Ah, homework… We survived it as kids, only for it to come back to haunt us as parents!
Sure, it’s not ours to do – but any ensuing drama lands squarely in our laps. And thankfully, we now have many more devices at our disposal to keep things running smoothly —or, at the very least, smoother.
With a little help from handy tools like HP Smart Tank printers, staying ahead of schoolwork is easier than you might think.
Here are our seven top tips for keeping above the fray when it comes to at-home learning.
Create a dedicated homework space
Setting aside a specific area of the house for homework – and keeping it free of clutter and distractions – is a great way to help kids focus.
Over time, they should come to associate this place with study, making it easier for them to get into the right mindset.
Fortunately, this doesn’t require any grand changes: simply declaring the kitchen table a ‘homework zone’ and using it regularly should do the trick.
Avoid printer fails
Nothing has the ability to blow up an otherwise productive evening quite like a printer fail. Sometimes it’s out of ink or jammed. Other times, it simply gives up the ghost for no apparent reason.
With an HP Smart Tank, you don’t need to worry about these exasperating issues slowing down your family’s productivity.
Each printer comes with three years’ worth of ink – stored in refillable, high-capacity tanks instead of cartridges – so you can print more, refill less, and keep on working without interruptions.
Add in their smart, intuitive design, and you’ve got a printer that’s effortless to use and consistently delivers top-quality results.
With the right tools, homework doesn’t have to feel like work!
Create a schedule
Children thrive on routine… and homework is no exception. Setting aside a specific time in the evening or on the weekend for study helps them concentrate and builds consistency.
A clear goal, combined with the promise of fun afterwards (or perhaps a small food bribe), can be a powerful motivator. For older children, why not encourage them to take the lead by creating a weekly planner?
Use colour to make learning easier
Children are more likely to absorb and retain information when it’s presented in a vibrant, engaging format.
So, whenever possible, try printing homework materials like worksheets in colour instead of black and white.
Colourful charts and mind maps are a brilliant option for revising for tests, as are colour-coded notes or bullet points.
HP Smart Tanks are designed to bring learning to life by delivering the best everyday print quality, with vivid, true-to-life colours that pop off the page.
The three-year ink supply that comes with every printer is enough to print 8,000 colour pages – giving you long-lasting ink that keeps you printing worry-free.
Teach breathing exercises
If your children are feeling overwhelmed by homework, simple breathing exercises can help them calm down and regain focus.
One approach is to count to five while breathing in through the nose, before doing the same while exhaling through the mouth.
Repeating this cycle for five minutes or so should help them feel more relaxed and ready to tackle the task at hand.
Remind them to have breaks
Young children often start fidgeting after half an hour or so of sitting down. A short break gives them a chance to stretch their legs or grab a drink so they can regain their focus.
If your kids are older, gentle reminders to take some time out could be helpful – even if they sometimes go unheeded! Often, a quick timeout will be all they need to start feeling more refreshed and productive.
Ask any questions early
As the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as a silly question. It’s only silly if you end up asking it too late!
That’s why it’s a good idea to persuade your kids to clarify any issues right away, instead of at 9 pm on the night before their homework is due.
And talking of important questions, we’ve got one of our own to ask you.
When are you going to get yourself an HP Smart Tank?!
Offering great print quality in an easy-to-use and cost-efficient package, they’re ideal for busy households juggling lots of printing jobs.
