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How to help your child with English homework

English homework, like comprehension, grammar worksheets and paragraph writing, can lead to tears and arguments at home. Many parents end up doing the work themselves. The aim is to guide your child so they can do it on their own. Here are 10 tips and a simple routine to make English homework calmer.

By the Eloqova team · Updated 10 November 2026

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Guide, don't do: Ask questions that help your child find the answer, instead of giving it.

10 tips for parents

  1. Set a fixed time and a quiet place for homework.
  2. Read the instructions together and ask your child to explain the task in their own words.
  3. For writing, talk about the topic first; saying ideas aloud makes writing easier.
  4. Let your child make a rough draft before the final copy.
  5. For comprehension, read the passage aloud once, then find the answers together in the text.
  6. For grammar, do the first question together, then let your child try the rest.
  7. Ask "Does that sound right?" instead of pointing out every mistake.
  8. Keep a dictionary nearby and look up new words together.
  9. Take a short break if your child is tired or upset.
  10. Praise effort and progress, not just correct answers.

A simple 20-minute homework routine

TimeWhat to do
2 minutesRead the task together and plan what to do.
5 minutesTalk about ideas or read the passage aloud.
10 minutesYour child works on their own while you stay nearby.
3 minutesYour child reads the work aloud and checks for mistakes.

How to practise at home

  1. Try the 20-minute routine for one week.
  2. Before any writing task, ask your child to tell you 3 ideas aloud.
  3. Let your child mark one of their own mistakes before you check.
  4. Keep a list of new words from homework and use them at dinner.

Questions parents ask

Should I help my child with homework?

Yes, but guide rather than do it. Help them understand the task, ask questions and let them do the work.

How can I help my child write paragraphs in English?

Talk about the topic first, list 3 or 4 ideas, then help your child turn each idea into a sentence.

My child cries during homework. What should I do?

Keep homework short and at a fixed time, take breaks, start with an easy question and praise effort. If it continues, speak to the teacher.

More free guides

Want expert help? See our spoken english classes for kids: live 1:1 online classes for UKG to Grade 8.