on time.
  • Help them prioritize which tasks to do on a priority basis. In this way, they will develop the ability to make decisions.
  • Continuously encourage them to evaluate their work so that they can find the mistakes and correct them on their own.
  • Put away the phone to prevent them from being distracted from time to time.
  • When needed, help them to complete homework instead of spoon-feeding the whole thing. Give clues to solve a sum, point out some important areas, or explain them in a paragraph so that they can complete the next tasks by themselves.
  • Don’t pressurize or force yourself to do homework. Parents need to know when to stop, especially when they are feeling exhausted, frustrated, and confused.

High School Homework Tips

When it comes to homework, high school students are better able to manage their time, stay focused and finish their tasks. This enables them to understand the value of homework. They don’t do any tantrums and get less distracted because they understand the consequences of not completing home tasks on time. But if you want to know how to make homework more enjoyable for high school students throughout the school year, here are some effective tips:

  • Tell them to write down their homework every day in a notebook, or a planner to keep it more organized.
  • Ask them to write their homework with a blue pen on a white sheet to remember their writing. Also, it’s the best combo to do homework faster.
  • Help your teens to divide their homework schedule in a planned way and keep short breaks to freshen up their minds. For instance, if they work for 30 minutes, they can take a 5 minutes break.
  • Doing homework with buddies is a proven method to complete homework on time and also in an accurate manner.
  • If they get stuck while doing any specific homework, ask them to take help from online resources, libraries, video demonstrations, and journals.

Homework Dos and Don’ts

Let’s face it – nobody loves homework although it’s super important for your child’s learning and development. While high school students understand the importance and need of doing school assignments at home, elementary and preschool children can’t develop the understanding at their age.

Several things are to be kept in mind while expecting homework from students in proper time. To make the students complete their homework happily, we have brought some amazing dos and don’ts that parents or teachers need to follow:

Homework Do’s

1. monitor the answers.

After your child has completed his/her homework, check it once to find what went right and what went wrong. If you find any mistake in his/her work, try not to point that out directly. Instead, give your youngster clues so that he/she can find out the mistakes now.

2. Remove the Distractions

Thinking about how to make homework more fun for your child? Remove the distractions from the study room first including social media on the computer, mobile phones, unnecessary toys, etc. Remember, a decluttered environment is the reason behind a decluttered head. They will be able to focus more on the homework when there isn’t a pile of distractions around them.

3. Be A Cheerleader

Always be your child’s motivator when he/she is doing homework. Students may not be correct always but humiliating them may make them demotivated and frustrated at the same time. Celebrate small successes such as completion of the tasks within time, the maximum number of correct answers, the maximum time the child has devoted to homework, etc. Give treats like candies, stickers, pens/pencils, and colored boxes to celebrate their success.

4. Work in Collaboration

The parents and the children need to work together in terms of homework. There must be a proper channel of communication between both parties so that the child’s overall performance can be monitored.

Homework Don’ts

1. don’t force them to homework.

Forcing a student to do the homework can bring immensely negative results. Children won’t like homework – it’s quite normal but forcefully making them do it is tremendously fatal as it will develop a permanent fear or discomfort that will hamper their overall growth.

2. Don’t Show Them Your Frustration

Kids have a lot of tantrums. Especially, the tantrums increase while doing homework. Often teachers and parents get frustrated but showing them the frustration is not at all a good idea. Not only will the child become stubborn but also, they will develop a fear of doing assignments or getting help from you. If you want to make homework fun for 6th graders or students of any other grades, don’t show your frustration in front of them.

3. Don’t Compare with Their Peers

Comparison is something that demotivates a child to a great extent. It develops a deep resentment in their mind which doesn’t fade away even after growing older. Comparing their grades or skills with their peers is probably the worst idea to make students do homework.

4. Don’t Keep Electronic Devices in Front of Them

Yes, you can give the students electronic gadgets for a few minutes as small rewards but don’t keep the devices in front of them all the time when they are doing homework. This may loosen their concentration and will make them distracted from their respective tasks.

How A Homework Planning App Can Help a Student?

A homework app is the best time-management tool that enables students to organize everything they need to do throughout a week, month, academic year, or semester. It’s an easy way to keep your homework sessions organized. In case you are still thinking about how to make homework fun for your child, software with proper features of homework planning can help him/her out.

The academic pressure on school children sometimes becomes too difficult to handle, especially when there is so much to do. This is where student planners for their home assignments are found to be beneficial. Here is an explanation of how an efficient home assignment planning tool can help students finish their tasks on time:

1. Gives Students A Break

It might also be helpful to make sure that kids have some downtime to unwind and not become overburdened with assignments. If teachers are assigning homework through software, they will see how long a piece of homework will take to be completed, and they can allocate the tasks accordingly scheduling breaks in between.

2. Reduces Stress

Homework pressure may not sound like a big deal to you because you have already left those days behind but to your child, it’s a headache. The fear of being scolded by parents/teachers is one of their biggest concerns to them. Thanks to digital planners, these tools know exactly how to help each student in a customized way.

3. Increases Productivity

How to make homework interesting? Students who use a school planner are more productive and can manage their time more effectively. Students today struggle with procrastination because the internet age offers so many diversions. However, if they have noted down the tasks they must complete, they will be more motivated to complete them.

4. Easier for Parents and Teachers

A homework app with intuitive features of planning helps to complete an assignment within time in a systematic manner. Younger students who still rely on the help of their parents and teachers to do their schoolwork often fail to inform them about their homework status. Having homework software can easily sort this problem out and reduces mentors’ work and hassle.

Our Product

How to make homework fun with clarifi.

To assist students to achieve their highest potential, Clarifi is a homework software that acts as an ideal digital homework attention coach. We are dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals. The pupils may complete their homework independently with the help of this digital planning app for homework.

It is a straightforward and uncomplicated desktop program that gives them more confidence to finish their assignment as quickly and effectively as possible. It is the only research-backed desktop application that enables children who are easily distracted to do their schoolwork without a parent watching over them. Monitoring student behavior is the only way to be sure they are doing their assignments.

However, keeping track of pupils’ activity is a time-consuming and important duty. However, Clarifi is available to make this procedure as easy as possible. With the aid of this program, students can effortlessly enter each homework assignment and keep track of the due dates for each one based on the class or the current day.

They receive prizes from the automated coach for maintaining concentration and doing their homework. When all pupils turn in their schoolwork on time, they will receive diamonds as a reward. This element motivates pupils to develop the positive habit of finishing their home assignments on time. Clarifi is an easy digital homework attention planner that provides kids with the ability to filter out distractions, improve their executive functioning, and keep all of their assignments organized in one location.

Clarifi guarantees to raise their capacity for concentration and focus as well as their academic performance. It incorporates functions that provide users the means to remain centered, motivated, and organized while finishing their schoolwork on their own. When kids use the app, it is specially designed with cutting-edge technology that blocks all other apps.

Generating an undistracted and focused environment for students with Clarifi is the answer to “how to make homework less boring.”

Students Can Now Complete Homework with Fun!

With these tricks and tips, students can now efficiently engage themselves in homework. Learners need to study and complete their homework/assignments with a positive mindset and not forcefully. As soon as a student starts doing his/her homework strenuously, the interest is eventually lost, leading to mistakes and burnout.

But with the tricks mentioned above, homework sessions can now be immensely fun and interesting. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or student, these are some tried and tested ways to complete home tasks engagingly. Stay tuned to Clarifi for similar informative blogs like this. If to need help with your children’s homework and know more about how to make homework fun get in touch with Clarifi today.

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How to Play Blooket – A Teachers Tutorial

Blooket  is a free online gaming platform that allows you to build your content or pick from a selection of content options provided by the team behind Blooket and engage your students in fun, entertaining, but educational-focused manner. Getting familiar with this website (it’s an excellent alternative to  Gimkit  with different games) and using it as a reward or to emphasis past content.

Blooket has a large number of resources to help you teach your students. As an educator, you can use this website to create vocabulary sets, trivia games, quests, and quizzes. Students outside of class can also use Blooket’s educational games to review past information or discover new facts. The primary age group for this platform is elementary, but you can customize the content for older students.

Create a free Blooket account

The first step is to go ahead and create a free account with your preferred email account here . It’s a simple process that takes a few minutes. Check your email, verify your account, and use a password you’ll remember easily to save time trying to log in to class.

Once you sign up you’ll be looking at a dashboard for your account. Here you can either create sets or discover sets :

how to make homework a game

Create a Set

The create a set function allows you to form your questions and is perfect if you’re looking for an interactive way for your students to study and review material at home. You can also use the “create a set” feature to create homework and assignments for your students to complete as a compliment to whatever lesson material you’re teaching.

how to make homework a game

If you want to create your own Blooket set material, click on the tab that says “Create a Set,” It will take you to a template page where you can fill in the set’s title, description, and pictures. Next, it’s time to add some questions.

Questions are in multiple-choice format and have a user-friendly layout that allows you to input which response is correct from the four options. You may also set a  time limit  for each question to make it more difficult and add images to make it visually appealing.

One of the best features of Blooket.com is that all the content teachers create is available and accessible to other instructors. Once you’ve completed and published your set, it becomes part of the library, allowing other teachers to discover and utilize it in their classrooms.

Discover Sets

“Discover sets” are premade Blooket sets. This feature is perfect if you’re looking for a fun reward system to use in class if your students finish an activity, quiz, or class test. The discover sets are also an excellent choice if you’re currently doing online remote learning and need a quick activity.

how to make homework a game

One of the most popular games is the “name that logo” set. It’s fun to test your student’s knowledge of various company brands, services, and companies. It’s also helpful to leverage as an onboarding mechanism for you and your students how Blooket works.

Once you navigate this section here, choose a game that you and your students find the most appealing or one that compliments your current lesson material. Once you select a game, you must choose a game mode.

Game modes in Blooket explained

how to make homework a game

Once you choose a set, you must select the game mode. Off to the right on the screen, it will describe what the game mode entails. With all game modes, you can set it based on time or obtaining a specific score, number, or quantity amount (depending on the game). We’ve found the time limit to be the most useful in class to keep things moving and suggest a time limit of 4 to 7 minutes.

Here is a quick overview of some of the most popular game options:

Up to 60 players can join this game mode, but having at least three or more players is best. Your students answer questions correctly and earn gold. Students can also take gold from other players, so there is a bit of luck and strategy involved in this game mode.

Fishing frenzy

Ideal for two players or more, students answer questions and throw out reels to reel in fish. In this mode, you can set it as time-based in that students need to reel in fish quickly, and the student who has the most fish wins, or you can base it on weight, with the heaviest fist being the farthest away from the players and the most difficult to reel in.

Crypto hack

In this mode, players “mine” crypto and hack other players’ defenses to steal their crypto. No luck is involved in this game mode; instead, players are rewarded for answering questions correctly and quickly.

Battle royal

The royal battle mode sets players one on one or teams vs. teams. You can break up the course into two teams in class, and each team has to pick one team member to go up against one individual from the other team. That way, each student participates on an individual level.

It sounds boring, but the cafe mode is fun because your students compete by answering the question correctly and getting supplies for their cafes. With supplies, they can keep customers happy and buy upgrades to level up their cafe.

Tower defense and the tower of doom

These last two options are homework-only games the students complete independently. Assigning homework allows students to play a game on their own time. You’ll be given a Game ID valid for a fixed period when you host. Then, when your students use this Game ID, they can play the game and answer questions. Then you’ll get real-time updates on their progress and performance.

Hosting a game

Once you’ve selected a Blooket set that you like, as well as a game mode, it’s time to go ahead and launch your game. As your Blooket location is loading, you’ll be given a game ID that your students can use to join your fun:

how to make homework a game

This game ID is essential to take note of, particularly when assigning homework. You’ll need to share this ID with your students so they can either join the game or complete your Blooket set for their assignment.

Assigning homework in Blooket

As we just mentioned with the Tower Defense game and the Tower of Doom game, you can create sets or use premade groups with a built-in homework mode. When you choose a game mode, you must select a game with a homework mode, where you are taken to a page where you can set a due date/time and a goal. The objective is either a specific amount of minutes spent playing or money earned in the game.

How do I assign a question set as homework for students to do on their own?

First, choose a question set by finding one in the “Discover tab” or creating one in the “Create tab” and then view it in your Dashboard. Now, click Host on this question set and select the Tower of Doom, Factory, Crazy Kingdom, Tower Defense, or Café mode, as these game modes currently have homework options.

Then, click “Assign HW,” and it will walk you through the process. Finally, it will give you a link that students can click to play the game on their own time. They only have to click the link; they don’t need an account, as Blooket only allows users 13 years or older to create accounts.

How do I check homework that is assign in Blooket?

how to make homework a game

In your Blooket dashboard, you’ll see a “homework” option in the sidebar. There you can view what students engaged with and completed the assignment and their overall performance. As you can set the homework to be done in a specific amount of time, students must show some responsibility and complete the task as required.

How do I share a question set I’ve created with another teacher?

With Blooket, you can assign a set you created to another teacher. First, navigate to your dashboard and find the set you want to share. Then, click on the gear icon to the right of the trash can. You’ll then see a “link” option.

Click the Link button, and it’ll copy the link for you to share. If the Link button does not appear, it is because your set is currently set to “private,” You must click the pencil icon to edit the privacy settings and make it public.

Blooket is a great learning tool for students

Blooket is simple and easy to use in the classroom or home as homework, with no extra equipment or login information required. Students must log into their accounts and input the game ID for the activity or assignment their teacher assigned.

Students may also use Blooket independently and play online games with their favorite game modes in various disciplines. This sort of gaming-based lesson material for young learners is engaging from a student perspective and helps the teacher make content your students will love.

Blooket for teachers’ conclusion

Blooket is simple to use in the classroom or at home for students. All they need to do is enter the game ID for the game mode of their choice for your students or that of an assigned Blooket set as homework. Then all your students need to do is add their nickname, and they’re off.

No user names or passwords are required. This is important if you’re using Blooket for students under 13. When you create a set and select a game mode, uncheck “Allow Student Accounts” so your young learners won’t be prompted to create a Blooket account, as users under 13 years old are not permitted to create one.

If you’re using this website with students 14 years or older, it’s your call if you want them to have their accounts. Otherwise, what are you waiting for? If this is your first time learning about Blooket, try it out in your classroom. You and your students will love it.

how to make homework a game

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how to make homework a game

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How to Make Homework Fun

How to make homework fun

  • Post author By admin
  • September 6, 2023

Discover engaging strategies for how to make homework fun. Explore personalized study spaces, gamification, collaboration, and more to make learning enjoyable.

Hey there, homework warriors! Let’s face it, homework often gets a bad rap for being a total buzzkill. The mere thought of it can make us want to escape to a world of video games, socializing, or anything but those looming assignments. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way!

In this article, we’re about to embark on a journey to uncover the secret sauce of making homework downright fun. That’s right, we’re flipping the script and turning the dreaded “H-word” into an exciting adventure.

So, if you’re ready to banish the boredom and inject some pizzazz into your study sessions, keep reading. We’ve got 15 game-changing tips coming your way to transform homework from a chore into a choice activity!

Table of Contents

How to Make Homework Fun?

Have a close look at how to make homework fun:-

Design a Homework Haven

Transforming a corner of your room into a cozy study nook is all about creating an inviting space that inspires productivity. Consider adding a:

Comfy Chair

Choose a chair with good lumbar support and a cushioned seat for long study sessions.

Soft Cushions

Scatter a few soft cushions on your chair or on the floor to make the nook extra inviting.

Motivational Posters

Hang up posters with motivational quotes or images that resonate with your goals. For instance, a poster featuring a quote like “You’ve Got This!” can provide daily encouragement.

Set a Homework Schedule

Creating a daily study schedule tailored to your rhythm can significantly boost your productivity. Here’s how to go about it:

Identify Your Peak Hours

Pay attention to when you feel most alert and focused during the day. Are you a morning person, or does your energy peak in the evening?

Designate Prime Study Time

Once you’ve identified your prime hours, set aside that time for your most challenging subjects or tasks. For example, if you’re a night owl, designate 8 PM to 10 PM as your prime study time.

Set Goals and Rewards

Setting goals and rewards can turn studying into a thrilling game. Here’s how to make it work:

Task-Based Rewards

Break your study session into smaller tasks. For instance, if you have a 2-hour study session, set a timer for every 30 minutes. When you complete a task within the allotted time, reward yourself with a mini-break or a quick treat.

Dance Breaks

After accomplishing a particularly tough assignment or study session, treat yourself to a five-minute dance break to your favorite upbeat song.

Group Study Sessions

Studying with friends can make homework a social and interactive experience. Here’s how to organize a productive group study session:

Choose Study Buddies

Invite friends who are equally committed to studying. Avoid distractions and focus on collaborative learning.

During breaks, enjoy some snacks and refreshments together. It’s an excellent opportunity to bond and recharge.

Gamify Your Homework

Turning your assignments into a game can make them engaging and competitive. Here’s an example:

Math Challenges

For every correct math problem you solve, award yourself points. Set a target, like 100 points. Once you reach that goal, treat yourself to a favorite dessert or activity.

Use Technology Wisely

Leveraging educational apps and websites can make learning enjoyable. Consider:

Learning Languages

Apps like Duolingo and Babbel gamify language learning with interactive lessons and quizzes.

Science Simulations

Websites like PhET Interactive Simulations offer fun science experiments and simulations.

Listen to Music

Creating a playlist for different study moods can set the tone for productive work:

Upbeat Playlist

Compile lively tunes for subjects like math or science to keep your energy high.

Chillout Playlist

Use calming melodies for reading assignments or essay writing to stay focused.

Change Your Study Materials

Enhance your study materials with colors and visual appeal:

Colorful Notes

When taking notes, use different colored pens for headings, key points, and examples. Highlight important concepts with bright markers.

Create a Homework Playlist

Crafting a motivational playlist can boost your enthusiasm for study sessions:

Personalized Mix

Include songs that motivate you. Whether it’s energetic rock, inspiring pop, or calming instrumental, curate a playlist that resonates with you.

Relate Homework to Real Life

Connecting assignments to real-life situations can make them more meaningful. For example:

Applying Math

If you’re learning about percentages, practice by calculating discounts while shopping online. It’s a practical application of what you’re studying.

Ask for Help When Needed

Don’t hesitate to seek assistance when you’re stuck:

Online Tutors

Utilize online tutoring services like Khan Academy or Chegg when you need clarification on complex topics.

Celebrate Your Achievements

Reward yourself for completing challenging assignments:

Mini Rewards

After finishing a tough essay or solving a set of difficult problems, treat yourself to a favorite snack or a short episode of your favorite TV show.

Use Colorful Visual Aids

Visual aids can make complex topics easier to understand:

Timeline for History

Create a timeline of historical events using colorful markers and sticky notes. It helps you visualize the sequence of historical occurrences.

Stay Organized

Organization is key for effective studying:

Digital Planner

Use digital tools like Google Calendar or Todoist to keep track of assignments and due dates. Set reminders to stay on top of your tasks.

By incorporating these detailed strategies and examples, you can transform your homework routine into an enjoyable and productive experience tailored to your preferences and learning style.

These examples demonstrate practical ways to infuse fun and engagement into your homework routine, making the learning process more enjoyable and productive.

What are ways to make homework fun?

  • Create a Comfortable Space: Design a cozy study spot with your favorite things.
  • Set a Schedule: Stick to a regular study routine that suits you.
  • Break Tasks Down: Divide homework into smaller, manageable chunks.
  • Reward Yourself: Treat yourself after completing tasks or goals.
  • Study with Friends: Make it social by studying with buddies.
  • Use Apps: Try fun and educational apps for learning.
  • Listen to Music: Create a motivating study playlist.
  • Make It Visual: Use colors and visuals to make notes pop.
  • Connect to Real Life: Relate homework to everyday situations.
  • Stay Organized: Use planners to stay on top of assignments.

These simple tips can make homework less daunting and more enjoyable.

How do I make my homework less boring?

Want to jazz up your homework and banish the boredom? Here’s the lowdown:

Create Your Happy Place

Start by transforming your study spot into a haven of fun. Add some quirky decorations, fairy lights, or even a cozy blanket fort – whatever makes you smile.

Slice and Dice

Homework can feel like a mountain, right? Well, cut it into bite-sized chunks. Tackling one piece at a time feels way less overwhelming.

Goals with a Side of Rewards

Set yourself mini-goals and sprinkle rewards on top. Finish that math problem? Treat yourself to a victory dance or a mini snack party.

Study Squad

Invite a friend for a study date. You can help each other out and share some giggles during breaks.

Homework Gamified

Turn your homework into a game. Assign points or rewards for completing tasks. Hit a certain score, and it’s time to indulge in your favorite treat.

Dive into educational apps or websites. Learning becomes a blast when it’s interactive and entertaining.

Musical Motivation

Craft a playlist with your favorite tunes. Pop on some energetic beats for those math equations, or soothing melodies for reading assignments.

Colorful Creativity

Don’t just take notes, make them a work of art with colorful pens and highlighters. Visuals can make studying way more interesting.

Real-World Homework

Connect your assignments to real life. If you’re tackling percentages, apply them to calculate discounts while shopping online.

Stay Organized and Sane

Keep your homework organized using planners or digital tools. No more last-minute panics about forgotten deadlines.

With these tricks up your sleeve, homework will become a breeze, and you might even have some fun along the way!

How do I make myself enjoy homework?

Making yourself enjoy homework can be a challenge, but it’s possible with a few mindset shifts and strategies:

Find Purpose

Understand why you’re doing the homework. Connect it to your long-term goals and how it benefits you. Knowing the “why” can make it more meaningful.

Positive Mindset

Approach homework with a positive attitude. Focus on the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you complete it.

Set Realistic Goals

Break your homework into smaller tasks and set achievable goals. Completing each part can give you a sense of progress and satisfaction.

Create a Comfortable Space

Design a cozy and organized study area that you enjoy spending time in. A pleasant environment can make a big difference.

Mix up your subjects and tasks to avoid monotony. Switching between different assignments can keep things interesting.

Set a Schedule

Establish a study routine that suits your natural rhythm. Find the time of day when you’re most alert and use it for more challenging tasks.

Reward Yourself

Treat yourself after completing homework or reaching specific milestones. It can be as simple as a small snack, a short break, or doing something you love.

Stay Engaged

Try to actively engage with the material. Ask questions, discuss concepts with classmates, or relate it to real-life situations.

Study Groups

Consider joining or creating study groups with friends. Discussing topics and helping each other can make the process more enjoyable.

Celebrate Progress

Celebrate your achievements, even small ones. Recognize your efforts and improvements.

Mindfulness Techniques

Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques before starting homework to reduce stress and increase focus.

If you’re struggling with a particular subject, don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, classmates, or online resources.

Visual Aids

Use visual aids like diagrams, charts, or flashcards to make studying more engaging and easier to grasp.

Incorporate Interests

If possible, relate homework topics to your interests or hobbies. It can make the material more relatable and enjoyable.

Use planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments, due dates, and progress. Being organized can reduce stress.

Remember that enjoying homework might not happen overnight, but by implementing these strategies and maintaining a positive mindset, you can make the process more enjoyable and rewarding.

How can I make my high school homework fun?

Making high school homework fun requires creativity and a positive attitude. Here are some tips to make your high school homework more enjoyable:

Personalize Your Space

Create a study environment that reflects your personality and interests. Decorate your study area with posters, photos, or artwork that inspires you.

Set a Homework Routine

Establish a consistent homework routine that aligns with your energy levels. Determine the best time of day for you to focus and stick to it.

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Divide your assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. Completing each step feels like an accomplishment and keeps you motivated.

Incorporate technology into your homework. Explore educational apps and websites that make learning interactive and engaging.

Study with Friends

Organize study groups with friends to tackle assignments together. You can explain concepts to each other and share different perspectives.

Gamify Your Learning

Turn your homework into a game. Set challenges, time limits, or point systems for completing tasks. Reward yourself when you meet your goals.

Create playlists for different subjects or moods. Upbeat music can boost your energy for math, while calming tunes can help you concentrate on reading assignments.

Experiment with different study materials. Use colorful pens, highlighters, or digital tools to make your notes visually appealing.

Real-Life Applications

Relate your homework to real-life situations whenever possible. For example, if you’re studying economics, analyze current events or business news .

Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Reach out to teachers, classmates, or online resources for clarification or guidance.

Celebrate Achievements

Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Reward yourself with a treat, a short break, or an activity you enjoy after completing homework.

Use planners, to-do lists, or digital tools to stay organized and track assignments and deadlines.

Challenge Yourself

Set personal challenges to make homework more engaging. Aim to finish assignments faster or with higher accuracy than before.

Whenever possible, relate homework topics to your interests or future career goals. It can make the material more relatable and engaging.

Stay Positive

Maintain a positive attitude toward your homework. Focus on the sense of accomplishment and knowledge gained through your efforts.

By incorporating these strategies into your high school homework routine, you can make the experience more enjoyable and productive while achieving academic success.

In conclusion, making homework fun is not just a distant dream; it’s a practical approach that can transform the way you tackle your assignments.

By personalizing your study space, setting goals and rewards, collaborating with friends, and gamifying your learning, you can turn the once-dreaded homework into an engaging adventure.

Incorporating technology, music, colorful materials, and real-life connections adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Remember to celebrate your achievements along the way and stay organized to reduce stress.

With a positive mindset and these strategies in your arsenal, you can embark on your homework journey with enthusiasm, making it not only bearable but genuinely enjoyable.

So, let’s turn the page and dive into the exciting world of learning, one fun homework assignment at a time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i really make homework fun.

Absolutely! With the right approach and mindset, homework can be an enjoyable part of your academic journey.

What if I can’t concentrate with music?

Not everyone finds music helpful. Experiment with different study environments to discover what suits you best.

How do I avoid procrastination?

Creating a schedule and setting achievable goals can help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.

What if I still find a particular subject boring?

Try to connect it to your interests or real-life situations to make it more engaging.

How can I make studying with friends productive?

Ensure that your study group remains focused on the task at hand and avoids distractions.

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No Guilt Mom

3 Simple Ways to Make Homework Fun

how to make homework a game

I’m going to be blunt.

Right now, your child’s homework time just plain sucks.

You dread it every night.  “Hey, have you done your math homework yet?

“NO!  I can’t do my homework.  I don’t want to do it yet.  Can’t I watch TV? I’ll do it after dinner.”

So much back and forth and back and forth. It’s become too much.

The question is, how do you make your child want to do homework?  How do you make homework less boring?

Read: What to do when your child cries over homework

Let’s define fun.  

If you’ve ever spent time outdoors, you might know about the fun scale .

The fun scale described three sorts of fun.

Type 1 fun is what you typically think of as fun.  It’s easy with very little challenge. Relaxing, new, and novel with maybe a bit of adrenaline.

Then there is Type 2 which is not fun… in the moment.  Shivering in 30-degree weather when you’re trying to sleep in your tent or wading through a cold river with the water up to your waist. 

These experiences aren’t fun at the time, right?  But when you look back you have a sort of fondness for them because you endured something or surmounted a challenge.

Ironically, Type 3 fun isn’t fun at all.  It’s pure suffering. Think about that movie with James Franco rock climbing when he lost his hand. 

 There are really two types. One, you can have fun with the unexpected.  Something new and novel is always fun.

For homework, type 1 is out because there is a challenge.  It’s hard. But type 3 is also out because we don’t want it to be miserable.

When people approach just the right amount of challenge and have the skills and help to achieve it, that challenge can be fun.

We can make homework solid type 2 fun.

That’s the kind of fun we want to attain with homework.  Here’s what to keep in mind:

Read: How to Build Grit in Kids: When to Push and When to Comfort

1. Make homework fun by putting it entirely in the child’s control

You know that fight that happens every night about WHEN to do homework?  

If you’re fighting all the time, you’re assuming responsibility over your kids’ work.

They feel no inner drive to get it done because they know you’ll remind them.

Instead, switch that responsibility to them.

When my daughter struggled with her homework in Kindergarten, we sat down and brainstormed everything she had to do after school.

She wrote down: unpack backpack, have a snack, feed the cat, do homework. 

Ok.. I had to coax her on that “do homework” task.

Then, I asked her to write down the order she wanted to do the tasks we agreed on.  

The first day she came home from school, I didn’t have to nag.  She followed the list.

Days after that, I didn’t have to nag, I simply pointed at the list and she started.

The time of the task was in her control.  

But she still had trouble with one more thing.

2. Teach your child how to cope with overwhelm to make homework easier

You know the feeling: when you have this massive to-do list in front of you and you don’t know where to start.

Everything feels equally important.

You do what you can not to hyperventilate and drown your sorrows with the nearest box of girl scout cookies.

That’s NOT Fun.

Your child is dealing with the same.  

What is fun is if we turn that overwhelm into a game.

Take out a timer and ask your child how long he or she thinks he can stay working on homework without getting distracted.

I would start low, say 2 minutes. 

Give your child the timer – remember the control – and ask them to press start and then work for that time.

You’ll see a renewed determination in your kid to stay focused and finish as much as they can.

When the timer goes off, point out how much they did!  Did they ever think they could do that much in two minutes?  What do you want to set the timer for next?

They’ll tell you.  

3. Teach kids how to reward themselves

Rewards are best when they’re unexpected.

But it’s even better to teach kids how to reward themselves so that they’ill always have a trick to self-motivate.

Rewards can be super simple – a pack of fruit snacks with one gummy for every timer completion.

A sticker they can put on their notebook.

Twenty minutes of screen time. 

Simple stuff they can give to themselves.  Ways they can connect the task with that feel-good reward.

The best part is that they eventually won’t need to reward themselves for doing homework.  Only when they’re building the habit.

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The trick to make homework fun

These three skills of controlling their own schedule, making homework time a game and knowing how to reward themselves puts kids ways ahead when it comes to making homework fun.  

how to make homework a game

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CEO/Founder at No Guilt Mom

  • Episode 003: The Four Homework Personalities

How to Help Your Middle Schooler Organize with this Simple Checklist

Similar posts.

When you have no clue how to help your child with their math homework

Tell me if this sounds familiar.

Your child brings home a page of a page of double-digit subtraction problems.

You know… the kind where you have to “borrow” from the tens place to do the operation in the ones place.

You got this, you think…

But no, your kid politely informs you. You aren’t supposed to borrow. Instead, your child needs to use a method where he “counts up” from the number.

What in the world? This isn’t subtraction…at least not the way you learned it.

How are you expected to help your kid when the method doesn’t even make sense?

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It’s 6pm on a Thursday and I get a frantic text from a friend. Her daughter goes to the same school as mine.

“Hey, does your daughter have the math test from 2 months ago? The teacher is letting Celina retake it but she can’t find it.”

“Yeah, hold on, let me ask her.”

My daughter does have the test – which she doesn’t hand over right away because she wants to know exactly why she needs it, what it will be used for… third degree basically. Satisfied with all my answers,she opens her binder to the math section, pulls out the test and hands it to me. “Thanks,” my friend texts back, “I don’t know what Celina did with it.”

How to Stay Calm and Win the Homework Battle

Is homework getting you down?

You dread it as soon as you see your child take his backpack to the kitchen table or maybe even get in the car.

You anticipate the fights, the struggle and sometimes the necessary bribing and manipulation to get the homework done.

Just the other night, your child cried at the kitchen table for 20 minutes because he didn’t want to even try a hard math problem.

You had no idea how to help him. Maybe you tried Youtube, you tried googling, but nothing.

Or perhaps your daughter sat there with the assignment of writing a 5 paragraph essay but refused to actually write something.

She stared.

It was painful.

How do you know if your kid’s homework is appropriate?

As parents, we get frustrated with the amount or type of homework that our kids bring home.

But how can we tell if it’s just our mood or if the work is appropriate? Also, what to do about it?

Overwhelmed? Homework Help for your Middle School Student

Dread your middle schooler’s homework every night? These tips for middle school parents will guide you in effective homework strategies.

There I was, sitting in my son’s 7th grade Parent-Teacher conferences, listening to the Literature teacher tell me the same thing I have heard for the past few years at every single conference…

“Your son is very bright, well-behaved, an absolutely pleasure in class. However, he doesn’t seem to get his homework done. And our first test of the year didn’t go very well for him.”

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  • 7 Ways to Gamify Your Studies to Make Learning More Fun

how to make homework a game

There’s no two ways about it: sometimes studying can feel like a bit of a struggle.

You should also read…

  • How to Study When You’ve Lost Motivation
  • How to Find the Learning Style That Suits You

Everyone goes through phases when a piece of work or a particular topic feels impossible to master, impossibly dull or impossible to complete in time for a looming deadline. In such situations , and sometimes just in general, what’s needed is a more powerful means of motivating yourself to conquer your workload. One way of doing this is to use the principles of ‘gamification’. If that word is alien to you, read this article and find out how gamifying your studies can help get you working more productively than you’ve ever worked before.

What is the gamification of learning?

Image shows a still from the game Tomb Raider.

Have you ever experienced the addictive qualities of video games? Perhaps you’ve been hooked on Tomb Raider or know what it’s like to become immersed in the world of Super Mario . When you become absorbed in such games, motivating yourself to work your way through them seems effortless. You’re compelled to continue and before you know it, hours have passed and you’ve worked your way through numerous levels. Now, if only there was a way to make studying as effortlessly compelling as video games are… The good news is that there is! It’s called ‘gamification of learning’, and it involves applying the principles of video games to studying. Incorporating the elements of video games that make them so interesting, such as design, narrative, leaderboards and reward schemes, is a way to make studying more fun, increase your motivation and develop superior productivity. We devote the rest of this article to the various ways in which you can apply gamification to your everyday studies and reap the benefits.

1. Incorporating a narrative into your studies

Image shows someone in a black hood holding a die, with a table covered in dice in the foreground.

A strong element of video games that makes them so compelling is the narrative. There’s a storyline that carries you along and makes you eager to find out what happens next. It’s not immediately obvious how this principle can be applied to learning, and it’s probably more suited to some subjects than others. One way of incorporating a narrative into your studies involves learning via invented scenarios. For example, this might involve some kind of historical reenactment to help you learn about a particular battle for history. Alternatively, creating a narrative (not necessarily directly related to your subject) that acts as an umbrella for a series of learning tasks may have the ability to sustain your attention for a longer period of time. For example, you and your friends could invent a Dungeons and Dragons type scenario in which you’re undertaking a journey, perhaps through a fantasy land such as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, and instead of fighting off monsters, you have to learn certain topics in order to progress through this imagined land. It takes a bit of creativity and imagination to make this work, and therefore a fair bit of effort, but it would certainly make studying more fun and communal. What’s more, becoming fully immersed in what you’re learning in this way will help it stick in your mind clearly and strikingly, making it much easier for you to recall when you get to the exam room.

2. Making use of reward schemes and leaderboards

Image shows the House Points counter at Hogwarts, with beads in red, blue, green and yellow representing the scores of the different Houses, from the set of the Harry Potter films.

Leaderboards are a common feature of video and online games, and they are a powerful motivator because we all want to see our names at the top of the board. It’s a little like the continual house points contest in Harry Potter, in which the four Hogwarts houses all compete to have the highest number of points to win the House Cup. Scores are kept by means of large hourglasses displayed to the whole school, which provide a visual record of who’s winning, encouraging students to do even better and win more points. The most obvious setting in which leaderboards could work effectively in real life is in the classroom, but if you wanted to implement one of your own outside school, you could instead set one up between your group of friends. It could work, for example, by implementing a points system in which you are awarded a certain number of points for an ‘A’ grade in an essay, then progressively fewer for a ‘B’, ‘C’, and so on. Across a term, you keep a running record of who’s on what number of points and the person with the most at the end of term wins a prize (perhaps the rest of the group clubbing together to buy a meal for the winner).

3. Changing the way you refer to things

Image shows shelves full of glass jars with mysterious contents, from the set of the Harry Potter films.

One way of making your studies seem more exciting is to change the terminology you use to describe various tasks. For example, using Harry Potter as an example again, we’d all love a place at Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry. So why not pretend that that’s where you’re studying? You could call Biology “Herbology” or “Care of Magical Creatures”. GCSE exams could be O.W.L.s (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) and A-levels could be N.E.W.T.s (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests). It may sound a little childish, and we’re not suggesting that you should go round school referring to them in this way, but this change of mindset could be just what you need to see your schoolwork in a fresh new light that makes things a bit more fun. In a similar way, if there’s a topic you’re struggling to get to grips with – let’s say a chemical formula – you could rename the things involved to characters from a favourite book, film or video game. In the chemical formula, for example, each element gets named after a character in the story of your choice, and you invent a scenario in which these characters interact in a way that represents what reactions take place in the formula. Not only will this help you understand the process when you’re initially learning it, but it will make it much easier to remember when you’re trying to recall it in the exam.

4. Getting instant feedback

Image shows a cute kitten looking at the camera.

One of the things that makes video games so addictive is that they give you instant feedback on how you’ve done. You earn points as you go along, pick up extra bonus items to help you in your journey through the imaginary world, upgrade instantly to a tougher piece of armour, that kind of thing. It’s not like an exam, where you might have to wait months for the results, or even handing in a homework assignment, which the teacher has to go away and mark. In the age of the internet, we’re used to instant gratification, and that’s something video games offer in abundance. So how can this principle be applied to learning? There are a few possible contexts in which this idea can fit in. In the classroom, it might involve your teacher issuing points on the spot to reward a good piece of work or an articulate comment. Sound effects could also be used in this way, such as the teacher sounding a chime for a correct answer or a ‘fail’ sound when you get a question wrong. Nobody will want to get issued with the ‘fail’ sound in front of the whole classroom, so it’s an incentive to work hard and get questions right. You could also implement the instant feedback principle when you’re studying on your own, by giving yourself rewards in the form of edible treats each time you reach the end of a chapter or solve a problem. This gives you an instant reward and something to work towards. While we wouldn’t necessarily advocate this practice for every single thing you study – it might not be too healthy in the long run to eat that much! – it could be a good way of motivating yourself to get through a topic you’re not particularly enjoying. Another form of studying that gives instant feedback is online quizzes and tests, which work by multiple choice questions and give you a computer-calculated result as soon as you complete them. You should be able to find a variety of such tests online, particularly those that test things like grammar and foreign language vocabulary. If you can’t find one for a particular subject, you could always group together with your friends and make up quizzes to test each other, giving each other the results straightaway.

5. Creating a gamified study environment

Image shows a painting of three philosophers - one young, one middle-aged and one old - by Giorgione.

By the time you get to GCSE level you’re probably going to consider yourself too old for childish games, but there are nevertheless a few things you can do to ‘gamify’ your study environment. This works particularly well when you do it with friends. One way of doing it is that each person takes on a persona, as they would in a video game. You could do this with a theme, which might be based on what you’re studying. For example, if you were studying philosophy , you could each take on the persona of a different philosopher and conduct a philosophical discussion in which each of you represents the views of the philosopher whose persona you’ve taken on. This is a bit like the narrative elements we spoke of earlier, only it involves learning in depth about a real-life character and their views, and taking on their persona when speaking aloud – just as you would if you were playing a character in a murder mystery party.

6. Working in teams

Image shows a group of students engaged in a study session, seated around picnic tables.

We’ve already highlighted the virtues of working with your friends to gamify your studies; collaboration is a well-known study method that can be particularly beneficial to those who may experience feelings of isolation if left studying on their own for too long. With this in mind, another way of gamifying your studies is to introduce a competitive element by splitting into teams with your friends. As we mentioned earlier, it might help to think of setting out on your learning task – a particular topic – as being like embarking on a mission, in which you must reach the goal before the other team, utilising teamwork skills by delegating learning tasks to each person. This lessens your workload and you all work together within your team to help each other solve academic problems before the other team. This is probably not something you’ll be able to do for every task, but it is good for giving yourselves something fun and educational to do when you meet at the weekend.

7. Mastering a subject

Image shows a 1Up extra life mushroom from Super Mario.

One of the key components of video games is that they have levels. You complete a level and then you move up to the next one, in which you’re perhaps a slightly stronger character presented with more difficult obstacles to overcome. The same idea can apply to learning, as you work through increasingly difficult academic problems, and your experience is increasing – perhaps without your even realising it – all the time. It could be something you could suggest to your teacher, or alternatively work out between your friends, or even just reward yourself with. You could start out, at the beginning of the school year or at the beginning of a task, as a Level 1 Novice, and, for each topic you master, you can ‘level up’. What level will you be able to get to by the end of the year? The challenge is on! So, next time you’re struggling to keep yourself motivated and you’re in need of some extra impetus to help you get back on track, have a think about your favourite video games and see if you can make your learning a bit more like them. While many of the suggestions in this article have involved grouping together with friends, you don’t have to involve anybody else if you don’t want to (or if you’re too embarrassed to suggest playing such games!). But ‘gamifying’ your studies alters your perspective on your learning by equating it with something more enjoyable, thereby making even disliked subjects seem more of an interesting challenge. If you have any other suggestions for gamifying your studies, we’d love to hear them in the comments box below!

Image credits: Tomb Raider ; dice ; House Points ; Potions ; kitten ; philosophers ; study group ; 1Up . 

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Khan Academy Blog

Making Homework Easier: Tips and Tools for Parents 

posted on September 20, 2023

By Stephanie Yamkovenko , group manager of Khan Academy’s Digital Marketing Team.

Homework Helper Hand

Homework can present challenges for parents and children alike. You naturally want to provide support for your child’s learning journey and ensure they are reaching their full potential. In this blog post, we will delve into practical strategies to assist your child with their homework. From fostering understanding and offering encouragement to breaking down tasks and implementing rewards, we will explore a variety of effective approaches to help your child achieve academic success.

Step 1: Set Up Your Child for Success

Your child’s study environment can have a significant impact on their homework performance. Create a space that is free from distractions like the television, smartphones, or noisy siblings. The study space should be comfortable, well lit, and have all the necessary materials your child might need, such as pens, papers, and textbooks. If your child’s workspace is noisy or uncomfortable, they may have difficulty focusing on their homework, resulting in lower productivity. 

For example, if you live in a small apartment, consider setting up a designated corner with a small desk or table where your child can focus on their work. You can use dividers or screens to create a sense of privacy and minimize distractions.

If the only place to do homework is in the dining room or kitchen, try to establish a routine where the area is cleared and organized before study time. This can help signal to your child that it’s time to concentrate and be productive.

Remember, it’s important to adapt to your specific circumstances and make the best of the available space. The key is to create a dedicated study area that promotes focus and minimizes interruptions regardless of the size or location of your home.

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Step 2: make it fun.

It’s important to make homework fun and engaging for your child. Here are some examples of how you can do it:

  • Use games : Incorporate educational games like card games, board games, or puzzles that align with the subject your child is learning. For instance, use Scrabble to practice spelling or Sudoku to enhance problem-solving skills.
  • Turn it into a challenge : Create a friendly competition between siblings or friends by setting goals or time limits for completing assignments. Offer small rewards or incentives for accomplishing tasks.
  • Make it interactive : Use hands-on activities or experiments to reinforce concepts learned in class. For science or math, conduct simple experiments at home or use manipulatives like blocks or counters to visualize abstract concepts.
  • Use technology : Explore online educational platforms or apps that offer interactive learning experiences. There are various educational games, virtual simulations, and videos available that can make homework more enjoyable.
  • Incorporate creativity : Encourage your child to express their understanding through art, storytelling, or multimedia presentations. For example, they can create a comic strip to summarize a story or make a short video to explain a concept.

Remember, by making homework enjoyable, you can help your child develop a positive attitude towards learning.

Step 3: Use Rewards

Rewards can be a powerful motivational tool for children. Offering positive reinforcement can encourage them to complete their homework on time and to the best of their ability. 

Here are some examples of rewards our team has used with their children:

  • Extra screen time: “I use Apple parental controls to add screen time on their iPad.”
  • Access to a favorite toy: “My eight year old has a drum kit, which drives us all up the wall. (Thanks, Grandma!) But when they’ve been doing a lot of school work, we put on headphones and let him go nuts.”
  • Praise for a job well done: “Specific, measurable praise is what works best.” 
  • Trip to the park: “A trip to the park is good for everyone, especially for the kids to run around with the doggos.”
  • Movie night: “I know every word and song lyric in Moana ; we now reserve showings for good behavior.” 
  • Stickers or stamps: “Gold stars were such a thing growing up in the 80s; turns out they still work.”
  • Stay up a little later: “An extra 30 minutes feels like a whole day for my young ones; use this reward with caution as it can become the expectation!”

So, celebrate your child’s efforts and encourage them to continue doing their best.

Step 4: Break Down Difficult Tasks

When facing daunting homework assignments, follow these step-by-step instructions to break down the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks:

  • Understand the requirements and scope of the task.
  • Break down the assignment into individual tasks or sub-tasks.  
  • Splitting the middle term
  • Using formula
  • Using Quadratic formula
  • Using algebraic identities
  • Determine the order in which tasks should be completed based on importance or difficulty. 
  • Start with the easiest task. Begin with the task that seems the least challenging or time-consuming.
  • Progress to more challenging tasks: Once the easier tasks are completed, move on to more difficult ones.
  • Take breaks: Schedule short breaks between tasks to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
  • Check completed tasks for accuracy and make any necessary revisions.
  • Finish the remaining task(s) with the same approach.
  • Celebrate small achievements to boost confidence and keep motivation high.

By following these steps, you can make daunting homework assignments more manageable and less overwhelming for your child.

Step 5: Get Targeted Help

If your child is struggling with homework, it might be worth considering seeking personalized assistance. You have the option to search for professional tutors or explore online tutoring platforms, such as Khan Academy’s AI tutor, Khanmigo .

This AI tutor can offer personalized guidance and support tailored to your child’s specific needs, helping them grasp complex concepts and practice essential skills. Incorporating this approach can effectively complement your child’s learning and enhance their homework performance.

Enhance your child’s learning and boost homework performance!

Homework can be a challenge for both parents and children. But with the right approach, you can help your child overcome difficulties and support their learning. Encourage and understand your child, create a comfortable environment, break down difficult tasks, use rewards, get professional help when needed, and make it fun. With these tips and techniques, you can help your child achieve success, develop a love for learning, and achieve academic excellence. Remember that each child learns differently, so it’s essential to adjust your approach to meet their unique needs.

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Tips for making homework more fun.

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If you’re wondering how to make your kids do their homework, try adding some fun to your weekly routine. School-aged children often find their take-home assignments less exciting than playing with toys or watching television. Because of this, it can be a real struggle for parents and guardians to get their children to sit down and focus.

Luckily, we have some homework tips and tricks for making it more engaging. When learning feels like playtime, children of all ages can be more cooperative and willing to get the work done.

10 tips to make homework fun for kids

10 Tips for Making Homework Fun for Kids

Consider the following tips to make homework fun for your child:

1. Work Together

After a long day at work and school, homework time can feel like a drag for both parents and children. Using this time to be productive is a great way to inspire your kids to complete their assignments. While your child sits at the table and begins their work for the evening, sit with them and check off some items on your to-do list, such as:

  • Returning emails
  • Answering text messages
  • Doing your online banking
  • Reading and sorting your mail
  • Paying bills

By working at the same time as your child, you can model how to focus on tasks that are not especially exciting. Plus, you will be there for them if they have questions about their work, and you get to spend extra quality time together.

2. Create a Study Group

Another way to make homework more fun is by creating a study group for your child. You can invite some of your kid’s classmates over for a homework session. The group can read together and assist each other with homework questions. There are many  benefits of studying in a group environment , including the following:

  • Sharing common goals
  • Using each other’s strengths
  • Being accountable for more than one’s self
  • Hearing about concepts in multiple ways

If you have young children, lead the kids through the study group and keep them on track. For older children, you can be more hands-off.

3. Ensure Your Child Isn’t Hungry. Have a Snack!

Some believe a child’s attention span is their  age multiplied by three or four minutes . That means a five-year-old child can focus on one task for around 17 minutes. And after a full day of school and activities, it can be even more challenging to focus for that amount of time.

Kids deal with many distractions, but being hungry does not have to be one of them. Have a healthy and delicious snack to eat before homework time, like the following:

  • Apple slices
  • Peanut butter

4. Use Rewards and Incentives

If you don’t know how to motivate a child to do their homework, consider introducing rewards into your homework routine.

These incentives do not need to be big or expensive. The following can work wonders:

  • Television shows
  • Time on their tablet
  • Video games

Having something fun to look forward to is a great motivator for children. They may be more inclined to focus on their assignments to get them done so they can have their reward, even if it is small.

5. Go Outside for a Change in Scenery

By the time kids come home from school, they have spent nearly all day inside. Switching it up can help incorporate some fun into homework time. Find an area outdoors that is not too distracting but still offers a pleasant environment for your child.

The fresh air can help improve concentration and increase productivity. During breaks, you can play a quick game or run around in the yard. These activities can be extra incentives for children.

6. Turn Homework Into a Game

By making homework into a game, children feel less like they are doing chores and more like they are having fun. Kids are more likely to remember information they learned while enjoying the process. But how do you incorporate fun into regular homework assignments?

Here are some ideas for how to make homework a game:

  • Use small toys or treats for solving math problems
  • Have them practice spelling using alphabet refrigerator magnets
  • Have kids write answers on a whiteboard

7. Create a Special Homework Space in Your Home

An awesome way of making homework more fun for kids is creating a special space in your home dedicated to doing schoolwork. Find an area with minimal distractions and foot traffic so they can focus on their assignments. Keep this space highly organized to save time finding materials like pencils or paper.

You can even make setting up the space a special activity for your kids. Allow them to  decorate and personalize their area . A few DIY crafts can go a long way. The ultimate goal is to make it a place they enjoy spending time in.

8. Make Homework Time Part of a Routine

It is no secret that  children thrive when they have structure . Implementing a reliable after-school routine can reduce stress and offer a sense of consistency in their day. Consider including a set time for homework as part of your household’s after-school routine.

A routine doesn’t have to be boring. Get your child involved in this new daily ritual by having them set up snacks or pick out music to play quietly in the background.

9. Let Your Child Play Teacher

You may be wondering how to avoid yelling at a child to do their homework, especially if they resist or act unruly at the mention of sitting down to work on their assignments. A great way of getting your child excited about doing their homework is letting them play teacher. After all, you wouldn’t yell at your teacher.

Having them teach you and a few stuffed animal friends how to work through their homework questions is a great way to boost their understanding of new concepts. Plus, it’s fun for kids to step into a leadership role, even just for an hour.

10. Utilize Professional Resources

It can be extremely frustrating trying to get a child to do their homework. As parents, it is crucial to stay calm and know when it is time to seek additional support. Reaching out to professional therapy services like Kids SPOT can help you find a solution that makes homework time less stressful.

Kids SPOT offers therapy and support  for a wide range of developmental learning and physical challenges. Your child could benefit from working with a professional therapist to overcome their struggles and reach their developmental potential.

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We believe in providing children with learning challenges or delays with the tools to improve their quality of life. Our goal is to help kids reach their full potential by advancing their level of independence.

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10 easy Ways How to Make Homework Fun

How to Make Homework Fun

Homework is essential for students to learn new skills, practice old ones, and develop good study habits. It also helps teachers assess student progress and provide feedback on areas that need improvement.

When kids return home from an extended day at school is typically not something they wish to complete. Parents, getting your children to complete their homework can be exhausting and stressful . 

So, what can a teacher do? Is it not possible to eliminate homework completely ?

There is a way to help make homework more enjoyable and thrilling for parents and their children. If you want to take a different approach to homework and engage your students , try these simple tips to make homework more enjoyable.

Table of Contents

1. Set up a Homework Game Board

To make homework more enjoyable, try setting up a board with different activities kids can do at home. You can use a whiteboard, poster board, or even cardboard boxes. Just make sure that the items on the board are age appropriate.

2. Create a Homework Journal

A homework journal is a great way to keep track of assignments and help kids stay organized. It’s also a good idea to set aside some time to review homework before bedtime. This will help kids feel less stressed when they wake up.

3. Write a Homework Routine

If you’re looking for ways to make homework more enjoyable for your child, try writing a homework routine. You can use a notebook or a simple spreadsheet to record the steps in completing the task. Then, every night, write down what needs to happen next.

Keeping a routine and maintaining a log book of the work done daily will help you access your child’s progress and can also help you make adjustments in our teaching method.

4. Play a Homework Game

Once you’ve written out your homework routine, play a game with your child. Ask them questions about what’s happening at home. What do they think will happen when they finish their homework? What do they believe will be the most challenging part? What do they think should happen first?

5. Reward your kid with a Homework Prize

You might not realize it, but kids love prizes. They’re excited to win something just because they did well on a test or finished a project. So why not reward your child and yourself too? If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try asking your children what they’d like as a prize.

6. Get a Homework Buddy

Turn homework into a play date. Invite your child’s friends to join them and encourage them to complete their work with them. It is essential to establish some rules before time. In the end, you can reward your kids with time off and ice cream after completing their tasks. 

learning in a group makes the experience more joyful and fulfilling.

7. Be positive

Your attitude dramatically influences how your child views the world, especially during the middle school years of transition. 

Be aware of your attitude towards homework assignments for your child. If you think of helping your child with assignments as a burden, your child will likely feel that way. 

Instead, it would help if you thought of homework help as an enjoyable and productive activity where you can learn and have fun together.

8. Work beside your student

Being in the classroom while the entire family is having fun can make it difficult for children. Instead of leaving your child to do her work independently, be a part of them to complete some work independently. 

When you’re trying to catch up with emails or pay your bills, create a budget or plan a trip, make it happen with your child. It will not only make your child feel like she’s not the only one working and also allows you to set an example.

Spend time together with them and be there to answer any concerns she may ask.

9. Study with a partner

Let’s discuss working in the business. This could be your family members, or you could be helping your child cope with his work. 

Perhaps you are wondering how to concentrate on your homework in a business ? It’s not too tricky when you are trying. If you’re helping your child, you can perform your work right alongside him. 

This will inspire your child to put in the effort and emulate your actions. A shared workspace is an excellent way to test different scenarios, much like the office of our company.

10. Try your favorite snack or drink

You’re not productive If you’re hungry. You just have to take care of it. A child who is hungry is more susceptible to distractions than adults. 

Keep this in mind before working on your homework. Find a delicious snack or beverage menu and begin working. If you are hungry, you can eat a slice of pizza or something similar without the need to get to the kitchen.

This approach will work in most cases but pay attention that this should not be counterproductive as the child will be busy eating and not studying.

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13 Fun Homework Ideas: The Best Ways To Make Homework Fun For Kids Quickly & Easily

Sophie Bartlett

Figuring out how to make homework fun can be a tricky task for parents.

Does it feel like you’re constantly nagging your kids to do their homework? If your answer is yes, know that we’ve all been there! It’s natural for parents to want their children to progress and do well in school, but after an entire day of paper, pencils, and books many youngsters will resist getting on with their homework – and that’s putting it mildly!

Top Tips To Make Homework Fun:

1. work together, 2. use rewards and incentives, 3. make them a snack, 4. make it visual, 5. try different learning apps, 6. set up a homework play date, 7. go outside, 8. turn it into a game, 9. let them play teacher, 10. use a timer, 11. create a special homework space, 12. remember to be positive, 13. get help if you need it.

Thankfully, there are ways of making homework less boring and that are a little bit more fun for your child. Whether they need to practice spelling, learn their times tables or revise for an important exam, our top fun homework ideas will help you magically take the ‘work’ out of homework.

Fun Homework Ideas - work together

Adults often work best in the company of others, and the same can be said of kids, so why not sit with your child while they’re studying and get on with some of your own work or life admin?

Whether you’re returning emails or doing your online banking, creating a shared workspace and modeling focused work is a great way to spend quality time together while they complete their homework. Win-win!

Quick win : While your child is tackling their fractions homework, you could sit down with them and take a look through your finances.

Rewards and incentives are great when it comes to getting your children to follow your household rules and routines, and homework is no different. Things like stickers or the promise of time on their iPad or games console for slightly older children can all work wonders in getting them to do their homework without a battle.

Quick win: For every few questions they answer they could get a minute of screen time!

Fun Homework Ideas - make them a snack

Let’s face it: A hungry child is an unfocused, unmotivated and unhappy child.

Most children come out of school ravenous, so let them nibble on a nutritious after-school snack while they get on with homework; things like popcorn, apple slices, grapes, or crackers and cheese are all great snack options.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Active for Life has a list of healthy after-school snack ideas and recipes to try.

Quick win: One of the best brain foods for kids is a nice and crispy apple! So when your child is craving something sweet just cut up an apple and let them munch away.

Help to eliminate the late night ‘Oh, I forgot to do that’, and create a weekly homework chart so your child can see what they have to do each day and check off each ‘to do’ task as it’s been completed.

Again, Pinterest has some great free printables to help keep kids organized. Get them involved by letting them color it, or decorate it with their favorite stickers, and pin it up somewhere at their height, where they will see it easily every day as a reminder. Some exciting new stationery and colorful pens might help too.

Quick win: An easy way to make homework fun is to grab a piece of paper and get your child to draw out and decorate a ‘homework chart’ consisting of 5 days. Stick it on the fridge and add a sticker to each day after they’ve done their homework, when they’ve collected 5 stickers they get a treat!

Fun Homework Ideas - try different learning apps

If your child prefers to be online, there are some great online apps around that children will have fun using, yet encourage learning too. Here are our favorite free math websites for example. Speak to your child’s teacher too and see which apps the children use in school so you can support what they’re doing at home.

Quick win: One of our favorite websites that makes homework fun is Tang Math !

Holding a homework playdate where your child can invite one of their best school buddies over to do homework together can be a great way for them to learn and make sure the work gets done, especially older children in elementary school.

Plus, it’s likely that their parents will be delighted!

Younger children may need a bit more support and guidance but can still gain a lot from the experience of learning together with a friend – think of this as a mini-educational play date for them.

Quick win: Let your child and their friend play for a while, and then get them to work through their homework with the incentive of a yummy ‘ice cream party’ when they’ve completed all of their homework.

Fun Homework Ideas - go outside

If the weather allows, create a comfortable outside study space and allow your child to do their homework outdoors.

The fresh air can help kids with their concentration if they’ve been stuck in a classroom all day, and studies also show that being outside, closer to nature, can increase productivity. The reward of a quick game of Frisbee or a kick-around of a soccer ball between tasks will help them stay motivated too.

Who said home learning had to be boring? If children enjoy what they’re learning, they’re more likely to remember what they’re being taught, so turn their learning into a fun game. Using sweets like Smarties to help with math and number work can turn the experience from a chore into a treat. If they get the right answer, they get to eat some!

Another trick that you can use when your child is learning spellings is to write them in shaving cream or in magnetic letters. It sounds simple but we can guarantee that it will make homework a lot more fun for your child.

These math games for kids and times tables games are a great place to start.

Quick win: If you’re looking for some fun homework ideas then check out this simple multiplication activity you can do at home, it’ll even get in one of your child’s five a day!

Make another fun homework game by creating your own mini-classroom and letting your child step into the role of teacher.

Have your child explain a concept to you as a teacher, as you, or their sibling, play the role of the student. This game works particularly well with subjects that require theory, like Science for example, as it will improve their understanding of the concept and build logic and reasoning skills.

Quick win: Make homework fun by getting your child to choose their favorite teddies and toys and setting them up in their own mini- classroom. Start off with registration, ‘mom’ ‘present’, ‘mr teddy’ ‘here’ etc. You’ll soon notice that your child is growing in confidence regardless of the topic as children love playing teacher!

Fun Homework Ideas - let them play

Some children may have difficulty working for prolonged periods of time without a break, so using a timer can be great for getting them to complete homework without whining. For example, if your child is given 20 math problems for homework, you can say “Complete the first 10 questions, then we’ll take a 5-minute break, then complete the next 10 questions”.

Many children will need a mental break and will work more effectively when given the opportunity to take one. At the end of the task, they get to pick an activity of their choice. If your child gets easily distracted, a timer game can work well to keep them focused on the task in hand.

Quick win: Put the timer on your phone so that your child can see the countdown while they’re working.

A special study space can make homework more fun and help motivate your child to get it done! Choose a space in your house that’s least likely to distract your child, and create simple, organized, and kid-friendly homework.

You could hang up some of their artwork above the desk, and have all their school essentials nearby so everything is close to hand.

Quick win: Make sure that they aren’t surrounded by things that will distract them. Televisions and iPads are a no go at homework time!

Remember to always be upbeat and positive about school and the importance of their homework. Give your child lots of praise and encouragement about how well they’re doing to help them stay motivated and on track.

Quick win: After every homework session, spend five minutes talking through what your child has accomplished. If you’re running out of activities to do, have a look at our list of home learning packs – all free to download.

Homework can be frustrating if your child doesn’t understand the material or gets bored easily. If your child is struggling, get them some expert help!

Quick win: Third Space Learning has plenty of advice on learning math for kids and parents but if you need more support, our primary school math tutors are easy to organize and very affordable.

Do you have students who need extra support in math? Give your students more opportunities to consolidate learning and practice skills through personalized math tutoring with their own dedicated online math tutor. Each student receives differentiated instruction designed to close their individual learning gaps, and scaffolded learning ensures every student learns at the right pace. Lessons are aligned with your state’s standards and assessments, plus you’ll receive regular reports every step of the way. Personalized one-on-one math tutoring programs are available for: – 2nd grade tutoring – 3rd grade tutoring – 4th grade tutoring – 5th grade tutoring – 6th grade tutoring – 7th grade tutoring – 8th grade tutoring Why not learn more about how it works ?

The content in this article was originally written by primary school teacher Sophie Bartlett and has since been revised and adapted for US schools by elementary math teacher Christi Kulesza.

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15 Innovative School Homework Ideas to Make Learning Fun

15 Innovative School Homework Ideas to Make Learning Fun

Aashita Pillai

Aashita is a writer here at Suraasa and has formerly worked as a Teacher Mentor for a couple of years. She wields words like weapons to help readers get clear and concise information.

Introduction

General tips to keep students hooked to school homework, 15 innovative school homework ideas to engage your students, theme a: arts and crafts, theme b: physical and outside activities, theme c: digital activities, theme d: games, theme e: entrepreneurship.

“Hi teachers! I am your old friend, School Homework. Over time as education changed, so have I— thanks to the endless innovations that happened to me.  Let me take you through my life and the various innovations that made me your best friend- I was born in the 1920s to help students reinforce what they learned in class. Until the 1980s, I was basically just pen-and-paper-based assignments.  The Internet was born in 1983. From there onwards, I made my stride into the ‘digital era’.

Evolution of school homework

Until the beginning of 2020, I was slowly being integrated within online platforms and technology to help students learn better. Then at the onset of 2020, the world plunged into the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools shifted to a ‘remote learning’ mode of education. During this pandemic, you and I became very crucial in ensuring the continuity of our students’ learning. You all embraced creative approaches to keep the students engaged. You leveraged interactive games, virtual simulations, & more to make me engaging. Gone are the days when you, my dear teachers, would limit your homework to worksheets, textbook questions, literature reviews, and reports. Today as we stand here in 2023, there is no limit to innovative and exciting homework formats! Well, that’s from me. See you in the classrooms!”

Unlimited possibilities when school homework and innovation combine

So teachers, we heard from homework about how it has evolved over time. As it said, many innovative ways have come up to reinforce our students' learning. So, are you ready to make your students fall in love with these new school homework ideas? Let’s begin with understanding some general tips to keep your students engaged with their school homework.

1. Make it Relevant and Meaningful 

Connect the school homework to their lives, interests, or current events to make it more meaningful and relatable. For example, if it’s Christmas time, you can ask your students to explore the themes of charity, storytelling, etc.

2. Give Them a Choice

Allow students to have some choice and autonomy in their assignments. Ask them to select the format (e.g. written format in the online medium, oral format in the offline medium) in which they want to submit their homework. When they feel a sense of ownership, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged. This is how you become a 21st-century teacher who uses differentiated learning. 

3. Celebrate Their Achievements

When children get appreciated for their achievements or good behaviour, it boosts their self-confidence. It encourages them to repeat those actions. This creates a positive learning environment. They are more likely to deliver results when appreciated for their actions. Hence, you can celebrate their achievements via small rewards, recognition or a display of their work in class.

Let's move to the next part of this blog, where we will share innovative school homework ideas that will turn mundane homework into engaging learning sessions!  After assigning any of these innovative homework ideas, you might never hear students’ innovative excuses to avoid homework! To give you a quick run-through, these ideas have been grouped under some common themes. Under each theme, you will learn how to use 3 ideas listed alongside relevant examples to comprehend it completely. Come along as we give the ratty old homework a MAKEOVER!

By infusing the joy of arts and crafts into school homework, you can tap into the innate curiosity and imagination of your students. And you never know, you might end up being the person that shaped the next Da Vinci! So, let’s get right into it:

1. Create Your Storybook

Storybooks as creative holiday homework for nursery class

We all have heard stories. We have loved them and adored them. So why not give our students a chance to write one?  After the students submit their storybooks, you can review their stories and give personalised feedback. Such feedback addresses each student’s individual needs, strengths, and areas for improvement. This fosters a student-centric learning environment.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

2. Make Your Own Board Game

Holiday homework to make your own board game

Do you remember the joy of gathering around a table, rolling a dice, and playing Snakes & Ladders? As kids and even as adults, many of us love spending our time playing board games.  Now, picture becoming the teacher that integrates school homework with a board game! Students can design board games and incorporate artistic elements into their theme, board layout, cards, etc. They can become architects of fun and learning!

Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

3. Construct a Birdhouse

Summer vacation holiday homework to create a birdhouse

Now, let’s tap into the sweet nostalgia of DIY(Do it Yourself) Projects. It could be something as simple as bedsheet forts or something a little more complex like a birdhouse 🙂 Won’t it be wonderful to watch your students feel a sense of accomplishment when they build their own handmade creations?  Let’s focus on the idea of constructing a birdhouse. By assigning students this homework, you’ll additionally be encouraging kinesthetic learning . 

Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely: 

Students love spending their time outdoors. Assigning school homework that requires them to be outside is a big plus! It will also help them apply what’s taught in class in real-life situations and promote active learning.

4. Participate in a Scavenger Hunt

how to make homework a game

Everyone loves a good old mystery! Give your students the chance to be modern-day ‘Sherlock Holmes’ as they set out on scavenger hunts.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

5. Maintain a Physical Activity Journal

how to make homework a game

In this digital age, where mobile and laptop screens often dominate, the majority of the students lead sedentary lifestyles. School homework which encourages physical activity, can be a game-changer! And what better than maintaining a physical activity journal that helps with it? Additionally, it will also promote the healthy habit of having an active lifestyle among students.  Getting students to journal can seem tough, but with the right motivation & incentives, it can be done. Additionally, this can also be a fun summer holiday homework, where students can keep track of their activities all summer! Encourage them to document their daily exercise triumphs. Push them to go beyond their own records! Ask them to explore science concepts- BMI, heart and pulse rates, diet, and nutrition! Once you do this, exercise will not just be about breaking a sweat anymore. It will also be something that incorporates learning! Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

6. Conduct a Survey at a Local Supermarket

how to make homework a game

This outdoor activity is an extremely fun option for school homework. Most kids love running through the different aisles in a supermarket. Introducing a concept like surveys here gives them a chance to do some ‘real-life’ work and also provides much-needed relief to their parents!  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely: 

In the age of tech-savvy students, we often find parents complaining about the excess screen time with their kids. But what if you could harness the untapped potential in technology? Today's kids are already immersed in the digital world, so why not tap into their enthusiasm and merge it with learning?  Let’s look at some innovative methods of assigning digital activities for school homework:

7. Record a Virtual Job Application

Homework for classes 9 to 12 related to career opportunities

This can be a fun homework assignment for students of all grades. One thing that we often forget as teachers is that school is not just about the present; it's also about the future. But often, we don’t discuss the future. This results in students being almost lost when it comes to their future career opportunities.  This is exactly where this school homework activity helps. Assigning school homework related to professions is a great chance for students to explore their career options. This, in turn, will help them be better prepared for life after school.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

8. Participate in Online Collaborative Projects

Online collaboration projects as holiday homework

Online projects are a catalyst for active learning and student engagement. They can be a tool for you to create a dynamic learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Additionally, these activities enhance digital literacy and empower students to leverage technology for learning. Working on online collaborative projects will also help students learn how to function together as a team. This is something that also prepares them for life beyond school, where it’s crucial to learn to work together.

9. Virtual Cultural Exchange

Using cultural exchange as holiday homework

Cultural exchange events open doors to new horizons, offering students a unique chance to explore diverse cultures. By immersing them in new traditions, you develop acceptance, and empathy in your students. You give them a chance to have a broad and more inclusive perspective of the world. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

Game-based school homework is one of the best ways to engage your students. Integrating learning within games creates a powerful synergy where education and entertainment merge seamlessly.  It’s time to tap into your students’ natural love for games and leverage it!

10. Use Minecraft as a Learning Tool

Summer vacation holiday homework using games

Ah, Minecraft! A name that brings back memories of endless adventures in pixelated landscapes. It’s a game that is a nostalgic reminder of our childhood.  But did you know that Minecraft can be more than just a game? It can be a powerful learning tool to level up the educational experience of your students.  💡Learn how to leverage Minecraft to make your classrooms more engaging! Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

11. Encourage Role-Playing Games

Using roleplay as creative holiday homework idea

Lights, camera, action! Role-playing games(RPGs) let students step into the shoes of a character and bring lessons to life. Even though RPGs are not typically classified as games, their unique blend of learning and fun makes them ideal for educational purposes.  You can assign students to act out roleplays based on a historical event, scientific concept or work of literature. They can develop characters, write dialogues, and present this to the class. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

12. Online Challenges

Online coding as holiday homework design idea

You can introduce online challenges like coding of varying difficulties for different grade levels. Platforms like Scratch or Code.org can be helpful for this purpose. Coding challenges offer hands-on experience to students. It allows them to practice coding concepts and algorithms in a practical and engaging manner.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

In today's competitive world, students who embrace innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset stand out. As a teacher, you can nurture these qualities in your students via thought-provoking school homework. Such assignments can ignite students' passion for problem-solving, creative thinking, and strategic planning. Let’s look at some of the ideas below.

13. Pitch Your Business Idea

Holiday homework idea of practising a business pitch

Have you watched shows like Shark Tank or Billion Dollar Buyer? Have you been completely captivated by the business pitches on these shows? Now, imagine doing the same for your students— unleashing their entrepreneurial spirit. It’s time to bring the hustle of the business world into your classrooms! Encourage students to develop a business idea and create a persuasive pitch. They should research their target market, competitors, and unique selling points. In fact, students can present their pitch using multimedia tools, such as slides or videos, highlighting the problem they're solving and the value their business brings. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

14. Design a Mobile App

School homework idea to design mobile apps

Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. Think about the countless hours that you spend on your smartphone, exploring different apps that make your life easier. This is a practice growing like fire amongst kids as well and is cause for serious concern! What if they spend time on their phone and learn at the same time? This homework assignment encourages students to apply their creativity and technical skills to develop a concept for a mobile application. Additionally, you can also assign this as a holiday homework assignment and let students go wild with learning during summer! Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

*Technologies like designing mobile applications can be too complex for the primary school. Hence, we focus on this idea only for middle and high school students.

15. Set up a Stall at the School Fair

School homework idea of setting up a stall at fair

This homework acts as an Introduction to Business 101 class for students of all grade levels. Students get to decide what stall to put up, then work on the logistics and finally manage the stall and finances on D-Day. This will teach students real-world skills and give them a feeling of ownership. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely: 

Grade-Specific Tips to follow while Preparing School Homework ‍

1. primary school students ‍.

  • Keep it Interactive and Hands-on Younger children thrive on tactile and interactive experiences. Incorporate more of arts and crafts, storytelling, etc., to make homework enjoyable for them.
  • Use Visuals Vibrant colours will capture their attention and make tasks visually appealing.
  • Keep it Short Primary school students have limited attention spans. Give them small tasks that they can accomplish in a limited timeframe. ‍

2. Middle School students ‍

  • Offer More Choices Middle schoolers are often teenagers already on the precipice of changes beyond their control. They will appreciate having some control over their learning. Allow them to choose topics or formats that align with their interests.
  • Incorporate Technology Middle school students are often technologically savvy. Utilise online resources, interactive platforms, and digital tools to make homework more engaging and relevant to their interests.
  • Encourage Independent Research Foster their curiosity by assigning research-based projects. Encourage them to explore various sources and present their findings in creative ways. ‍

3. High School Students ‍

  • Encourage Critical Thinking and Analysis High schoolers are capable of higher-order thinking skills. Assign tasks that require critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Encourage Self-expression Offer creative assignments that allow them to express their thoughts, opinions and ideas. Remember that they are young adults finding their voice in a loud world. Encourage them to write essays, create multimedia presentations, or engage in spirited debates.
  • Push for Practical Application Assign tasks that connect to real-world situations, allowing them to see the relevance and importance of their learning. ‍

How to Improve Your Homework and Other Teaching Strategies?

Do you want to learn about more strategies to improve school homework? What if you could upskill and improve all your teaching strategies- classroom management, assessment, and lesson planning, among many others? Book a call with a mentor to get dedicated teacher counselling on upskilling and improving your teaching strategies.

In a world where school homework is generally met with students’ whining, you can use these approaches to turn it into a gateway for innovation! By infusing ideas such as game-based learning, digital activities, and arts and crafts, you can help students engage with school homework meaningfully. This will foster a lifelong love for learning among your students, ultimately helping them succeed in and beyond the classroom. Want a short compilation of all the amazing school homework ideas? Click the button below

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Homework Games: Ideas to Make Homework Fun

  •  / 

For the some students, homework is thought of as boring, tedious and a pain to complete. Why study when you could be playing games? With the ideas below, you can turn your child's after-school study time into a fun experience that he or she will actually look forward to and enjoy.

How Can I Make Homework More Enjoyable for My Child?

Teachers and parents can motivate students by incorporating games into homework assignments and study guides. Learning is much more exciting and interesting to students who are able to play and learn at the same time. As a parent, you can create games that challenge your children, but there are also a wide variety of interactive websites with free games by grade level and subject.

To get started, first decide whether you'll turn current assignments into games or if you'll create your own review games for extra practice. It may be a good idea to let your child complete class assignments normally - so he or she is used to studying - and save the fun and games for review sessions.

Three Homework Game Ideas

Vocabulary puzzles.

Creating custom puzzles is a quick and easy way to provide your child a vocabulary review that doesn't involve matching or fill-in-the-blank worksheets. There are several websites that generate free puzzles based on the words you input. Once complete, the games are easily printable and can be given to your child during his or her study time. The other benefit of using puzzles as study tools is that there are a variety of types, so it shouldn't get old. For example, you can create word hunts, word jumbles, cryptograms, crossword puzzles and more.

Another fun and easy-to-create homework game is the mad lib, which tests your child's knowledge of the basic parts of speech. Instead of writing out a story, you can search the Internet for worksheets or even purchase entire books full of Mad Libs from a bookstore. Additionally, if you'd prefer your son or daughter to complete the game online, there are interactive versions for him or her to play on the computer.

Math Equation Bingo

To give your child practice with mental math, you can set up a Bingo game that is appropriate for his or her level. Start by giving a range of numbers for your son or daughter and other players to choose from. For example, they can fill in the cards with any number between 1-50.

The next step is to draw a number as you would in a regular Bingo game. However, instead of calling it out, state a problem that can be solved quickly. If you draw 32, you might say, 'If you divide me by four, you get an answer of eight.' Continue until one player gets a Bingo.

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Parenting And Family

10 Ways to Make Homework Fun

  • By Rachel Pinn Updated On March 23, 2020

homework

As adults, we often think of homework as a bad thing; tasks we are required to do after school that take precious free time away from our home life. But for kids, that's not the case! Starting in pre-K, kids are taught that homework can be fun, and it seems like the processes that adults find daunting are seen as play for little kids. So how do we capture that interest, spark and joy that our littlest students come home with, and keep it for as long as possible into our children's elementary and even teen years? Let's make homework fun again!

Designate a homework workspace for each student. This can be an area at the kitchen table, a spot in your home office or their own lap desk. It's not always possible to have a dedicated space for work 24/7, so it's perfectly fine to have a desk caddy with the tools your student needs ready to go when homework time comes.

Calming jazz, symphonies or upbeat rhythms can do a lot for productivity. Lyrics can often get in the way of certain types of homework, so it's best to consider the type of work before selecting. Spotify and Pandora have a lot of free options for listening while working.

As kids get older, homework can become more and more intense. Make sure to build in check-ins and breaks to make sure they're giving their eyes and brains a rest. Perhaps a snack, drink or short dance party is just the thing to refresh them for the rest of their work. 

Color and light are important to a workspace. If your child's favorite color is green, snag some green contact paper or construction paper and put it on their workspace. Make sure the space is well-lit as well, because squinting is no good for homework effectiveness.

Colorful pens, paper, pencils and other tools make doing homework more fun. These can even be a reward themselves, as getting to head to the dollar store or shop online for desk accessories can be just as fun as using them.

When you're working with your student, give them your full attention. Put away your work, your cell phone and other distractions while you help them prepare for some dedicated homework time. If you have to make dinner or get back to work, make sure to at least bookend the time with a few minutes before and after the homework period, which shows you're invested in their success.

Communication

Homework often requires a bit of communication with your child's teacher in order to squeeze the full learning out of it. There may be parts of a lesson that your child doesn't understand, in which case it's a good idea to make sure you communicate with teachers so you can assist where needed.

It can be hard to teach kids to filter out distractions and get to work, but sometimes a reward can help get them there. Maybe it's dinner at a restaurant they've been wanting to visit, "points" toward a new toy or even something as simple as an extra book at bedtime. Find what motivates your student, and let that motivate them toward homework success!

The best way to learn is to teach, so once your student completes their task, have him or her explain it to you. Let them tell you how he or she thought about the problem, how they came up with the solution and how they got there. That act of explaining will cement those learnings in their mind.

The key here is that if tasks ever become too challenging for your student, stay positive. Don't bring up thoughts of your own childhood; rather, move on to something else and come back to that challenge later. Remind them that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning. and if everything was easy for us, it wouldn't be fun at all.

READ THIS NEXT: 11 Painfully Hilarious Homework Tweets from Parents

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How to Make Homework Fun for Kids

Is homework a source of stress for your child? Do you find yourself constantly bugging your child about homework? You are not alone. Homework is a common source of battles for many families. As a parent, there are several things you can do to help reduce homework stress and alleviate your child’s feelings of dread about the daily homework routine. The trick is to make homework time fun and enjoyable. So how can you make homework fun for your child? Read on to learn about seven tricks that will help you make your little one’s homework routine less overwhelming and more fun!

Consider using incentives to motivate your child

Doing homework isn't fun for most children. However, when you make homework into a game, it will make the experience more exciting and enjoyable. Consider offering children incentives and rewards.

For example, you might consider taking your child to do a fun activity after homework is done. If children enjoy playing video games, you might allow them to play their favorite game for an extra 30 minutes once they finish their assignments. If your child enjoys sweet treats, how about offering ice cream as a reward? Whatever the incentive is, make sure it's something your child will look forward to.

Make homework a family affair

You can make homework time something your entire family can enjoy together. You might be surprised by your child’s excitement about completing homework together with you . Consider making this time fun by playing brain games. When you take on the challenge together, your child is more likely to work faster and enjoy the time spent together.

Create a schedule for homework time

Homework time doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out process. It’s important to establish a routine and daily schedule when it comes to homework. It’s also best to avoid giving your child too much work at one time. This will only lead to additional stress and homework avoidance..

Limit the amount of work being tackled at one time to ensure that your child is more likely to look forward to it instead of dreading it. Once homework time has ended, you may consider taking your child outside to have fun. If you make homework time something children look forward to, they can anticipate enjoying fun activities that can enhance the entire daily experience.

Help kids with their homework

Children need our help sometimes too. There will be times when your child may not fully understand a homework problem or question, and it's essential that you're there to offer assistance and guidance. Don't let your child sit there feeling confused and struggling. Take time to help children grasp concepts so they'll be able to do it independently in the future. Doing this will help your child become a more confident and independent learner.

Provide breaks in between tasks

In addition to setting a schedule for your child, it’s also important to allow your child to take breaks periodically. In addition to giving kids chances to relax their bodies and minds, breaks also help keep their minds fresh, which will boost overall productivity. Allow them to choose from a variety of activities for each break such as having a drink, going outside, or eating a snack.

Consider finding a homework buddy

If your child is having difficulty getting started, sometimes it’s helpful to invite a friend to come over to tackle homework together. Sometimes this helps kids feel motivated to initiate homework. It can also make doing homework more fun and enjoyable. Just be sure to set some rules ahead of time. Once they’re done, you can give them some snacks.

Turn homework into a game

Homework doesn't have to be boring. How about turning homework time into a game? A great way to do this is by creating flashcards for your child’s various subject areas. Then, compete to see how many cards can be fished out from the deck in a matter of minutes.

When the prospect of homework is daunting or boring for  children, try following these simple tips for making homework fun. Before you know it, homework time will never have to feel like a chore again!

At Mrs. Myers' Learning Lab , we believe that all children can be happier, more successful, and confident learners, no matter their current education level. Learn about how our innovative small group programs meet your child's needs. Give us a call for more information today!

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How to Make Homework Fun for Kids: 5 Easy Ways for Parents

How to make homework fun for kids

“Do your homework!”  Whining, procrastinating, and full-on tantrums may ensue, but it doesn’t have to be like that.  With the right attitude and a motivator or two, you can make doing homework fun for your kids.

Make Homework Fun!

Sometimes the thought of your child having to do homework after being in school all day is frustrating.  However, to help make the task more pleasant for your kids and yourself, here are 5 ways to make homework fun!

1.  Magical Motivators

Use incentives to get your children to do their homework without a fight.  Small snacks, stickers, iPad time, or toys work well for younger children.  Older children might be motivated more by privileges like TV and Computer time or larger rewards like money. Whatever you use, remember your ultimate goal is to help develop good habits for the future.

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2.  Write it for Them

No, that doesn’t mean doing it for them.  It might seem counter-intuitive, but if you mix up the routine, and have your child dictate the answers to you, they will be a lot more interested in the actual subject material.  This also gives you a special opportunity to bond with your child.  Not all homework can be done this way, but try to be creative and change up your child’s homework routine.

3.  Learning Apps

Homework can be frustrating if your child doesn’t understand the material. Fun math practice  apps can be a great resource for visual examples and games that help your child practice concepts he is struggling with.  So, make homework fun by getting an app that makes the subject easy for your child.

4.  Get a Homework Buddy

Turn homework into a play date.  Have your child invite a friend over and encourage them to do their homework together.  Make sure you lay down a few rules ahead of time.  Then you can reward the children with free time and a snack after they complete their work.  How fun is that?

5.  Don’t Take it Too Serious

There are more important things in life than homework and grades.  Too much emphasis on grades can destroy your child’s love of learning and devalue relationships.  Think about what values you want to instill in your child and make sure the homework is not getting in the way.  If you believe your child’s teacher is giving out too much homework after you see your child demonstrate an understanding of the subject, don’t be afraid to voice your concern.  Even if nothing changes, it will show your children that you care and empathize with them.  That can go a long way!

how to make homework a game

How do you make homework more fun for your kids? Let us know your ways at [email protected]

Thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can i make homework fun.

  • Use incentives
  • Use game-based learning
  • Try different routines
  • Try getting your kids a homework buddy
  • Have fun with them

How to make school work more interesting?

  • Do tough tasks first
  • Use games to teach tough concepts
  • Try to add a creative touch in every concept
  • Get a school work buddy

How do you make homework meaningful and fun?

  • Incorporate cause behind assignments
  • Give students real-life application of concepts
  • Include culture in homework
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How to Make Homemade Games for your Homeschool

Do you want to incorporate more games into your homeschool but have a hard time finding games that interest your children? Homemade games are the perfect solution! In this post you’ll learn how to make homemade games and why homemade games are the perfect learning tool for your homeschool!

My son is a hands-on learner and loves playing games, but he is also incredibly perceptive and can smell an educational game coming from a mile away! Combine that with his performance anxiety and he often shuts down at the suggestion of playing a learning game. I’ve successfully got around this obstacle by making our own games!

Why homemade games are perfect for your homeschool!

Homemade games are perfect for your homeschool because you can tailor it to your children’s interests and abilities..

Have a child obsessed with monster trucks? Make a simple yet fun Monster Truck Race Math Game for them! Is another child interested in My Little Ponies? Learn how to make a simple grid math game using stickers ! With a little creativity, time and basic craft supplies you can make a game for just about any interest that teaches any subject!

Check out our landing page of homemade games for ideas!

Homemade games are also incredible affordable..

All that you need are some basic craft supplies and game pieces or small toys that can be used as game pieces. My favorite objects to use for homemade games are those little toys that come with kids’ meals! They are always collecting in a pile somewhere, so why not put them to good use? Below is a list of items you’ll need to get started making homemade games!  This post contains affiliate links.

Supplies Needed to Make Homemade Games

  • poster board
  • brown craft paper
  • printer paper
  • construction paper
  • small toys or math manipulatives
  • number dice
  • math operations dice

How to Make Homemade Games

There are many different types of homemade games that can be added to your homeschool. We’ve had so much fun learning with homemade board games, sensory bin games and gross motor games! Below you will learn the basics for how to make each type of homemade game.

Grid Board Games

I first learned about making simple math games for preschoolers from the book More than Counting by Sally Moomaw . In this book she describes two simple math games and how they can be used for teaching preschoolers and kindergarteners early math skills. One game she describes is called a grid game. This is a simple game that uses a grid, some math manipulatives and a simple 3 dot die to teach preschoolers counting and one-to-one correspondence. This is the perfect simple game for young preschoolers to play!

Path Board Games

The other type of game Moomaw describes in her book is called a path game.  It can be made very simply with two straight paths were players race to the finish line. Candy Land is another version of a path game but with one winding path instead of two straight paths. Both of these types of games can be made to fit any theme or interest. I’ve made several for my son which can be seen on our landing page of homemade game ideas!

Sensory Bin Games

Another type of game we like to make and play are sensory bin games! For these types of games I put together a simple sensory bin and then add game pieces such as dice and have my son roll the dice and dig through the sensory bin to find that number of objects. This is great for learning to count as well as for tactile sensory input. And again these can be tailored to your child’s interests or learning theme.

Gross Motor Games

Gross motor or movement games are great for wiggly kids who need to get up and move in order to really learn! These types of games are great for learning outside as well! We have incorporated sorting colors and also learning letter recognition with gross motor games! We always have so much fun playing gross motor games!

If you are interested in learning more about how to use games in your homeschool check out the Gameschool Resources page by my friend Cait of My Little Poppies!

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[…] How to Make Homemade Games for Your Homeschool on Stir the Wonder – On this post, you can learn how to make grid board games, path board games, sensory bin games and gross motor games. […]

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how to make homework a game

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How to Have Fun While Studying

Last Updated: October 14, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jai Flicker . Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 749,403 times.

If you find studying boring and difficult, why not make it fun? From making your environment more conducive to improving your concentration, there are various ways to make studying more than just a boring task.

Studying Alone

Step 1 Try interactive learning software.

Studying with Others

Step 1 If you have an older sibling at home, you can study together so you have company.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

1 - Study For Exams

Expert Q&A

Jai Flicker

  • Take a glass of water before starting to read. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 1
  • Plan something fun to do after studying so you will look foward to that thing. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 1
  • If you are finding a subject boring because you are struggling with it, seek help from a tutor, older brother or sister, a parent, a friend or anyone you can trust to help you to learn it more easily. At college/university level, you may need to assess deeply if you have made the right choice or whether it would be better to change subjects or even courses. Don't despair - there is always help. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 3

how to make homework a game

  • Don't ever promise yourself you'll just watch one show, just listen to one song, just check one email, or "just do one" anything. You'll end up losing track of time and get hooked into the TV, iPod, emails, or whatever it is. Thanks Helpful 145 Not Helpful 20
  • For music: you can get too much into it and pay more attention to the rhythm than the study. Turn it off if this is happening to you. Not everyone can tolerate music or noise while studying. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't overeat to reduce stress and get adequate sleep during times of cramming, swotting etc. No need to make yourself ill - it's another of life's lessons about taking everything in your stride and coping well. Thanks Helpful 69 Not Helpful 24
  • Note that if you have heavy, continuing stress, it could be time to talk to a doctor. Thanks Helpful 65 Not Helpful 29
  • Don't get down over study hurdles. Everyone can have mental blocks, gets fed up and needs for time-out from any activity, even for a period of time. Be gentle on yourself, take a break and get yourself back together again before you give up on your studies. Also, seek assistance if you have special learning disabilities; there are excellent, trained assistants in many schools and universities on call to help out. Have faith - they're there to help you, not to tell you that you can't do it. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2

You Might Also Like

Create Good Study Habits for Exams

  • ↑ https://www.unicef.org/serbia/en/open-digital-educational-tools-interactive-online-teaching-and-learning
  • ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/10-ways-fun-study.html
  • ↑ https://share.upmc.com/2019/08/healthy-snacks-to-power-studying/
  • ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/studentsuccess/chapter/learning-environment/
  • ↑ https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/study-and-training/help-with-study/how-to-study-better/top-10-study-tips
  • ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
  • ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/keeping-pets-and-people-healthy/how.html
  • ↑ https://health.cornell.edu/about/news/study-breaks-stress-busters
  • ↑ https://usm.maine.edu/agile/using-flashcards
  • ↑ https://www.utep.edu/extendeduniversity/utepconnect/blog/november-2017/4-memory-techniques-for-successful-study-sessions.html
  • ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/alphabet_matching
  • ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/metacognitive-study-strategies/

About This Article

Jai Flicker

While studying can feel boring and difficult, there are ways to have fun while doing it. Try making your studying more like a game by using interactive learning software or having a family member or friend quiz you. If you’re creative, try writing a song about the general points that you need to study. You can also make some colorful flashcards that you can decorate during study breaks, or read your textbooks in a funny accent or weird voice. Another creative way to study is to pretend you’re the teacher and lecture your siblings or stuffed animals on your test material. To learn how to make studying fun with friends, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How do you take a video game and turn it into a compelling narrative?

Hollywood long struggled to successfully adapt video games into scripted works. But in recent years, writers seem to have figured out how to create compelling narratives inspired by video games.

A MARTÍNEZ, HOST:

Hollywood is always looking for the next trend, the next big thing. And these days it appears to be video games. So many games have inspired movies and scripted series. A new one just dropped on Amazon Prime Video, "Fallout," a game based in a world destroyed by nuclear war.

(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "FALLOUT")

ELLA PURNELL: (As Lucy MacLean) The mission of the vaults should be important to everyone to come up to the surface one day and restart civilization.

MARTÍNEZ: HBO had a hit with "The Last Of Us." "The Witcher" was a hit for Netflix. But how is it done? How do you take a video game and turn it into a compelling narrative? Dmitri M. Johnson is one of the producers behind the "Sonic The Hedgehog" movies. He runs a company that specializes in video game adaptations.

DMITRI M JOHNSON: Now we have film and TV execs who grew up playing games like we did. Video games on their own right are just having a moment of incredible storytelling. And I think when you have writers, directors, actors who also, you know, are kind of part of that community, you get this perfect storm of storytelling, and it really is right place, right time for me and, you know, some of my other contemporaries.

MARTÍNEZ: Do you think the attitude of Hollywood has changed since you started producing the "Sonic" movies? I mean, has video games become a property that Hollywood looks to and said, you know what, we can really make some money off of this?

JOHNSON: It is night and day. You know, we were borderline mocked and, you know, run out of rooms when we were talking about game adaptations in the early 2000s. And today, you know, it's the biggest thing on the planet. Like, I don't know if you've seen some of the reviews coming out for the new "Fallout" series, but the reviews are incredible. And I think the more that the source material is taken seriously, you're bringing together the highest-quality elements - you know, as far as writers, directors, the talent - we're going to continue to see those results. And I love my industry, but it certainly chases heat, and right now, video games have never been hotter. So I think that Hollywood absolutely wants to be in this space.

MARTÍNEZ: What do you think are some of the specific mistakes that people have made when it comes to some video game adaptations in the past? Where do you think people have gone wrong?

JOHNSON: I mean, that's a loaded question, but I'll talk about a couple that we certainly keep in mind. So number one, when you look at some of the games especially, you know, you look at like, you know, the PlayStation 2 and, you know, some of the early, early great Xbox, PlayStation games, oftentimes you were playing as you. A great example of that is something like a "Max Payne." Like, "Max Payne" is one of my favorite games, but you are playing as you as Max Payne. And I think if you go into an adaptation kind of with that mindset, you kind of have a shell of a character, which doesn't scream a movie.

The second big one that we try to avoid, and I actually coined this as my mom test, is while you want to make an adaptation that certainly pleases the fans of the game - and, you know, with that, we try to put in fun Easter eggs and things that only the hardcore fans will know - you also have to make sure that an audience who hasn't played the game, who may never play the game, can come in and connect with these characters, fall in love with the story and, you know, in my mom test, I say find out after the fact that it just happened to be based on a game. So that is also a mistake that happened in the past. I think one of the better examples of adaptation was Episode 3 of "Last Of Us."

(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "THE LAST OF US")

NICK OFFERMAN: (As Bill) This isn't the tragic suicide at the end of the play. I'm old. I'm satisfied. And you were my purpose.

JOHNSON: You had a character that, you know, you lightly touch on in the game, but that episode, I think, stood out because it went deeper than the game could. It really explore that character and that story in a way that hadn't been done in the game. And I think that's great adaptation.

MARTÍNEZ: Yeah. And you're talking about Nick Offerman's character in "The Last Of Us"...

JOHNSON: Yes. Yeah.

MARTÍNEZ: ...Someone who was maybe not a central character in the video game but turned out to be a very memorable character in the TV show.

JOHNSON: Yeah, I mean, that is adaptation, like, at its best. You know, I consider one of the best video game adaptations of all time the original "Mortal Kombat" movie.

(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "MORTAL KOMBAT")

FRANK WELKER: (As Prince Goro) This puny mortal will be no problem. I'll crush him in one blow.

LINDEN ASHBY: (As Johnny Cage) All right. Let's dance.

(SOUNDBITE OF FIGHTING)

JOHNSON: I loved it from the first minute, you know, the techno, you know, beat hit to the end, but I was also a hardcore "Mortal Kombat" fan, so, you know, I doubt my mom would have appreciated that the same way that I would, you know? So that's one of the things we try to - you know, a couple of things we try to keep in mind, for sure.

MARTÍNEZ: Yeah, when you're pulling out spines - right? - I mean, out of bodies...

JOHNSON: Exactly.

MARTÍNEZ: ...Moms might not like that unless, you know, they're into that. You know, you never know.

JOHNSON: Twelve-year-old me loved it.

MARTÍNEZ: Absolutely. Me, too. Absolutely.

(SOUNDBITE OF THE IMMORTALS' "TECHNO SYNDROME (MORTAL KOMBAT)")

MARTÍNEZ: Now, we saw a bit of a backlash in recent years against superhero movies. People are maybe a little maxed out on superhero movies. There have been a lot. I've loved them all. But you know what? That's just me.

JOHNSON: Yeah.

MARTÍNEZ: How do you avoid this backlash or this kind of fatigue with video-game-inspired material?

JOHNSON: It terrifies me. I lose sleep because I don't think there's going to be any lack of brilliant, incredible storytelling in games, but I do fear that you will have producer studios who think that there's a, you know, kind of cash-grab opportunity and will not only see games that don't necessarily need to be adapted but will see, let's just say, certain people working on them who don't appreciate or understand what makes a great adaptation. So one of the ways we avoid that is we like to say we never chase heat. Don't chase something because it's sold millions of copies. That may have been because it was an incredible game, and it should only be an incredible game. We chase passion. We chase, you know, things that we personally are invested in, and we bet on that.

MARTÍNEZ: Dmitri M. Johnson is one of the producers behind the "Sonic The Hedgehog" movies. He's also co-founder and CEO of dj2 Entertainment and Story Kitchen, production companies specializing in video game adaptations. Dmitri, thanks.

JOHNSON: Thank you.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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  2. How to Make Homework a Game: 7 Steps (with Pictures)

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  3. How to Make Homework Fun for Kids in 2021

    how to make homework a game

  4. How to Make Homework a Game: 7 Steps (with Pictures)

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  5. Kids Rock!: Homeworkopoly for the Mimio

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  6. How to Make Homework Fun for Kids • Teaching Trove

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  1. How to make homework fun ll #fyp #shorts #preppy

  2. 6 Tips to Make Homework More Fun!

  3. How to make homework easy

  4. make your homework and then you are going to make homework do you understand?#dowhatyoulovetodo

  5. How To Make Homework Writing Machine At Home

  6. Homework Game Bag 23 (Triple T Boxes) #firstgrade #homework #learninggames #sightwords #mrsalves

COMMENTS

  1. How to Turn Homework into a Game So Students Want to Do It

    All we did was turn the whole nature of homework into a game (borrowing some principles from game theory ). First, students don't have to do homework; they choose when they do it. Second, students can choose from a range of "quests" at any time to do. Each quest is carefully written to be relevant to the content-area (in this case ...

  2. 12 Best Strategies for How to Make Homework Fun: From Drab to Fab

    Change it up! Maybe study in the living room or backyard. A new view can make homework feel less like a sentence. Game On, Homework: Turn it into a game. Set a timer, challenge yourself, or compete against your own best times. It's like making homework your own video game. Study Buddy Vibes: Grab a friend for company. Studying together is ...

  3. 13 Fun Homework Ideas: The Best Ways To Make Homework Fun

    Set up a homework play date. Go outside. Turn it into a game. Let them play teacher. Use a timer. Create a special homework space. Remember to be positive. Get help if you need i t. Thankfully, there are ways of making homework less boring and that little bit more fun for your child.

  4. Blooket: An Easy "How To" Guide For Teachers

    To assign homework on Blooket, first, go to your chosen question set and then click on 'Host'. Next, you'll see the live game modes, but if you scroll to the bottom, you'll see a button that says ' Assign Homework '. Click on ' Assign Homework ' and then choose a HW game mode that you want students to play.

  5. 28 Ideas On How To Make Homework Fun For Students

    Working on homework teaches children that work is a part of life, not just school, and fosters friendship without being overpowering. 5. Design an Awesome Workspace. Improve the area where your kids complete their schoolwork to increase efficiency, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

  6. How to Play Blooket

    All they need to do is enter the game ID for the game mode of their choice for your students or that of an assigned Blooket set as homework. Then all your students need to do is add their nickname, and they're off. No user names or passwords are required. This is important if you're using Blooket for students under 13.

  7. PDF Fun Ways to Turn Homework into a Game

    blues and inspire your children to make the kind of creative learning connections they can only make through play. Whether encouraging them to top their own best score, race to learna set of information, or seek out worthwhile rewards through hard work, games can make learning feel more like a fun activity than a boring chore.

  8. How to Make Homework Fun

    Listen to Music: Create a motivating study playlist. Make It Visual: Use colors and visuals to make notes pop. Connect to Real Life: Relate homework to everyday situations. Stay Organized: Use planners to stay on top of assignments. These simple tips can make homework less daunting and more enjoyable.

  9. 3 Simple Ways to Make Homework Fun

    The trick to make homework fun. These three skills of controlling their own schedule, making homework time a game and knowing how to reward themselves puts kids ways ahead when it comes to making homework fun. Grab our FREE Drama Free Homework quickstart guide HERE. It'll give you the tools you need to start a stress-free homework routine.

  10. 7 Ways to Gamify Your Studies to Make Learning More Fun

    1. Incorporating a narrative into your studies. Roll D6 to figure out how many irregular verbs you have to conjugate. A strong element of video games that makes them so compelling is the narrative. There's a storyline that carries you along and makes you eager to find out what happens next.

  11. Making Homework Easier: Tips and Tools for Parents

    Step 2: Make It Fun. It's important to make homework fun and engaging for your child. Here are some examples of how you can do it: Use games: Incorporate educational games like card games, board games, or puzzles that align with the subject your child is learning.For instance, use Scrabble to practice spelling or Sudoku to enhance problem-solving skills.

  12. 10 Tips to Make Homework More Fun

    Here are some ideas for how to make homework a game: Use small toys or treats for solving math problems; Have them practice spelling using alphabet refrigerator magnets; Have kids write answers on a whiteboard . 7. Create a Special Homework Space in Your Home. An awesome way of making homework more fun for kids is creating a special space in ...

  13. 10 easy Ways How to Make Homework Fun

    9. Study with a partner. 10. Try your favorite snack or drink. 1. Set up a Homework Game Board. To make homework more enjoyable, try setting up a board with different activities kids can do at home. You can use a whiteboard, poster board, or even cardboard boxes. Just make sure that the items on the board are age appropriate.

  14. 13 Fun Homework Ideas: The Best Ways To Make Homework Fun

    Use a timer. 11. Create a special homework space. 12. Remember to be positive. 13. Get help if you need it. Thankfully, there are ways of making homework less boring and that are a little bit more fun for your child. Whether they need to practice spelling, learn their times tables or revise for an important exam, our top fun homework ideas will ...

  15. 15 Innovative School Homework Ideas to Make Learning Fun

    Homework for classes 1 to 5(or Primary School) Design a board game on animals with jungle-themed cards. Add tasks like imitating the animal or guessing the animal's habitat. Homework for classes 6 to 8(or Middle School) Create a board game depicting important events from World War 2.

  16. Is Homework Ever Fun? 10 Ways Teachers Can Make It More Engaging

    Incorporate Art. Most students enjoy engaging in creative thinking. Help make homework more fun and relaxing by adding art-focused assignments to the mix. One idea is to give students options to draw, write a song, or play an instrument in response to a certain book. Chris Cotter, director at Alpros, a language school in Japan, adds that ...

  17. Blooket

    Learning Reimagined. Welcome to the World of Blooket: a new take on trivia and review games! The way it works is that a teacher/host picks a question set and a unique game mode. Then, we generate a code that players can use to join the game on their own devices. After the game starts, players will answer questions to help them win.

  18. Homework Games

    Mad Libs. Another fun and easy-to-create homework game is the mad lib, which tests your child's knowledge of the basic parts of speech. Instead of writing out a story, you can search the Internet for worksheets or even purchase entire books full of Mad Libs from a bookstore. Additionally, if you'd prefer your son or daughter to complete the ...

  19. 10 Ways to Make Homework Fun

    As kids get older, homework can become more and more intense. Make sure to build in check-ins and breaks to make sure they're giving their eyes and brains a rest. Perhaps a snack, drink or short dance party is just the thing to refresh them for the rest of their work. Color. Color and light are important to a workspace.

  20. How to Make Homework Fun for Kids

    However, when you make homework into a game, it will make the experience more exciting and enjoyable. Consider offering children incentives and rewards. For example, you might consider taking your child to do a fun activity after homework is done. If children enjoy playing video games, you might allow them to play their favorite game for an ...

  21. How to Make Homework Fun for Kids: 5 Easy Ways for Parents

    3. Learning Apps. Homework can be frustrating if your child doesn't understand the material. Fun math practice apps can be a great resource for visual examples and games that help your child practice concepts he is struggling with. So, make homework fun by getting an app that makes the subject easy for your child. 4.

  22. How to Make Homemade Games for your Homeschool

    For these types of games I put together a simple sensory bin and then add game pieces such as dice and have my son roll the dice and dig through the sensory bin to find that number of objects. This is great for learning to count as well as for tactile sensory input. And again these can be tailored to your child's interests or learning theme.

  23. How to Have Fun While Studying (with Pictures)

    Ensure adequate ventilation. Nothing sends a person to sleep faster than lack of air. Get fresh air into your room regularly - even in winter! Make sure it circulates, even if this means using a fan in winter to blow around warm air; this is better than stale, stagnant air. 6. Have good temperature levels.

  24. How do you take a video game and turn it into a compeling narrative

    Transcript. Hollywood long struggled to successfully adapt video games into scripted works. But in recent years, writers seem to have figured out how to create compelling narratives inspired by ...