​	Christmas often means that it’s difficult to keep your children focused on homework. We asked Neela Patel of Tooting-based First Class Learning for a few handy tips to keep your children studying over the festive period, so they’re ready for the new term in January.

If your children get homework over the Christmas period (and let’s face it, they will), then the chances are they’re not going to want to do it with all the festive distractions. Here’s some brief advice on how to get it done as quickly as possible, ensuring (I hope) a stress-free Christmas for them and you!

• Let’s start with the obvious one – get homework done as soon as possible! That way, your child can have a well-deserved break over the holidays. However, it’s also a good idea to do a bit of studying – a refresher if you will – just after New Year, to soften the blow of them going back to school.
   
• When you’re getting that homework out of the way, mix up the subjects by doing a bit of maths, a bit of English etc, to stop them getting too bogged down in one subject at a time.
   
• Make a list of homework that can be ticked off as you go. It’s really encouraging to have a visual aid.
   
• Help them out – sometimes your child will need an extra push with something they don’t understand. Nurture and support is vital, but make sure you’re not doing it for them.
   
• Check they understand the homework by getting them to explain it to you. It really helps your child’s understanding of the subject if they can explain it in their own words (and you never know – you might learn something new too).
   
• And always provide praise and encouragement! 

Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas and New Year!

You can find out more on the First Class Learning website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram,  or call on 07868 759 300.

First Class Learning Tooting is one of our Community Partners. To find out more, click here.