leave homework at home

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Why is it wrong to say this sentence 'I'm afraid I forgot my homework at home

Why is it wrong to say this sentence and what grammar rules are broken

• differences

• 4 Why do you think it's wrong? Who told you that it is wrong? The meaning of the sentence is very clear. It might not be the most formal way to phrase this sentence, but I don't think it's wrong (or at least not in an obvious way). –  FrustratedWithFormsDesigner Commented May 16, 2013 at 16:15
• Because you're going to be in big trouble. Again. –  Hot Licks Commented Nov 20, 2015 at 20:41
• I am being told "I forgot my wallet at home." is wrong. However, I find it to be supremely idiomatic. I would say it's short for "I forgot [to grab and begin carrying] my wallet [while I was] at home." It's the only way I ever hear native speakers declare they are unable to pay or show ID. This means it's not wrong. –  thorr18 Commented Mar 23, 2017 at 0:19

3 Answers 3

If someone told you that

I'm afraid I forgot my homework at home.

is wrong, the only possible reason is that that someone believes you should have said either:

I'm afraid I forgot my homework . I left it at home.

I'm afraid I left my homework at home .

The string "I forgot my homework at home" is ambiguous. When you were at home and supposed to be doing your homework, did you forget that you had homework to do? If so, then you should say:

I'm afraid that after I arrived home yesterday, I forgot that I had homework to do, so I didn't do it.

The problem is one of semantics, not grammar. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

However, most native speakers would understand your sentence to mean that you were claiming two things:

(1) I did my homework.

(2) I forgot to bring it with me. It's still at home.

The verb forget does not take an indirect object marked by at , whereas leave may.

I left my homework at home.

the at home phrase is an argument of the verb, specifying its meaning. whereas in

I forgot my homework at home.

it is not, and can only be an adjunct: specifying where the action took place, not being part of the meaning of the action. Furthermore, forget in the special sense of leave behind (as opposed to forget about ) is not really compatible with such a locational phrase.

As Frustratedwithformsdesigner says, the second sentence is understandable in context, but it is not something that a native speaker would say, except in the rather unusual meaning where at home is an adjunct; something like

I was thinking about my homework all the time I was at the gym, and then on the bus, but I forgot my homework at home.

For your meaning, either

I forgot my homework. or I left my homework at home. would be the normal ways to express it.

• This is precisely when forget means “to leave behind unintentionally,” and I don't see how it's incompatible with a location. Indeed, Wiktionary uses it in the example of leave behind meaning “to forget”: We (accidentally) left behind our bags at the airport. (I personally would rephrase that as We left our bags behind at the airport, but I guess they wanted to stress the phrasal verb.) –  Bradd Szonye Commented May 16, 2013 at 22:53
• "...it is not something that a native speaker would say..." is always a dangerous thing to say. Native speakers will say anything, even "educated" native speakers. Maybe "...it's not something that a careful native speaker would say unless inebriated..." is more or less true. :-) –  user21497 Commented May 17, 2013 at 0:05
• @Bradd: perhaps it is compatible with a location for you, but not for me, and the result strikes me as unnatural. And we are talking about forget , not leave behind : words with the same semantics may have quite syntactic constraints. –  Colin Fine Commented May 17, 2013 at 16:16
• 2 I am a native speaker, and I find it entirely natural. Forgot at home means left at home. –  Bradd Szonye Commented May 17, 2013 at 17:14
• 2 I too find it perfectly natural—and moreover, it is semantically different from “I left my homework at home”. Left implies (or at least makes it possible) that the homework was intentionally left at home, while forgot clearly says that it was unintentional. –  Janus Bahs Jacquet Commented May 18, 2014 at 12:57

When I look at this, the way I see it as being wrong is that you left out the word "that": "I'm afraid that I forgot my homework at home."

Without the "that," you technically have two complete sentences: "I'm afraid." "I forgot my homework at home." This is technically a run-on.

Although, in informal English, I'd say this is fine.

• That is optional in this sentence; there's nothing wrong with it as written. –  Nathaniel is protesting Commented Nov 20, 2015 at 18:28

Your Answer

Sign up or log in, post as a guest.

Required, but never shown

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy .

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged differences or ask your own question .

• Featured on Meta
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process
• Upcoming initiatives on Stack Overflow and across the Stack Exchange network...

Hot Network Questions

• Source for a day for Hashem equaling 1,000 years for us
• AmE: I never found the right one
• Identifying a quotation from Dulce Maria Loynaz comparing physical pain to a civil war
• Civic Responsibility on London Railway regarding others tailgating us
• Book about a spaceship that crashed under the surface of a planet
• Why were the names of Western Roman emperors mostly unique?
• What are the safe assumptions I can make when installing a wall oven without model/serial?
• Best way to rebuild partially built sets
• When labeling, "Wrap on character" drops the wrap character
• Find 𝛼 in the triangle below.
• Is every Boolean algebra a subalgebra of a free one?
• Why doesn't Cobb want to shoot Mal when she is about to kill Fischer?
• Submitting paper to lower tier journal instead of doing major revision at higher tier journal
• "history" command ordered by most common
• What is the maximum number of real roots in the interval (0,1) of a monic polynomial with integer coefficients and has degree 2022.
• N-Mos failing short on my PCB
• Uniqueness results that follow from CH
• Drawing line defined by start and end points within attribute table in QGIS
• How do I paste bash commands that contain sudo into a gnome-terminal?
• Why does MoleculeModify only accept a single modification?
• When should I give up searching for a tenure track faculty job?
• Why would these two populations be genetically compatible?
• When solving eigenvalues, what does the factor in front of the Root[] mean?
• Who picks up when you call the "phone number for you" following a possible pilot deviation?

Is it time to get rid of homework? Mental health experts weigh in.

It's no secret that kids hate homework. And as students grapple with an ongoing pandemic that has had a wide range of mental health impacts, is it time schools start listening to their pleas about workloads?

Some teachers are turning to social media to take a stand against homework. 

Tiktok user @misguided.teacher says he doesn't assign it because the "whole premise of homework is flawed."

For starters, he says, he can't grade work on "even playing fields" when students' home environments can be vastly different.

"Even students who go home to a peaceful house, do they really want to spend their time on busy work? Because typically that's what a lot of homework is, it's busy work," he says in the video that has garnered 1.6 million likes. "You only get one year to be 7, you only got one year to be 10, you only get one year to be 16, 18."

Mental health experts agree heavy workloads have the potential do more harm than good for students, especially when taking into account the impacts of the pandemic. But they also say the answer may not be to eliminate homework altogether.

Emmy Kang, mental health counselor at Humantold , says studies have shown heavy workloads can be "detrimental" for students and cause a "big impact on their mental, physical and emotional health."

"More than half of students say that homework is their primary source of stress, and we know what stress can do on our bodies," she says, adding that staying up late to finish assignments also leads to disrupted sleep and exhaustion.

Cynthia Catchings, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist at Talkspace , says heavy workloads can also cause serious mental health problems in the long run, like anxiety and depression. 

And for all the distress homework  can cause, it's not as useful as many may think, says Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, a psychologist and CEO of Omega Recovery treatment center.

"The research shows that there's really limited benefit of homework for elementary age students, that really the school work should be contained in the classroom," he says.

For older students, Kang says, homework benefits plateau at about two hours per night. 

"Most students, especially at these high achieving schools, they're doing a minimum of three hours, and it's taking away time from their friends, from their families, their extracurricular activities. And these are all very important things for a person's mental and emotional health."

Catchings, who also taught third to 12th graders for 12 years, says she's seen the positive effects of a no-homework policy while working with students abroad.

"Not having homework was something that I always admired from the French students (and) the French schools, because that was helping the students to really have the time off and really disconnect from school," she says.

The answer may not be to eliminate homework completely but to be more mindful of the type of work students take home, suggests Kang, who was a high school teacher for 10 years.

"I don't think (we) should scrap homework; I think we should scrap meaningless, purposeless busy work-type homework. That's something that needs to be scrapped entirely," she says, encouraging teachers to be thoughtful and consider the amount of time it would take for students to complete assignments.

The pandemic made the conversation around homework more crucial 

Mindfulness surrounding homework is especially important in the context of the past two years. Many students will be struggling with mental health issues that were brought on or worsened by the pandemic , making heavy workloads even harder to balance.

"COVID was just a disaster in terms of the lack of structure. Everything just deteriorated," Kardaras says, pointing to an increase in cognitive issues and decrease in attention spans among students. "School acts as an anchor for a lot of children, as a stabilizing force, and that disappeared."

But even if students transition back to the structure of in-person classes, Kardaras suspects students may still struggle after two school years of shifted schedules and disrupted sleeping habits.

"We've seen adults struggling to go back to in-person work environments from remote work environments. That effect is amplified with children because children have less resources to be able to cope with those transitions than adults do," he explains.

'Get organized' ahead of back-to-school

In order to make the transition back to in-person school easier, Kang encourages students to "get good sleep, exercise regularly (and) eat a healthy diet."

To help manage workloads, she suggests students "get organized."

"There's so much mental clutter up there when you're disorganized. ... Sitting down and planning out their study schedules can really help manage their time," she says.

Breaking up assignments can also make things easier to tackle.

"I know that heavy workloads can be stressful, but if you sit down and you break down that studying into smaller chunks, they're much more manageable."

If workloads are still too much, Kang encourages students to advocate for themselves.

"They should tell their teachers when a homework assignment just took too much time or if it was too difficult for them to do on their own," she says. "It's good to speak up and ask those questions. Respectfully, of course, because these are your teachers. But still, I think sometimes teachers themselves need this feedback from their students."

More: Some teachers let their students sleep in class. Here's what mental health experts say.

More: Some parents are slipping young kids in for the COVID-19 vaccine, but doctors discourage the move as 'risky'

StudySkills.com

Selskills.com.

• (800) 390 SOAR

• About SOAR ®
• What Is SOAR ®
• Who SOAR ® Helps
• Why SOAR ® Works
• Curriculum Pricing
• Virtual Learning
• Proven Results
• How to Get Started
• Training & Professional Development
• What Is SOAR ® ?
• Virtual/Hybrid Learning Skills
• SOAR ® Learning & Soft Skills App (Home Edition)
• Special Help
• Student Articles
• Parent & Student Store
• Educator Store
• How to Order (Schools)
• The At-Home Solution

“I Left My Homework at Home!”

Have you ever arrived at school and discovered that you left your homework at home …or your lunch money, gym shoes, library books, permission slip for next week’s field trip…?

If you think it is annoying forgetting these things, your parents and teachers find it even more frustrating! The good news is that it is fairly easy to become better prepared for school. You just need to develop a few simple routines.

Action Plan

Step 1: Put your homework away as soon as you finish each assignment. Do not wait until the next morning or even later in the evening. When you finish something, put it away –in the correct folder- immediately! This will prevent your papers from being lost in the wrong folder, falling off the table and sliding under the refrigerator, sticking to your younger brother’s book and going to school with him, or simply being forgotten.

Step 2: Get ready for school before you go to bed. Mornings are almost always rushed and hectic, so it becomes very likely that you will forget something important at home. Instead of waiting until morning, develop the habit of collecting everything you need the night before school. Gather all of your books, folders, and notebooks together and pack them into your book bag. You should also set out your clothes, shoes, jacket, and any other things you will need for school the next day.

Step 3: Do a “double-check” every morning. Create a list of everything you need for each day of the week and post it on your door. In addition to the standard things you need every day like your book bag, your list should also remind you about library books that are due on Tuesday, gym shoes that you need for Thursday, etc. You can access a free “Night Before School Tool” here . Ask an adult to help you download and customize the chart at this website. Then, post it on your door and check it every morning before you leave for school.

In Conclusion

It does not take much effort to become better prepared for school. When you are better prepared, your school days will go much more smoothly, your parents and teachers will be much happier, and your grades will likely improve as you turn more assignments in on time!

-Susan Kruger

Six Steps to Conquer the Chaos

" * " indicates required fields

SOAR ® in the News

The SOAR ® Curriculum

The most critical learning, organizing, and communication skills needed for school. Learn more  here.

Who’s Using SOAR ® ?

SOAR ® Guarantee

Click here to  learn more .

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Study Skills

How to Survive Forgetting Your Homework at School

Last Updated: March 9, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Katie Styzek . Katie Styzek is a Professional School Counselor for Chicago Public Schools. Katie earned a BS in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as a middle school mathematics, science, and social studies teacher for three years prior to becoming a counselor. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from DePaul University and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Katie holds an Illinois School Counselor Endorsement License (Type 73 Service Personnel), an Illinois Principal License (formerly Type 75), and an Illinois Elementary Education Teaching License (Type 03, K – 9). She is also Nationally Board Certified in School Counseling from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. 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 129,342 times.

Have you ever sat down to complete your homework only to realize you left some important component (like a worksheet or textbook) at school? Don’t freak out! You have many options for getting ahold of what you need or finding a suitable replacement. If all else fails, you may be able to complete the assignment when you return to school.

Getting a Copy of a Worksheet

• If you have a scanner and printer or a copy machine, you can complete this task at home.
• Most printing places charge $0.10 for a single black and white copy.

• Be sure to use clear grammar, complete sentences, and good etiquette in your email.
• You can only use this method once or twice before your teacher will become frustrated with you.
• Your teacher may be less than pleased that you don’t have the worksheet if you’ve had an extended period of time to complete it rather than if it was assigned that day.

Finding a Textbook

• You can search an online card catalog or call the library to see if they have your book. Then go there in person and check it out.
• Sometimes the textbook may be “on reserve,” meaning you will have to work with it in the library.

• Ideally, you will want to try to find the exact same edition, but a different edition will be better than nothing. Keep in mind, though, that the chapter or worksheet may be different from the one your teacher assigned.
• If you can find out the ISBN code for your textbook, this can be a good way to search as well.

Completing the Homework Later

• If you need to get into your classroom, you can email your teacher to see if they can let you in early.

• You can work during any free period, recess, or lunch in order to get the assignment done.

• It is likely that your teacher will need to stay for a little while anyway, and they may respect your initiative to get the late assignment complete as soon as possible.

• If you have multiple email accounts, use the one associated with your school.
• Once again, use proper grammar, complete sentences, and good etiquette when you communicate with your teacher via email. [6] X Research source

• Keep in mind that if this happens more than once, your teacher may be less likely to give you an extension.

Expert Q&A

• Exchange contact info with some people from your class ahead of time so that you can contact them in a situation like this one. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• When searching for answers off the Internet, don't type in the direct question. Instead, type in key parts of the question. For example, if the question is “What was the population of Canada in 1900?" type in “Population of Canada 1900” instead of the full question. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Try making a mini bag that will carry all the supplies needed to do homework, like an extra copy of every textbook, lined paper, a ruler, a protractor, etc. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Ask a friend who's in class with you to take a quick picture of the worksheet and text or email it to you. This saves you a trip to their house or having to meet up.
• As a last resort, be honest with your teacher, explain why you don't have the assignment, and ask if you can stay late or email it to them to avoid a late grade.
• For a textbook, call the school library first to ask if they have a copy on hold. If not, search online for either an ebook version or a different edition.
• Check whether your teacher uses an online platform for assignments. If so, log in and see if the worksheet is posted there to print out.
• When emailing your teacher to ask for materials, be extra polite and use proper spelling/grammar so they're more likely to help you out.
• If you can't complete the work at home, get to school early the next morning and finish during free periods or study hall time instead.

• If you consistently forget your homework, you may get in trouble or your teacher may lose their trust in you. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Katie Styzek. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 26 March 2021.
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/homework/part8.html

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Feb 26, 2017

Did this article help you?

Nov 6, 2023

Oct 14, 2018

Jan 25, 2017

Sep 16, 2020

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

• Create new account

• All Parents -->
• Pregnancy -->
• Adoption -->
• Toddler -->
• Preschool -->
• Elementary -->
• Special Needs -->

What to do when your child forgets his homework at home

Related Videos

More from expert.

• More by Expert

View the discussion thread.

Madeline Levine, PhD, is a psychologist with close to 30 years of experience as a clinician, consultant and educator. Her New York Times bestseller, The Price of Privilege , explores the reasons why teenagers from affluent families are experiencing epidemic rates of emotional problems.  Her book, Teach Your Children Well,  outlines how our current narrow definition of success unnecessarily stresses academically talented kids and marginalizes many more whose talents and interests are less amenable to measurement. The development of skills needed to be successful in the 21 st century- creativity, collaboration, innovation – are not easily developed in our competitive, fast-paced, high pressure world. Teach Your Children Well gives practical, research- based solutions to help parents return their families to healthier and saner versions of themselves.

Dr. Levine is also a co-founder of Challenge Success, a project born at the Stanford School of Education. Challenge Success believes that our increasingly competitive world has led to tremendous anxiety about our children’s’ futures and has resulted in a high pressure, myopic focus on grades, test scores and performance. This kind of pressure and narrow focus isn’t helping our kids become the resilient, capable, meaningful contributors we need in the 21st century. So every day, Challenge Success provides families and schools with the practical research-based tools they need to raise healthy, motivated kids, capable of reaching their full potential. We know that success is measured over the course of a lifetime, not at the end of the grading period.

Dr. Levine began her career as an elementary and junior high school teacher in the South Bronx of New York before moving to California and earning her degrees in psychology. She has had a large clinical practice with an emphasis on child and adolescent problems and parenting issues. Currently however, she spends most of her time crisscrossing the country speaking to parents, educators, students, and business leaders. Dr. Levine has taught Child Development classes to graduate students at the University of California Medical Center/ San Francisco. For many years, Dr. Levine has been a consultant to various schools, from preschool through High School, public as well as private, throughout the country. She has been featured on television programs from the Early Show to the Lehrer report, on NPR stations such as Diane Rheems in Washington and positively reviewed in publications from Scientific American to the Washington Post. She is sought out both nationally and internationally as an expert and keynote speaker. 

Dr. Levine and her husband of 35 years, Lee Schwartz, MD are the incredibly proud (and slightly relieved) parents of three newly minted and thriving sons.

• Create Account
• Top Products
• Parent 2 Parent
• ALL PARENTS
• SPECIAL NEEDS
• Law & Money
• Other Specialties
• Safety & Security
• Special Needs
• Premium Subscription

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Forget or leave ?

We sometimes use forget when we don’t remember to bring something with us:

I’ll have to go back; I’ve forgotten my car keys.

We use leave with this same meaning, but only if we mention the place where we left something:

Mia, you’re always leaving your car keys on your desk.

Not: … forgetting your car keys on your desk . or … you’re always leaving your car keys .

I left my homework at home.

Not: I forgot my homework at home .

We use leave when the action is deliberate:

We decided to leave the dog at home.

Word of the Day

biodegradable

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

able to decay naturally and in a way that is not harmful

Putting a spanner in the works – Idioms in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists

To add ${headword} to a word list please sign up or log in.

Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Is Homework a Waste of Time? Teachers Weigh In

• Share article

The debate over homework rages on.

In response to an Opinion essay by a teacher titled “ What Do You Mean My Kid Doesn’t Have Homework? ”, many Facebook users took to the comments section to voice their perspectives on whether assigning homework is outdated and unnecessary—especially during a pandemic—or whether it’s a critical step to cultivating learning.

The benefits of homework have long been disputed, especially at the elementary school level. In 2018, Marva Hinton wrote about how homework was assigned at early grades and the potential effects on these young students. Some schools embraced homework, like Arlington Traditional School, a countywide elementary school in Arlington, Va., where kindergartners were expected to complete a minimum of 30 minutes of homework a night, Monday through Thursday. But some teachers such as Cathy Vatterott, a professor of education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the author of Rethinking Homework worried that adjusting to school routines combined with homework could sour young students on school.

But what about the benefits for older students? In a 2019 article , Education Week Assistant Editor Stephen Sawchuk unpacked the results of a Center for American Progress analysis, which found that while much of the homework assigned to the students in the study aligned with the Common Core State Standards, it did not contribute to building more difficult skills called for in the standards, like analyzing or extending their knowledge to new problems.

Beyond considering the efficacy of homework, the debate over how much time students should spend daily on take-home assignments dates back to the early 1900s. The public furor even led some state lawmakers to ban homework entirely at one point. Multiple studies over the years have examined different angles of the homework debate, including just how much homework students were assigned. In 2003, a pair of national studies found that most American students spent less than an hour daily on homework, and the workload was no bigger than it was 50 years prior.

“There is this view in the popular media that there has been this terrible burden of homework on children, and that the homework is increasing,” said Tom Loveless, the director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution to Education Week’s Debra Viadero in a 2003 article . “That is not the case.”

Fast-forward to the present, teachers and students alike might find themselves at another crossroads in the homework debate. The pandemic brought with it the advent of strategies like “flipped learning” , which relies heavily on homework as an integral component of the lesson. While this might work for some, many students grew weary of the reliance on homework during remote and hybrid learning. This is on top of the potential equity issues arising from lack of internet access affecting students’ ability to complete the steady stream of homework being assigned, and the uptick in mental health issues in students .

So what do teachers really think about homework? Here’s what they had to say in response to the recently resurfaced essay by Samantha Hulsman.

A Disconnect Between Parents and Educators

“i teach 1st grade. i had parents ask for homework. i explained that i don’t give homework. home time is family time. time to play, cook, explore and spend time together. i do send books home, but there is no requirement or checklist for reading them. read them, enjoy them, and return them when your child is ready for more. i explained that as a parent myself, i know they are busy—and what a waste of energy it is to sit and force their kids to do work at home—when they could use that time to form relationships and build a loving home. something kids need more than a few math problems a week.”.

- Colleen S.

“I tried the ‘no homework’ policy one year and received so much pushback from my parents that I began sending home a weekly packet. I pass it out on Monday and it is due on Friday. Parents [are] happy, I’m happy, and life goes on. I say pick your battles. Now, I refuse to give packets over school breaks (winter/spring). If a parent asks, I simply tell them to have them work on any app that we use in class.”

“i literally only assign homework because some parents always make a huge deal of it if i don’t.”, “parents are the driving force behind homework ... they demand it and will complain about not receiving it even after explaining your philosophy of education and providing them with pedagogy that refutes the ‘benefits’ of it.”, homework can be useful for certain subjects or grades, “as a teacher of nearly 40 years, i believe homework has its place. especially in math math needs to be practiced to learn it. i don’t believe in giving homework just because. i think it should be purposeful.”.

- Sandra S.

“For those leading the charge against homework, please think about the expectation for students beyond your classroom. If you teach elementary school, will they be asked to do homework in middle school, high school, and beyond? If so, organization, time management, and study skills are not so easily learned at a later age, when the expectation has never been present. I can’t imagine being a student, who enters college, having never had the expectation of nightly HW.”

- Bobbie M.

Is Homework Actually Helpful for Learning?

Some agree that at its core, homework is practice, which is a needed element to achieving learning.

“Homework is practice. Practice the skills we learned about in class so we can review and add to them. My instrumental students are required to practice every day. When they don’t it’s evident.”

Others aren’t as convinced it’s actually a good tool for assessing comprehension.

“As a teacher, if the kids were assigned homework, guess when the papers were graded ... After discovering a Mom had been doing the homework and was making failing grades ... I gave it up ... taught 25 years without it and my students did much better ...”

- Martha H.

Heightens Equity Issues

“no homework ever it is unnecessary it is so elitist and ableist and teaches kids that it is expected to take work home after hours of a job. nope never”, “homework just further separates the students. those who have parents home who understand the work, or can afford a tutor will do so. families already struggling financially tend not to have parents home to help and cannot afford tutors.”.

- Rebecca J.

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Edweek top school jobs.

Sign Up & Sign In

Top search tags

• Shuttle Schedule
• Coronavirus Information

Should Teachers Still Give Homework?

Giving homework is a standard practice in most educational facilities across all grade levels and locations. Homework is intended to further solidify concepts and practices that a student learns in class in their minds later at home. But that could all be changing. 

Educators are now taking many different approaches to homework with more of an emphasis placed on the relevancy of the work to both the students’ age and learning level. Some educators are joining the anti-homework movement, and have seen positive results from giving little to no homework for students. However, with outside parties like parents and families getting more involved in the conversation around homework, it may be here to stay. The question is, should it be?

• What is the history of homework?

For contemporary parents or guardians and their students, it might seem like homework has always been around. However, homework has actually been a widely debated topic since its inception in the 19th century. Horace Mann, among others, is credited with championing the idea of homework in the United States after touring German “Volksschulen (‘People’s Schools’)” while visiting the country.

As the idea of homework came across the Atlantic to America, it was quickly met with opposition and eventually a ban was placed on homework for any children under the age of 15 until 1917. When the United States and Russia entered the Cold War era, homework became relevant again as the United States placed emphasis on improving students’ knowledge to compete with other countries for success.

Various studies arguing both sides of the homework question have been released since then. The relevance of homework is now once again in question as educators and homeschooling parents try to understand the true purpose behind it. 

Is homework still relevant? 

Somewhere around 50% of educators still assign homework . However, this number might be bolstered due to parent involvement. Often, educators don’t want to assign homework or want to assign less homework, saving the time their students have at home for family bonding and other activities. 

But many parents are uncomfortable with a lack of homework assignments for the following reasons:

• Parents feel like their children need homework to solidify concepts learned in the classroom.
• Some parents also advocate for the time management, organization, and structure that homework can teach children.

They will often complain to the teacher, forcing the teacher to provide homework of some kind. So while half of all educators are assigning homework, the number of educators who believe it’s necessary may actually be less since some teachers feel pressured to assign homework when they otherwise wouldn’t. 

The relevance of homework when it is assigned is frequently up for debate because there are many nuances that go into the process of a student completing homework. When a teacher assigns homework they need to be aware of many things including:

• Student access to a reliable internet source and computer or tablet
• Student/parent dynamics at home
• Parent/parent dynamics at home
• Student accessibility levels
• Necessity to student learning

All of these factors play a role in how well the student will respond to homework. Other factors like grade level also play a role in the quality and quantity of homework being assigned. But beyond these factors, homework also needs to be thought out before it's assigned. To some extent, the relevancy of homework is determined by how well it’s been formulated by the teacher assigning it.

How much homework is too much? 

The quantity of homework will vary greatly by grade level. Teachers will often operate by the “ 10-minute rule ” which recommends that a child should be assigned 10 minutes of homework for every grade they’ve passed. So a fifth grader would have 50 minutes of assigned work. 

However, homework can become overwhelming when a teacher hasn’t put the time into creating meaningful assignments that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time. Thus the feeling of “too much homework” is often conflated with poorly constructed homework. A positively constructed homework assignment will contain a few things:

• Work reviewing material that the student has already learned in class
• Work that involves professor feedback or has a clear purpose
• Work that can be finished in the time period appropriate for the age and grade level of the student

Why is homework important? 

While many educators do not see much value in homework at the K–6 level, studies have shown that students in middle school or grades 7–12 do benefit from homework. Often this is because a student is learning more rigorous material and has a more fully developed brain that benefits from the reinforcement that homework provides. 

Many teachers argue that homework for students is like practice for athletes: it reinforces concepts and the neural pathways a student has used during class. Beyond these benefits , homework can also teach students time management and organizational skills.

__________ Become who you are called to be Pursue your purpose at PLNU. __________

Should teachers still give homework? 

Studies on the relevance of homework to actual success in the classroom are varied. One of the most comprehensive studies reinforces the idea that homework can have a positive impact if the teacher assigning it is doing so in the correct manner. In this case, the 2006 study conducted by Duke University psychology professor Harris Cooper, showed a positive correlation for students who were doing appropriate homework in higher grade levels. He stated that “a good way to think about homework is the way you think about medications or dietary supplements. If you take too little, they’ll have no effect. If you take too much, they can [hurt] you. If you take the right amount, you’ll get better.” 

The study also revealed that the impact of homework went down if the student was in elementary school. Therefore, the decision for teachers to assign homework should be based on the grade level they are teaching and the general intensity level of their students. One PLNU alumna, Megan Wheeler (19), who is also a grade school teacher has found this to be a sound policy and practices it with her own students:

“As an elementary teacher, I do not assign any homework to my students because I find that many students may not have home lives that are conducive to the demands that homework requires…My eight-year-old students are already working hard on school work for six hours during the day with me, so I would much rather they spend that time together as a family or participating in extracurricular activities.”

• Take the next steps to becoming an educator

Learning the ins and outs of properly constructed homework assignments can be a daunting task for rising educators, especially when the many types of student learning styles are taken into account. One of the best places to receive more instruction on how to assign the right kind of homework is in an education-specific degree program. 

PLNU boasts many undergraduate and graduate-level options for all types of budding educators so you can continue your education while pursuing a worthwhile career. Find out more about these programs by visiting PLNU’s School of Education website .

Request Info

Related Articles

Careers you can pursue with a masters in higher education, 5 strategies to engage students in the digital age, what are the pros and cons of teachers giving letter grades, table of contents.

• Is homework still relevant? 
• How much homework is too much? 
• Why is homework important? 
• Should teachers still give homework? 

Request More Information

Start your journey, start your journey today.

Undergraduate Programs Graduate & Professional Programs Accelerated Undergraduate Programs

Our online bachelor's and graduate programs give you the flexibility to balance your life while also growing academically, professionally, personally, and spiritually for your future.

Sentence examples for leave your homework from inspiring English sources

Login and get your AI feedback from Ludwig. Login and get your AI feedback from Ludwig.

Is your sentence correct in English?

Login and get your AI feedback from Ludwig.

Do not leave your homework for the morning.

Don't leave your homework till the last minute.

Try to not fight or leave your homework undone or whatever your problems are.

Always turn in your work on time so that if you accidentally left your homework at home, your teacher might go easier on you.

Depending on your child's age ask these questions: What happens to you if you left your homework at home and what would you do about it?

You could go towards the elementary school or if there's not an elementary school on your campus it's still mandatory to stick out side, and when ever teachers walk by start saying you left your homework in another class so they don't get suspicious.

Do not do the homework assignment, and always leave your books at home, so you are not able to follow the work as discussed during class.

Write in English at your best, with Ludwig

Used by millions of students, scientific researchers, professional translators and editors from all over the world.

Listya Utami K.

Be a smart writer

Most frequent sentences:, write in english at your best with ludwig.

• EXPLORE Random Article
• Happiness Hub

How to Leave Work at Work

Last Updated: October 11, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 3,453 times.

It’s unfortunately very easy for us to bring stress and worry from our work lives with us when we go home at the end of the work day. This can result in an unhealthy work-life balance that can leave you cranky, anxious, or even depressed. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can change how you spend your time at work and at home to achieve a more healthy work-life balance.

Refraining from Working at Home

• The same applies for sending emails after you get home: don’t do it!
• If you find you’re unable to avoid work emails entirely once you get home, give yourself a 15-30 minute block of time in which to respond to and send emails. Outside of that time period, avoid your email for the rest of the night.

• This applies to texts, as well; unless they’re urgent, wait until the morning to respond.
• If the same person calls you a second time, use your best judgment about answering the call. Calling a second time may indicate that there is a pressing matter that needs your attention.

• If you’re unable to completely deny your boss’s requests, you can also avoid responding to their requests right away to send the message that your time at home is your time and not your boss’s time.

• Examples of activities that might occupy your mind include crosswords, building models, or yoga.

Relaxing Your Mind

• Some activities to take your mind off work might include solving a crossword puzzle, playing a video game, or simply talking to someone about a topic other than work.
• If you’re unable to completely avoid the topic of work, try giving yourself a 15-minute period to think about whatever’s bothering you. Then, remind yourself that there’s nothing you can do about it until tomorrow and let the thoughts go.

• For best results, say out loud at the beginning of your commute, “I’m going to be more mindful about life and what’s around me.”

• Filling this time with “active relaxation,” such as exercising or playing an instrument, is a good way to de-stress from work while also putting yourself in a much better mood.
• Even if you just unwind by watching TV on the couch, it’s very important to give yourself time to relax so that your body can restore itself to equilibrium after being stressed during the workday.

• For best results, try to watch the show or movie with someone else. People tend to laugh more at funny material when watching it with other people.
• If you don’t have time for a TV show or movie, simply visit some funny websites or swap jokes with a friend or family member. Anything that makes you laugh will do!

• Consider completely turning off your computer and phone, if you find it difficult to avoid checking your email or calling people back.
• If you find your mind wandering back to work during this time, don’t beat yourself up about it; simply make a mental note to deal with the issue later, then return your attention to the present moment.

Changing How You Work

• For example, if you work a 9-to-5 job, set a to-do list for yourself that you can reasonably accomplish in an 8-hour workday. Don’t give yourself more than you can do in a single day.
• At the end of the workday, be sure you have completed your task list so that you have no lingering concerns when you go home.

• For instance, take a break every hour to stand up, stretch, and walk around the office.
• Consider bringing a refillable water bottle with you to work and refilling it every hour. This will not only give you the opportunity to take a break, but will also keep you hydrated!

• For tasks that pop up that you can’t complete in a single day, such as a complex new project you’ve been assigned, don’t try to complete it in the same day. Instead, come up with a plan that will allow you to complete the task over the course of multiple days in small, easily accomplished chunks.

• This also has the added benefit of allowing you to mentally sort through and compartmentalize the work you’ve accomplished during the day, which can help you to be better prepared for the next workday.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-realistic-ways-to-unplug-when-you-leave-the-office
• ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/nov/07/ten-tips-for-a-better-work-life-balance
• ↑ https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-ways-to-stop-thinking-about-work-when-youre-not-there
• ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/4-ways-to-leave-work-at-work/
• ↑ https://www.worktolive.info/blog/science-of-work-recovery-how-to-leave-work-stress-at-work
• ↑ https://www.skillsyouneed.com/rhubarb/leave-work-at-work.html
• ↑ https://www.success.com/how-to-leave-work-at-the-door/
• ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/295212
• ↑ https://medium.com/@missafayres/leave-work-at-work-bddc63b955da

About this article

Did this article help you?

• About wikiHow
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Inc. Best in Business Super-Early-Rate Deadline TOMORROW, July 26! Apply Today!

• Newsletters
• Best Industries
• Business Plans
• Home-Based Business
• The UPS Store
• Customer Service
• Black in Business
• Your Next Move
• Female Founders
• Best Workplaces
• Company Culture
• Public Speaking
• HR/Benefits
• Productivity
• All the Hats
• Digital Transformation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Bringing Innovation to Market
• Cloud Computing
• Social Media
• Data Detectives
• Exit Interview
• Bootstrapping
• Crowdfunding
• Venture Capital
• Business Models
• Personal Finance
• Founder-Friendly Investors
• Upcoming Events
• Inc. 5000 Vision Conference
• Become a Sponsor
• Cox Business
• Verizon Business
• Branded Content
• Apply Inc. 5000 US

Inc. Premium

5 Ways to Leave Your Personal Stress at Home (Where it Belongs)

Stop making your home stress is everyone else's problem. better yet, send this to the person driving you crazy with their personal problems..

Nothing ruins a good day at the office like a disaster at home, yours or somebody else’s. The little things at home can have big repercussions at work for you and your colleagues. Carrying burdens into the office will drag down productivity and kill an environment, plus reduce happiness at home, too. Creating space between home and work can help you become less stressed and more efficient.

Nearly everyone needs some help figuring out how to release homelife worries. Here are tips on how to keep your personal problems personal:

1. When You’re AT Home, BE Home

Many ambitious people take their work home with them. Even if their briefcase is only emotional, it still impacts the time they time they spend with family, unwinding, and living. So when you’re at home, be there. Don’t be a slave to email. Have a nice dinner, take a walk outside, talk to your partner. If you’re really present at home, you can stave off some personal problems that might otherwise follow you to work.

2. Invest in Your Relationships

A relationship that isn’t nurtured will wither. You invest your time, energy, and resources in your business, so you should do the same for your relationships. Take a genuinely-work-free vacation, even if you can only escape responsibility for a day or two. Invite your parents for a brief stay-cation of quality time. Invest in your personal relationships now. The dividends will come later, allowing you the flexibility to focus on work when you need to.

3. Have Another Outlet

You need more in your life than work from 9-5 and kids from 6-10. You must have an independent outlet. Maybe it’s exercise, a relaxing hobby, or some other pursuit. But make sure you carve out time that’s just for you. Keeping some independence and mental space via these activities will allow you to put in long work hours when required.

4. Establish Strong Boundaries

There are only 24 hours in a day. It’s ok to tell your family and friends that contact during certain hours is only for emergencies, or must adhere to a strict time limit. Setting - and sticking to - these boundaries will allow you to really be present when you do have personal time.

5. Accept Your Imperfections

Guess what? You’re not perfect, and you’re not going to ace your life-work balance. No doubt you’ll screw up, cross lines, hurt feelings, and miss deadlines. Prepare for it now and learn to forgive yourself. No one else has it all figured out, and neither will you. Enjoy the adventure!

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

Privacy Policy

• Rules/Help/FAQ Help/FAQ
• Members Current visitors
• Interface Language

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

• English Only

I forgot it at home

• Thread starter marget
• Start date Sep 9, 2006

Senior Member

• Sep 9, 2006

• Sep 10, 2006

"I forgot it at home" is definitely wrong. Either say "I forgot it" or "I left it at home."  

If you say "I left it at home" I believe you did it deliberately. If you say "I forgot it at home" I believe you just made a mistake. So I think they are not interchangeable.  

I disagree. "I left it at home" doesn't imply intent, but if you really wanted to be clear, you could say "I accidentally left it at home."  

Member Emeritus

I disagree cj427, 'I forgot it at home' is perfectly acceptable to me.  

cj427 said: I disagree. "I left it at home" doesn't imply intent, but if you really wanted to be clear, you could say "I accidentally left it at home." Click to expand...

Forget: leave behind unintentionally ( American Heritage Dictionary ); "I forgot my umbrella in the restaurant." It works over here.  

I do not know if "I forgot it at home" is incorrect, but I know that as a teacher, I hear this weekly, if not daily (For the record, I do not accept this excuse). This phrase has certainly entered into very common usage (at least in schools in California). If it used to be considered incorrect, I doubt that it will be so much longer, since language changes so much with use.  

I agree with mccatlover and river. Perhaps to forget did once mean to be unable to recall something but as of today it definitely means to "leave something behind." To forget in Spanish (olvidar), in Italian (dimenticare) and in French (oublier) also mean "to unintentionally leave behind something".  

I can understand teacher's not accepting this as an excuse, but I have never heard that it's incorrect. Why was it considered incorrect?  

sound shift

I would never say "I forgot it at home", and I don't think I have ever heard it in the mouth of a native BE speaker. I will go to my grave saying "I left it at home".  

sound shift said: I would never say "I forgot it at home", and I don't think I have ever heard it in the mouth of a native BE speaker. I will go to my grave saying "I left it at home". Click to expand...

Sorry, soundshift, but I am a native UK speaker (Surrey born and bred) and I have often used the expression.  

look at all the variations. Portenio and Sound shift both say are from England however, portenio says he uses the phrase "Iforgot it at home" all the time to the contrary, Sound shift says He's never heard of that phrase and he'll never say it. I learned american english, and usually say "I forgot my cell-phone", I never say where I left it though, If I said I forgot my cell-phone in the car , it would mean to me, that I knew where the cell-phone was but didn't want to bring it with me, in this case I'd say I left it in the car, Once one of my co-workers (who had studied in England) corrected me and said that you don't forget objects but leave them in places. You however forget ideas and knowledge. Her reasoning sounded logical, still, I keep forgetting my cell-phone.  

You should know by now that Englishmen rarely agree with each other, especially when discussing how something should be said. It's one of our many idiosyncrasies! It's what makes Britain Great!  

I can say with certainty (being someone who frequently leaves my stuff at home) that in the US we say "I forgot it" all too often.  

I have just done two google searches, both with the domain .uk. "forgot them at home": NO hits "forgot it at home": only 31 hits  

There's a similar discussion going on here .  

Stephen Jones

The British National Corpus has 56 examples of 'forgot it' and in none of them is the place mentioned after.  

SusanB, since you invited us to feel free . . . I propose that perhaps you meant “could have been done on purpose or not.” Hopefully, you didn’t mean another possibility based on the spelling, “could have been done on porpoise or not.” That would just be weird. By the way, if you regularly see my posts, you will know that I have no right to claim either spelling or typing accuracy myself. I was just tickled with the last possibility  

lilfacemaker

i think i forgot it at home is correct  

foxfirebrand

Short version (example): "Where's your umrella?" "I omitted to bring it at home." Explanation (for those who still need one): I notice that almost all the people who think "I forgot it at home" is fine are not native speakers. But this is a matter of idiom and definitional nuance, not the sort of stuff a book provides real authority on. Besides, the definitions cited do not support that crucial additional detail of where the forgotten item was left behind. "I forgot it" (in the simple past) sounds deceptively a completed action but it is not, it's an ongoing state-- it does not have its beginning at a certain point in time. You're getting ready, gathering stuff you're supposed to bring-- the umbrella gets lost in the shuffle. At no particular moment did the forgetting occur. It's more the case that remembering the umbrella did not occur. At any time it could have been remembered, but it wasn't-- the act of forgetting is strewn all over the timeline, and basically occurred whenever the umbrella could've been remembered, but wasn't. You could've remembered the umbrella when you were in the driveway, getting into your car-- so forgetting the umbrella "happened" while you were not really at home. You were in a state of forgetting the umbrella (which was an omission, not an act ), in fact, until you realized that you hadn't remembered to bring it. In view of all this, "I forgot it at home" doesn't make sense. Neither does "I omitted to bring it at home." It isn't idiomatic, and the emphatic dislike of all those native speakers is a very useful clue for anyone rethinking the "correctness" of this expression. .  

lilfacemaker said: I think I forgot it at home is correct . Click to expand...

mccatlover said: SusanB, since you invited us to feel free . . . I propose that perhaps you meant “could have been done on purpose or not.” Hopefully, you didn’t mean another possibility based on the spelling, “could have been done on porpoise or not.” That would just be weird. By the way, if you regularly see my posts, you will know that I have no right to claim either spelling or typing accuracy myself. I was just tickled with the last possibility Click to expand...

Hi everyone! but why should "I forgot it at home" be wrong? I mean, grammatally is not incorrect, is it?  

Count me in as an another American who wouldn't say I forgot it at home . I would say: I forgot my notebook. It's at home. I left my notebook at home. I forgot to bring my notebook from home.  

argentina said: Hi everyone! but why should "I forgot it at home" be wrong? I mean, grammatally is not incorrect, is it? Click to expand...

When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. Click to expand...

All right people so what's the final verdict? I left it or I forgot it? Personally I could go with - I left my paper at home because I forgot to take it with me - good grief that's too long!  

bianconera said: All right people so what's the final verdict? I left it or I forgot it? Personally I could go with - I left my paper at home because I forgot to take it with me - good grief that's too long! Click to expand...

I can forget things at home without even leaving the house...  

Well said mariposita, that sums it up nicely.  

• Sep 11, 2006

marget said: In my most humble opinion, the final verdict is: (ahem, drum roll...) I left it at home ! One can only leave things at home; one cannot forget them at home as I said in the first place! Am I preaching to the choir? Click to expand...

mariposita said: I can forget things at home without even leaving the house... Click to expand...

geve said: You are preaching and you don't listen to the voice of the Bible as quoted by Panj? Click to expand...

"Forgot my keys at home" suggests to me that you unintentionally left your keys at home. "Left" doesn't mean you forgot them. Maybe you didn't feel like working, so you intentially left them at home.  

• Sep 16, 2014

It's frustrating to know that most native speakers don't say "forgot something somewhere" to mean "left it unintentionally". I'm a Vietnamese speaker and by the linguistic thinking, I think it should be perfectly natural to say or hear that. What a pity that I can't say something should be natural like that! Where and when did the restrict appear? People in the past never say that either, did they? I want to know if this trend will be likely to change in the future of 20 years.  

post mod (English Only / Latin)

Please see this thread: I forgot / left my bag in a taxi In post #25 , DMCL says that she would use both, with a different meanings. Another member also says he would use 'forgot' instead of 'left'. However, Google N-Grams indicate that in published writing, 'left' has been preferred since 1800, which is as far back as the N-Gram goes --> CLICK .  

How to leave work at work (even when you work from home)

Lucid Content

Reading time: about 7 min

5 work-from-home tips:

• Create a dedicated workspace in your home
• Define a daily work schedule and stick to it
• Avoid distractions
• Stay motivated and disciplined
• Connect and collaborate with your team

Being able to leave work at work isn’t easy when you work from home.

Gone is the natural end-of-the-workday ritual of departing from the office. Not having to account for the commute home often results in working longer hours. If your living room or bedroom doubles as a workspace, it can start to feel like you never leave the office.

Fortunately, working from home doesn’t have to be that way.

By following even a few of the basic work-from-home tips listed below, you can avoid the common pitfalls faced by today’s remote employees. Not only will these tips help you leave work at work, but they can also boost your productivity, efficiency, and morale. 

1. Create a dedicated workspace in your home 

Working from home has its share of advantages. Research shows it can save you up to $7000 per year in transportation and work-related costs. And nothing is quite as convenient as sleeping in and still making it on time to your 9 a.m. video conference.

But if you really want to make the most of your WFH experience, it’s important to create the right work environment. It all starts by curating a dedicated workspace at home.  

It doesn’t require any major renovations or a big investment. And if you have children or loved ones around during work hours (which is almost a certainty whether it’s a summer break or the COVID-19 quarantine), a dedicated workspace can help you achieve an ideal work-family balance.

Some ideas to consider as you establish your dedicated home workspace include:

• If possible, turn a specific room in your house into your dedicated workspace.
• If an entire room isn’t an option, pick a space that will allow you some privacy.
• Make sure Wi-Fi is accessible in your workspace (get a Wi-Fi extender if needed).
• Supply your workspace with the necessary office supplies (e.g., pens, notepads).

It’s also nice to have a desk for your workspace, even if it’s just a second-hand one. If your work-from-home situation is only temporary, a foldout card table or even your kitchen counter can work. The more thought you put toward where you work from home, the better.

2. Define a daily work schedule and stick to it 

Most of us have worked from home a day or two here and there. Sometimes, it’s to take care of a sick kid. Other times, it’s to be available to sign for a special delivery or to wait for a service provider scheduled to complete an installation between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

In these types of situations, the request to work from home comes with added flexibility. Key meetings and deadlines are met, but you might not adhere to the usual work hours.

However, when you find yourself working from home on a routine or consistent basis, it becomes imperative to define what your working hours are and to follow your schedule. Some of the things you will want to consider when determining your work hours include:

• The schedule you’d be following if working in the office
• Schedules of any team members or integral coworkers
• Times you must be available to your manager or clients

Once you’ve settled on a daily work schedule that’s agreeable to your employer, always strive to maintain it. Even though your home office is likely just a few steps from your bedroom, resist the urge to sleep in until the last moment. Plan to be ready for the workday, the same as if you had a 30-minute commute ahead of you each morning.

Plan mandatory times for breaks and lunch in your daily routine. Don’t make a habit of eating at your workspace. Enjoy lunch in your kitchen or go out for lunch if possible. When you’re on a break, go for a walk around the block or call up one of your friends. These little breaks throughout the day will keep morale high and give you the energy you need to accomplish your work tasks. 

3. Avoid distractions 

Ideally, your home is your sanctuary away from the outside world—including work. We purposefully make our homes comfortable and relaxing. We add the personal touches and amenities to make our home comfortable, inviting, and enjoyable.

Unfortunately, all of this can be highly distracting when that same living space is our workspace.

There’s always one more episode to binge watch or someone stopping by or calling. When roommates or family are around during your scheduled work-from-home hours, it can seem impossible to stay focused.

Some work-from-home best practices for keeping on task include:

• Sharing your schedule with roommates, family, and friends so that they know when you are working, when you are free, and when you absolutely must not be distracted.
• Identifying your biggest distractions and avoiding them throughout the workday. Save personal calls for breaks. Stay off social media. Don’t stream shows or movies.
• Setting a timer every hour. Work for 50 minutes without interruptions. During the last 10 minutes of the hour, reward yourself with a break or a snack.
• Putting on headphones and listening to music. While this might not work for everyone, many people find it easier to focus and tune out other distractions when they’re listening to music.

When loved ones interrupt your workday, politely remind them of your work schedule. 

See our tips on how you can use Lucidchart to manage your work time better.

4. Staying motivated and disciplined

In the beginning, working from home can be a welcome change of pace. You might enjoy a new level of freedom, working at your own pace without a boss watching over your shoulder. It’s also relaxing to have a more informal dress code. Work pajamas, anyone?

However, as quickly as the anticipation and excitement for working from home started, a new reality can set in. Working from home can have its moments of monotony and frustration.

For those who want to leave work at work, motivation and discipline are indispensable. With a positive mindset, it gets easier to maintain your enthusiasm (and sanity) when working remotely. Great work from home tips to stay motivated and disciplined include:

• Maintaining personal grooming habits. Don’t skip your shower just so you can sleep in.
• Dressing like you’re going to the office. What you wear can really make a difference in how you feel.
• Staying active. Plan regular morning workouts before the workday begins.
• Connecting with colleagues in a video conference. Work relationships matter. 

Actively checking in and chatting with colleagues can also keep you accountable. Let others know what projects you’re working on and how you’re progressing. When the weather (and WIFI connection) allows, telecommute from the patio to mix things up. Or when social distancing is no longer an issue, work from a coffee shop or another shared space.

If you remain proactive, staying motivated and disciplined soon become second nature.

5. Connect and collaborate with your team

Whether you’ve decided to work from home for a change of pace or suddenly became a remote employee due to the COVID-19 crisis, soon you’ll discover the one great irony:

Ending the workday on time is usually much more difficult when you work from home.

When new to working outside of the traditional office setting, even the most productive team members can have trouble prioritizing tasks or making the best use of their time. With Lucidchart, remote employees get a dynamic visual workspace that allows them to:

• Create visual flowcharts to represent daily and weekly to-do lists of tasks.
• Collaborate with co-workers and keep them informed on a project’s status.
• Gain access to their team’s processes from a shareable online resource.

By enabling you to become better organized and confident that everything is on track, Lucidchart helps you make every workday more productive. And easier to end on time.  

Like any new skill or talent, learning how to leave work at work (even when you work from home) takes time and effort. But if you’re looking for greater longevity, enjoyment, and productivity as a remote worker—throughout the COVID-19 crisis or beyond—it’s a worthwhile endeavor.

Learn tips and tricks to make the most out of remote meetings.

About Lucidchart

Lucidchart, a cloud-based intelligent diagramming application, is a core component of Lucid Software's Visual Collaboration Suite. This intuitive, cloud-based solution empowers teams to collaborate in real-time to build flowcharts, mockups, UML diagrams, customer journey maps, and more. Lucidchart propels teams forward to build the future faster. Lucid is proud to serve top businesses around the world, including customers such as Google, GE, and NBC Universal, and 99% of the Fortune 500. Lucid partners with industry leaders, including Google, Atlassian, and Microsoft. Since its founding, Lucid has received numerous awards for its products, business, and workplace culture. For more information, visit lucidchart.com.

Bring your bright ideas to life.

or continue with

By registering, you agree to our Terms of Service and you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy .

• Entertainment
• Newsletters

Residents given 1 month to leave after all units deemed unsafe at Pembroke Pines condo complex

Bridgette Matter , Reporter

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – People living in the Heron Pond condominium complex in Pembroke Pines have until Aug. 29 to find a new home after all 19 buildings were deemed unsafe.

Six buildings at the complex, located near Pines Boulevard and University Drive, were deemed unsafe last year and people living in them were ordered to leave.

Issues include large cracks in the buildings and steel supports that shore up the balconies on nearly all 19 buildings on the property, rotting wood found beneath stucco and patchwork in place of actual repairs.

Engineers recently notified the city of Pembroke Pines that the remaining structures needed to be evacuated, affecting about 170 units.

People living in the remaining units said Wednesday they don’t have much time to figure out where to go or what to do.

“(It went) from the beautiful to the worst,” one resident said, noting that conditions at the complex have gone downhill in the past 10 years. “It’s very sad to be here. I used to love to be here.”

One resident, Gian, had no idea about the order until a Local 10 News crew knocked on his door.

“My reaction (to) this is very shocking,” he said. “I didn’t know that.”

Officials said if the area is put under a tropical storm advisory at any point, everyone must evacuate immediately.

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Bridgette matter.

Bridgette Matter joined the Local 10 News team as a reporter in July 2021. Before moving to South Florida, she began her career in South Bend, Indiana and spent six years in Jacksonville as a reporter and weekend anchor.

Recommended Videos

Tory leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat says he would be prepared to leave ECHR

The shadow security minister has previously dismissed calls to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees fundamental human rights in law.

Political reporter @alixculbertson

Thursday 25 July 2024 10:18, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Conservative leadership candidate Tom Tugendhat has said he is prepared to leave the European Convention on Human Rights if it "doesn't serve our interests".

The former security minister and soldier threw his hat in the ring to replace Rishi Sunak on Wednesday night as nominations opened.

Seen as a moderate candidate, Mr Tugendhat, now shadow security minister, announced he was running by saying the Conservatives lost the election because the party "lost the trust of the British people, because we didn't do what we said we would".

Follow live politics updates

He has changed his position on the ECHR, which guarantees fundamental human rights in law.

It is enforced by the European Court of Human Rights and the UK played an important role in its birth after the Second World War.

Previously, he has dismissed calls to leave the ECHR but has now said he would look at leaving - in a stance seen as appealing to those on the right of the party.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Mr Tugendhat told Sky News' Breakfast with Kay Burley: "I'm prepared to make any decision necessary to keep Britain safe.

"We've got to be prepared to look at all of these organisations and if they serve the British interests and we support them, and if they don't.

"Then we either reform them, what we derogate or we leave them.

"And I think you've got to be clear eyed about this.

"We should never be a part of any organisation that doesn't serve our interests.

"We should never be part of any alliance that doesn't promote the security - and prosperity falls into that."

He added: "I'm very, very clear that all institutions, all treaties, must serve the interests of the British people.

"And where they do, I'll support them, where they don't I won't."

Read more: Who could replace Rishi Sunak?

Tugendhat's surprise change on ECHR could make or break his campaign

By Darren McCaffrey, political correspondent

The UK's membership of the European Convention on Human Rights has been a bone of contention in Conservative politics for years now.

And despite a significant election defeat, the debate is back on the agenda today.

That's because leadership hopeful and shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat has suggested he is prepared to leave the convention.

He told Sky News: "I'm prepared to make any decision necessary to keep Britain safe."

This is genuinely surprising given only last year the same Tom Tugendhat warned that leaving the convention could have consequences for the Good Friday agreement, the Windsor framework and devolved administrations.

So what has changed?

Widely viewed as the one nation, centrist candidate, Mr Tugendhat might feel that if he wants to win the leadership race, he needs to extend his appeal across the broad coalition that is the Conservative Party.

So by showing he is willing to take a tougher position on the ECHR he hopes he might convince those who have been critical in the past.

But how far is he willing to go? Is it a genuine position?

If he can't demonstrate that it is, his rather vague positioning might do his leadership ambitions more harm than good.

Mr Tugendhat's position on the ECHR has changed over time as he previously wanted to see it reformed but the UK remain part of it.

In 2015, he said the ECHR should no longer apply to the UK's armed forces in wartime and is understood to have supported opting out of certain parts of it.

He has expressed concern the court has overreached, including when it said Switzerland's human rights were under threat due to its failure to tackle carbon emissions.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

On Thursday, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick became the third Conservative to throw their hat in the ring .

Former home secretary James Cleverly formally announced he was standing to become Tory leader on Tuesday.

Four other Tory MPs who have picked up nomination papers: Priti Patel, Kemi Badenoch, Mel Stride and Suella Braverman.

Related Topics

• Conservatives
• Tom Tugendhat

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

How Biden’s decision leave the race fits into the arc of U.S. political history

Michel Martin

NPR's Michel Martin talks with Harvard historian Jill Lepore about how President Biden's decision to exit the 2024 presidential races compares to what President Lyndon Johnson did in 1968.

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.

Advertisement

Amid the Mayhem, Trump Pumped His Fist and Revealed His Instincts

A bloodied Donald J. Trump made Secret Service agents wait while he expressed his defiance. The moment epitomized his visceral connection with his supporters, and his mastery of the modern media age.

• Share full article

By Shawn McCreesh

• July 13, 2024

Donald J. Trump was back on his feet. He had just been shot at, his white shirt was undone and his red hat was no longer on his head. Blood streaked across his face as riflemen patrolled the perimeter of the stage. A pack of Secret Service agents pressed their bodies against his. “We’ve got to move, we’ve got to move,” one pleaded.

“Wait, wait, wait, wait,” the former president instructed, his voice a harried — but startlingly clear — command. Reluctantly, they halted. He peered out into the crowd.

And then his arm reached toward the sky, and he began punching the air.

The crowd started to chant — “ U-S-A! U-S-A! ” — as the agents inched Mr. Trump toward the stairs. When they reached the top step, they paused once more, so Mr. Trump could lift his arm a little higher, and pump his fist a little faster. The crowd roared a little louder.

It’s difficult to imagine a moment that more fully epitomizes Mr. Trump’s visceral connection with his supporters, and his mastery of the modern media age.

Mr. Trump would not leave the stage without signaling to his fans that he was OK — even as some were still wailing in fear. And he did not just wave or nod, he raised his fist in defiance above his bloodied face — making an image history will not forget.

He has always been highly conscious of how he looks in big moments, practicing his Clint Eastwood squint and preparing for his mean mug-shot grimace. But there was no time to prepare for this.

This was instinct.

As the agents coaxed him onto his feet, he stammered, “Let me get my shoes on, let me get my shoes on.”

“I got you, sir, I got you, sir,” an agent replied. Mr. Trump rose, his voice uneven at first, still repeating himself: “Let me get my shoes on.”

“Hold that on your head,” an agent told him, “it’s bloody.”

“Sir, we’ve got to move to the cars,” another said.

“Let me get my shoes on,” Mr. Trump said again.

Fierce one moment, he looked drained and stricken the next.

After the agents managed to hustle him off the stage, they led him toward an idling Chevrolet Suburban. He began to clamber inside, but before the door could close, he turned back toward the crowd again. His head appeared more blood-soaked than before. He raised his fist one more time.