This article was updated 19 September 2023.

The early years of high school can be a real shock to the system, especially when the homework and assignments start piling up. At this stage of school, kids are dealing with so much already – new friends, new routines and new anxiety around all the big changes they’re experiencing.

But, it may be reassuring to know that homework has real benefits, as high school teacher Jess Bell explains: “Homework helps build up memory and skill, and ensures good study practices are in place from an early age. Even if students ‘don’t have homework’, going back over what they’ve done in a day can be really affirming and helpful in retaining knowledge.” We asked a student, a parent and a teacher for their high school homework tips to better manage the workload.

Write a Checklist

Writing a checklist is one of the high school homework tips that’s shown to be effective.

The first task before any study session should be to write a homework ‘To Do’ list. Research from a study out of Florida State and Tufts University shows that we perform better when we write down what we need to do.

“Prioritise tasks that are due sooner or ones that you might need some help with first. It makes sense to do the big or hard jobs first to get them out of the way,” says Jess. This gives homework time structure, and each item can be crossed off once complete – plus, crushing a To Do list feels great, too! “To Do lists really help me, especially when I’m feeling tired, stuck or overwhelmed,” says 13-year-old Year 8 student Caleb Vagne.

What To Try

Find a Routine That Works and Stick With It

“I do my homework first thing when I get home. I like to do it as soon as possible when I’m feeling focused,” says Caleb. “Or if I have sport after school and I can’t do my homework, I do it in the mornings when I’m first awake. I wake up pretty early.”

The great thing about routines is they reduce stress by helping us focus and prioritise our time, while limiting the amount of decisions we need to make each day. Get the whole family on board and find a study schedule that suits everyone. Repeat it daily and you’ll soon find it’s become a habit.

As Jess explains, scheduling ‘Homework Time’ from 4pm-6pm on weeknights makes sense for a lot of families and students. “You need to get it done and switch off from your day properly,” she says. “Within an hour of getting home from school if possible. Try not to let it drag into the evening unless you really have to.” Having a regular check-in with them about their homework plan also gives students an opportunity to ask for help with any subject areas they might be struggling with.

Use a Homework Planner

“Most schools hand out student diaries and you have to carry them around anyway, so absolutely use them. Make yourself lists and then cross them off,” says Jess. “The school diary is really helpful,” says Caleb’s mum, Kirsten Vagne. “It means my son doesn’t have to rely on his memory for when things are due. Teenagers and remembering things don’t always mix!”

An old-school paper planner is a great way to stay organised and keep track of due dates – and studies suggest handwriting things actually helps you understand them better – but digital diaries and reminders are good too, particularly if your child manages most of their schoolwork on their laptop.

Whether using a physical or digital diary, students should jot down homework assignments for that night during class – any textbook chapters that need to be read, or info they need to revise – and try using coloured pens (or highlighting the notes digitally) to really up the organisation game.

What To Try

Limit Distractions

Teens today are living in the golden age of distraction, with access to gaming, social media and streaming services right at their fingertips. Think ahead and set up a distraction-free zone with no mobile phones, tablets and TVs.

“We have a rule that TV and tablets are not allowed if there is still homework outstanding,” says Kirsten. “And siblings are expected to be quiet and respectful of homework being done.” You can also try turning off notifications on emails or phones, switching devices to flight mode and investing in noise-cancelling headphones. “Sometimes I find it hard to focus,” says Caleb. “So I don’t actually mind if Mum hides my phone or the tablet.”

What To Try

SEE ALSO: What Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones?

Plan Rewards

It can be hard to find motivation to study, especially after a long day at school. Technically, knowledge is its own reward... but there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of incentivisation! “At our house, electronic devices are only allowed if homework is done and that’s often a good motivator,” says Kirsten. “We also do rewards for good report cards with special outings or something similar.”

Find what works for your family, and follow each successful study session with something enjoyable such as an episode of their favourite TV show, a bike ride around the block, or a family game.

Have an Inviting Study Space

A study space students actually want to spend time in can make high school homework more inviting.

Create a cosy corner for kids to sit down and do their homework each day, the more pleasant and inviting the better. If possible, place a desk next to a window as natural light can actually boost learning.

Utilise wall space to hang a study planner or corkboard. Other gear that might come in handy? Magazine files, storage containers and basic stationery supplies to help them stay organised. “This helps them avoid forgetting what they need at school the next day and also helps for quick pack-up,” says Jess.

What To Try

SEE ALSO: Best Desk Setups for Students: Essential Study Supplies for Every Age

Take Breaks

Teenagers aren’t robots! It’s important to take breaks every now and then to grab a snack and stretch. A good rule of thumb is a 5-10 minute break every hour. “I’d recommend taking a five-minute break in between tasks so you don’t lose momentum,” says Jess.

In primary school, teachers often plan “brain breaks” – short bursts of physical activity to break up all the sitting down and concentrating, and the same theory can be applied for high schoolers. Factoring some physical activity into your study session, such as 10 minutes of yoga or 5 minutes of dancing to your favourite tunes, is a good idea. “If my son is struggling with staying on task, I’ll suggest... a jog around the block. It works wonders,” says Kirsten.

Stepping away from your desk for short periods to stretch and move your body means you’ll feel better physically and mentally when you need to sit down and get cracking on that all-important homework task again.

What To Try

Look out for Signs of Anxiety

Getting too much homework, or feeling that the work is just too hard, can lead to kids feeling overwhelmed. “I do feel anxious sometimes,” says Caleb. “I try to just calm down and take a break for a bit. I also try to do my homework as soon as possible so that I know I have extra time if I need it.”

Look out for signs that your child is distressed or dealing with anxiety, such as frequent stomach aches and headaches, difficulty sleeping, and acting withdrawn. “Get them to work somewhere in the open, so they can ask for help more easily,” says Jess. “Ask open-ended questions about the work and normalise making mistakes and sticking at tricky tasks. Talk with teachers if you’re worried, that’s what they’re there for!” There are lots of ways that parents can support students, including contacting a mental health professional for the best advice.

Consider a Tutor

One of the best high school homework tips is to hire a tutor if the student is really struggling.

Is homework becoming a huge hassle? A professional tutor can help in so many ways – they can help students catch up if they’re falling behind, help them revise before a big test, as well as teach essential organisation and study skills. Many private tutors will come to your home on a weekly basis, or there are coaching centres like Pre-Uni and Kumon where kids can attend regular classes after school.

“At the end of the day, homework is your friend! It helps you work on organisation and memory, and exposes areas that might require more support,” says Jess. “Embrace it and check in with teachers if there are any concerns.”

SEE ALSO: 20 Expert Homework Help Tips to Improve Study Skills