for not completing homework

49 Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework

No, you can’t use ‘I’d a fever’ as the best excuse for not doing homework. 

Also, blaming a dog for biting out your assignment book is totally unbelievable.

Well, don’t worry to help you out in such a situation, we provide you with all the fresh, believable excuses to give. 

( Note: This is just for entertainment purposes. Please don’t make a habit of relying on these excuses every day. Better if you do your homework on time.) 

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Have these good reasons to convince your teacher why you came to school without the homework. 

3. “We have surprised guest visitors and they stay the whole day.” 

6. “I was about to do homework, but I don’t understand a thing.”

10. “There was a rumor that you were on leave today.”   

13. “After school, I have to work at our family business. My dad already trained me for it.”  

16. “My entire day went into doing some extracurricular, and I didn’t get time for homework.”

Funny Reasons For Not Doing Homework

But because it’s a hilarious and creative reason, it might still work in your favor. 

2. “My parents brought a pet for me. So I played with him the whole day.”

5. “I was lost in the mall while going shopping with my mum and found it in the evening.”

8. “My family wants me to go to a boarding school, so I’m just getting ready for it.”  

9.  “I was looking for the right time to get it done, but I didn’t get it .” 

11. “My grandparents visited our home yesterday, and I’ve been busy with them.” 

14. “I accept that I didn’t do my homework now, but I promise to complete it tomorrow.” 

17. “This is the first time I forgot the lesson, and you have to understand that I have some reason for that.”

Believable Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Be careful with your reasons or excuses before saying why you didn’t do your homework. 

2. “I’ve saved my assignment, but I don’t know where it is now. The file is lost on the PC.” 

5. “My computer just got hacked and I must delete everything including homework.” 

8. “I thought today was a holiday. So I didn’t do it.”

11. “It was my sister’s marriage, so I was not able to complete my homework.” 

14. “I was helping other kids in school to complete assignments, but I forgot mine.” 

READ NEXT:  Smart Responses To Every ‘Why?’ Question

We all agree that we have the entire day to do it, but the best time to do homework is ‘the last hour’ before submission. 

When you fail to do or submit your assignment last time, you need some good excuses for not doing homework that your teacher could believe and accept. 

This list covers last-minute excuses to get you another chance. 

But, promise us, that you will do your homework on time from now on. We don’t want you to use these excuses anymore, too.

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Homework is an integral part of a student’s academic journey, yet it often becomes a source of stress and excuses. From the classic “I forgot” to more creative claims like “the dog ate it,” these excuses can hinder a student’s progress and academic success . This guide aims to address the most common homework excuses and provide practical solutions for students to overcome them. By fostering effective strategies , enhancing time management skills, building a supportive environment, and encouraging self-motivation, students can turn their homework challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

Common homework excuses not only affect academic performance but also erode the trust between students and educators. Understanding the reasons behind these excuses is the first step in addressing them. Whether it’s forgetting an assignment, lacking necessary supplies, or feeling overwhelmed by other responsibilities, each excuse has a solution. By exploring these excuses in detail, we can uncover the underlying issues and provide actionable strategies to resolve them.

Developing a homework routine is crucial for consistency and success. A dedicated workspace, breaking down assignments into manageable tasks, and utilizing organizational tools can make homework less daunting. Additionally, enhancing time management skills through prioritization, using planners, and setting realistic deadlines can prevent excuses related to time constraints and procrastination.

Building a support system is equally important. Effective communication with teachers, collaboration with classmates, and involvement of parents and guardians can provide the necessary support and encouragement. Accessing school resources and seeking help when needed ensures that students are never alone in their academic journey.

Self-motivation and accountability are key to overcoming homework excuses. Setting personal goals , rewarding progress, reflecting on the consequences of incomplete homework, and developing a growth mindset can transform a student’s approach to assignments. Real-life examples and success stories will illustrate how these strategies have helped other students turn their excuses into achievements.

Common Homework Excuses and Their Impact

Homework excuses are as varied as the students who make them. While they might seem trivial or humorous at times, these excuses can have significant impacts on a student’s academic performance and their relationship with teachers and parents. Understanding these excuses and their implications is the first step toward finding effective solutions. Here, we explore the most common homework excuses and the effects they can have.

“I Forgot”

One of the most common excuses, “I forgot,” often stems from a lack of organization or time management skills. This excuse can lead to a pattern of missed assignments, lowering grades and creating a negative feedback loop. Teachers may start to perceive the student as unreliable, which can affect their willingness to provide additional support.

“The Dog Ate It”

A classic excuse, “the dog ate it,” is often used humorously, but it signifies a lack of accountability. While it might be accepted as a one-off joke, repeated use can undermine a student’s credibility and foster a habit of evading responsibility. This can damage the trust between the student and their teacher.

“I Didn’t Understand the Assignment”

This excuse indicates a deeper issue with comprehension or a fear of seeking help. It can lead to incomplete or incorrect assignments and reflect a gap in the student’s learning. Over time, this can result in a significant decline in academic performance and confidence.

“I Had Too Much Other Work”

Balancing multiple assignments can be challenging, and “I had too much other work” highlights the need for better time management. This excuse can indicate an overwhelmed student who might need help prioritizing tasks. Persistent use of this excuse can lead to incomplete homework and stress.

“I Was Too Tired”

“I was too tired” often points to poor time management or excessive extracurricular commitments. This excuse can affect a student’s ability to engage fully with their studies and lead to a cycle of fatigue and underperformance.

“I Didn’t Have the Right Supplies”

Lack of preparation is at the core of this excuse. “I didn’t have the right supplies” can highlight a need for better planning and organization. This excuse can result in incomplete or poorly executed assignments, impacting grades and learning outcomes.

“I Was Sick”

While being sick is a legitimate reason for missing homework, it can sometimes be used as a convenient excuse. Frequent use can lead to missed learning opportunities and a backlog of assignments, making it harder for the student to catch up.

“I Had a Family Emergency”

Family emergencies are serious and valid reasons for not completing homework. However, if used frequently, it can raise concerns about the student’s home environment and require additional support from the school.

“I Left It at School”

This excuse often highlights a lack of organization and responsibility. Leaving homework at school can result in missed deadlines and incomplete assignments, which can negatively affect academic performance and teacher perceptions.

“I Didn’t Think It Was Due Yet”

Misunderstanding deadlines is a common issue that can lead to late submissions and lower grades. “I didn’t think it was due yet” underscores the importance of tracking due dates and understanding assignment timelines.

“My Computer Crashed”

Technical issues are increasingly common with the reliance on digital assignments. “My computer crashed” is a valid excuse but can also be mitigated by backing up work and using reliable technology. Frequent use of this excuse may require a discussion about access to resources and technical support.

Impact of Homework Excuses

These excuses, while varied, share a common theme: they impede academic progress and erode trust between students and educators. Repeated excuses can lead to:

• Lower Grades: Consistent failure to complete assignments can significantly impact a student’s overall grade.
• Increased Stress: Falling behind on homework creates a backlog, leading to stress and anxiety for the student.
• Damaged Relationships: Persistent excuses can strain relationships with teachers and parents, reducing the student’s support system.
• Lost Learning Opportunities: Incomplete homework means missing out on crucial practice and reinforcement of classroom learning.
• Erosion of Accountability: Relying on excuses fosters a lack of responsibility and accountability, which can affect future academic and professional endeavors.

Effective Strategies to Overcome Homework Excuses

Addressing the root causes of homework excuses requires a combination of organizational skills, proactive planning, and a supportive environment. Implementing effective strategies can help students manage their time better, stay motivated, and take responsibility for their assignments. Here are practical solutions to overcome the most common homework excuses.

Developing a Homework Routine

A consistent homework routine is essential for creating structure and reducing the likelihood of excuses. Setting a specific time each day dedicated to homework helps establish a habit and makes it easier to keep track of assignments.

• Set a Regular Schedule: Determine a specific time for homework each day that fits within the student’s overall schedule. Consistency helps in forming a habit and reduces the chances of forgetting assignments.
• Create a To-Do List: At the beginning of each session, make a list of tasks to be completed. Prioritize assignments based on due dates and difficulty.
• Incorporate Breaks: Breaks are crucial for maintaining focus and productivity. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method, which involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break.

Creating a Productive Workspace

A designated homework area can significantly impact a student’s ability to concentrate and complete assignments efficiently. The workspace should be free from distractions and equipped with all necessary supplies.

• Choose a Quiet Space: Select a quiet area of the home where interruptions are minimal. This space should be reserved exclusively for studying to create a clear association between the environment and the task.
• Organize Supplies: Ensure that all necessary materials, such as books, stationery, and a computer, are readily available. This reduces the time spent searching for items and minimizes disruptions.
• Minimize Distractions: Keep electronic devices like phones and tablets out of reach unless they are needed for homework. Consider using apps or browser extensions that block distracting websites during homework time.

Breaking Down Assignments into Manageable Tasks

Large assignments can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination and excuses. Breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks makes them less daunting and easier to tackle.

• Segment Tasks: Divide homework into smaller tasks or steps. For example, a research paper can be broken down into stages such as researching, outlining, drafting, and revising.
• Set Mini-Deadlines: Assign deadlines for each smaller task. This approach helps maintain steady progress and prevents last-minute cramming.
• Track Progress: Use a planner or digital tool to track completed tasks and upcoming deadlines. This visual representation of progress can be motivating.

Utilizing Organizational Tools and Apps

Technology offers numerous tools to help students stay organized and manage their homework effectively. These tools can provide reminders, track deadlines, and offer a centralized place for all assignments.

• Use a Digital Planner: Apps like Google Calendar, Todoist, or Trello can help students keep track of assignments, deadlines, and study schedules.
• Set Reminders: Digital reminders and notifications ensure that students don’t forget about their homework. These can be set for daily study times or specific assignment deadlines.
• Collaborate Online: Tools like Google Docs or Microsoft OneDrive allow for easy collaboration on group projects and provide a platform for students to share resources and information.

Seeking Help When Needed

Understanding when and how to seek help is crucial in overcoming excuses related to difficulty or misunderstanding of assignments. Encouraging students to ask for help can prevent frustration and incomplete homework.

• Communicate with Teachers: Encourage students to ask questions in class or seek clarification from teachers when they don’t understand an assignment. Many teachers are available for additional help during office hours or through email.
• Form Study Groups: Working with peers can provide additional perspectives and explanations that make difficult concepts easier to understand.
• Utilize Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, and educational YouTube channels offer tutorials and explanations on a wide range of subjects. These resources can supplement classroom learning and clarify challenging topics.

By implementing these effective strategies, students can overcome common homework excuses and develop habits that promote academic success. A structured routine, productive workspace, manageable task segmentation, organizational tools, and seeking help when needed form a comprehensive approach to tackling homework efficiently. In the following sections, we will explore how enhancing time management skills, building a support system, and encouraging self-motivation can further empower students to take control of their academic responsibilities.

Enhancing Time Management Skills

Time management is a critical skill for students to master, as it helps them balance their academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and personal life. Effective time management minimizes the stress of last-minute work and reduces the need for excuses. Here are strategies to enhance time management skills:

Prioritizing Tasks

Prioritizing tasks ensures that the most important and urgent assignments are completed first. This method helps students manage their workload more efficiently and prevents the accumulation of unfinished work.

• Identify Important Tasks: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Focus on completing tasks that are both urgent and important first.
• Rank Assignments: Assign a priority level to each homework task. For example, rank assignments as high, medium, or low priority based on their due dates and difficulty.
• Review and Adjust: Regularly review and adjust priorities as new tasks arise and deadlines approach. This flexibility ensures that students stay on top of their workload.

Using a Planner or Calendar

A planner or calendar helps students visualize their schedule and keep track of assignments, tests, and deadlines. This tool is essential for managing time effectively.

• Daily and Weekly Planning: Use a planner to outline daily and weekly tasks. Include specific time slots for each assignment, study session, and break.
• Set Reminders: Digital planners often come with reminder features. Set reminders for upcoming deadlines and study sessions to ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Plan for Long-Term Projects: Break down long-term projects into smaller tasks and schedule them over several weeks. This approach prevents last-minute rushes and allows for steady progress.

Avoiding Procrastination Techniques

Procrastination is a common barrier to effective time management. Identifying and avoiding procrastination techniques can help students stay focused and productive.

• Set Clear Goals: Define clear and achievable goals for each study session. Having specific targets helps maintain focus and motivation.
• Limit Distractions: Identify and minimize common distractions, such as social media, video games, and TV. Use apps like Freedom or StayFocusd to block distracting websites during study time.
• Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in short, focused intervals (usually 25 minutes), followed by a short break. This method helps maintain concentration and reduces the tendency to procrastinate.

Setting Realistic Deadlines

Setting realistic deadlines for each task helps students manage their time effectively and reduces the stress of last-minute work.

• Estimate Time Accurately: Estimate how long each task will take and set deadlines accordingly. Allow extra time for challenging assignments or potential obstacles.
• Avoid Overcommitting: Be realistic about the amount of work that can be accomplished in a given time frame. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and unfinished tasks.
• Track Progress: Monitor progress regularly to ensure that deadlines are being met. Adjust timelines as necessary to stay on track.

Enhancing time management skills is essential for academic success and reducing the reliance on homework excuses. By prioritizing tasks, using planners or calendars, avoiding procrastination techniques, and setting realistic deadlines, students can manage their workload more effectively. These strategies not only help in completing assignments on time but also reduce stress and improve overall productivity.

Building a Support System

A strong support system can make a significant difference in a student’s ability to manage their homework effectively. Support from teachers, classmates, parents, and school resources can provide the encouragement and assistance needed to overcome challenges and stay on track. Here’s how to build a robust support system:

Communicating with Teachers

Effective communication with teachers is crucial for understanding assignments, clarifying doubts, and seeking additional help when needed.

• Ask Questions: Encourage students to ask questions in class or during office hours. Understanding the assignment fully prevents confusion and excuses related to misunderstanding the task.
• Request Feedback: Regular feedback on assignments can help students identify areas for improvement and stay motivated.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with any changes in assignment deadlines or requirements by maintaining open communication with teachers.

Collaborating with Classmates

Collaborating with peers can provide additional perspectives and support, making homework less daunting and more manageable.

• Form Study Groups: Small study groups can offer mutual support, share resources, and provide different approaches to solving problems.
• Share Resources: Encourage sharing notes, study guides, and online resources. Collaboration can fill knowledge gaps and enhance understanding.
• Peer Tutoring: If a student excels in a particular subject, they can help classmates who struggle with that subject, and vice versa. Peer tutoring is beneficial for both the tutor and the student receiving help.

Involving Parents and Guardians

Parental involvement can provide additional support and accountability for students. Parents can help in creating a conducive study environment and encouraging positive study habits.

• Monitor Progress: Parents can regularly check in on their child’s progress and help them stay organized.
• Provide Resources: Ensure that the student has access to all necessary supplies and resources for completing homework.
• Encourage Responsibility: While support is important, it’s also crucial for students to take ownership of their work. Parents can guide without micromanaging, fostering independence .

Accessing School Resources

Schools often provide various resources that can help students with their homework. Utilizing these resources can offer additional support and enhance learning.

• Tutoring Centers: Many schools offer after-school tutoring programs. Encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities for extra help.
• Library Resources: School libraries often have resources, including books, online databases, and quiet study areas. Librarians can also assist with finding materials.
• Counseling Services: School counselors can provide support for students facing academic or personal challenges that affect their homework performance. They can offer strategies for managing stress and improving study habits.

Building a strong support system is vital for helping students overcome homework excuses and succeed academically. Through effective communication with teachers, collaboration with classmates, involvement of parents, and utilization of school resources, students can access the support they need to manage their assignments effectively.

Encouraging Self-Motivation and Accountability

Self-motivation and accountability are crucial for students to take ownership of their learning and consistently complete their homework. By fostering an environment that encourages goal setting , self-reflection, and personal growth, students can develop the intrinsic motivation needed to overcome excuses and achieve academic success.

Setting Personal Goals

Personal goals give students a sense of direction and purpose, making homework feel more meaningful and less burdensome.

• SMART Goals: Encourage students to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. For example, “Complete all math assignments by Thursday evening” is a SMART goal that is clear and achievable.
• Short-term and Long-term Goals: Help students differentiate between short-term goals (e.g., finishing today’s homework) and long-term goals (e.g., improving math grades by the end of the semester). Both types are important for maintaining motivation.
• Review and Adjust Goals: Regularly review goals with students and adjust them as needed. This keeps goals relevant and achievable, maintaining the student’s motivation.

Rewarding Progress and Achievements

Rewards can be powerful motivators, especially when they are meaningful and aligned with the student’s interests.

• Immediate Rewards: Offer small, immediate rewards for completing homework tasks, such as a favorite snack or a short break.
• Long-term Rewards: Provide larger rewards for achieving bigger goals, such as a fun outing or a special treat. This helps students see the value in sustained effort and progress.
• Intrinsic Rewards: Encourage students to find intrinsic rewards in their work, such as the satisfaction of understanding a new concept or the pride in finishing a challenging assignment.

Reflecting on Consequences of Not Completing Homework

Understanding the negative consequences of not completing homework can help students see the importance of staying on track.

• Academic Consequences: Discuss how missing homework can affect grades and overall academic performance. Understanding this can motivate students to complete their assignments.
• Personal Consequences: Reflect on how incomplete homework can lead to stress, guilt, and a lack of progress toward personal goals. Personalizing the consequences makes them more relatable.
• Future Implications: Highlight how good homework habits can positively impact future academic and career opportunities. Developing responsibility and work ethic are skills that benefit students beyond school.

Developing a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and dedication , is essential for overcoming challenges and staying motivated.

• Embrace Challenges: Encourage students to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This perspective reduces fear of failure and promotes perseverance.
• Learn from Mistakes: Teach students to view mistakes as learning experiences. Reflecting on what went wrong and how to improve fosters resilience and continuous improvement.
• Celebrate Effort and Progress: Focus on the effort and progress made, rather than just the final outcome. Recognizing improvement, even if small, encourages a positive attitude towards learning.

Encouraging self-motivation and accountability helps students take control of their academic responsibilities and reduces reliance on homework excuses. By setting personal goals, rewarding progress, reflecting on the consequences of incomplete homework, and developing a growth mindset, students can cultivate the intrinsic motivation needed for sustained academic success.

Real-Life Examples and Success Stories

Real-life examples and success stories can provide inspiration and practical insights for students struggling with homework excuses. These stories illustrate how others have overcome similar challenges and achieved academic success through perseverance, effective strategies, and support systems.

Overcoming Procrastination

Case Study: Emily’s Transformation

Emily was a high school student who frequently procrastinated on her homework, often making excuses like “I’ll do it later” or “I’m too tired right now.” Her grades began to suffer, and she felt overwhelmed by the mounting assignments.

• Strategy Implemented: Emily started using the Pomodoro Technique, working in focused 25-minute intervals followed by 5-minute breaks. She also began setting daily and weekly goals using a planner.
• Outcome: By breaking her work into manageable chunks and maintaining a consistent schedule, Emily significantly reduced her procrastination. Her grades improved, and she felt more in control of her workload. She also developed a sense of accomplishment after each productive session.

Turning Around Academic Performance

Case Study: Alex’s Academic Comeback

Alex struggled with low grades and a lack of motivation. He often used excuses like “I didn’t understand the assignment” and “I had too much other work.” His teachers and parents were concerned about his academic future.

• Strategy Implemented: Alex started attending after-school tutoring sessions and formed a study group with friends. He also set specific academic goals and tracked his progress.
• Outcome: With the extra support and structured approach, Alex’s understanding of the material improved. His grades began to rise, and he regained confidence in his academic abilities. The collaborative environment of the study group also provided accountability and encouragement.

Balancing Extracurricular Activities and Homework

Case Study: Jessica’s Balanced Schedule

Jessica was an active student involved in sports and various extracurricular activities. She often found herself overwhelmed with homework, leading to excuses like “I had practice” or “I was too busy with other activities.”

• Strategy Implemented: Jessica created a detailed weekly schedule that included dedicated homework time around her extracurricular commitments. She prioritized tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix and used a digital planner to stay organized.
• Outcome: By managing her time more effectively, Jessica was able to balance her schoolwork and extracurricular activities. She completed her assignments on time and continued to excel in her sports and other interests. Her structured approach also reduced stress and improved her overall well-being.

Testimonials from Students

Testimonial: Sarah’s Journey to Self-Motivation

“I used to make excuses for not doing my homework, like saying I was too tired or didn’t have the right supplies. But then I started setting small, achievable goals and rewarding myself for completing tasks. I also began using a planner to keep track of my assignments. Now, I feel more motivated and less stressed. My grades have improved, and I’ve developed a positive attitude towards my studies.”

Testimonial: Michael’s Accountability Boost

“Joining a study group was a game-changer for me. I used to skip homework and come up with all sorts of excuses. But working with my peers, we kept each other accountable. We shared resources and helped each other understand difficult concepts. It made homework less of a chore and more of a collaborative effort. My performance in school has never been better.”

Real-life examples and success stories show that overcoming homework excuses is possible with the right strategies and support. These stories of transformation highlight the importance of time management, goal setting, collaboration, and self-motivation. By implementing these proven techniques, students can tackle their homework challenges, improve their academic performance, and build skills that will benefit them throughout their educational journey and beyond.

Overcoming homework excuses is a crucial step in fostering academic success and personal growth in students. By addressing the root causes of these excuses and implementing practical solutions, students can develop the skills and habits necessary for effective learning. This comprehensive guide has explored various strategies to help students stop making homework excuses and start achieving their academic potential.

First, we examined the most common homework excuses and their impact on academic performance and relationships with teachers and parents. Understanding these excuses and the underlying issues is essential for finding effective solutions.

We then discussed practical strategies to overcome these excuses, including developing a homework routine, creating a productive workspace, breaking down assignments into manageable tasks, utilizing organizational tools, and seeking help when needed. These strategies provide a structured approach to managing homework effectively.

Enhancing time management skills was another key focus. By prioritizing tasks, using planners or calendars, avoiding procrastination techniques, and setting realistic deadlines, students can better manage their time and reduce stress.

Building a support system is also vital. Effective communication with teachers, collaboration with classmates, involvement of parents and guardians, and accessing school resources all provide the necessary support for students to succeed.

Encouraging self-motivation and accountability helps students take ownership of their learning. Setting personal goals, rewarding progress, reflecting on the consequences of not completing homework, and developing a growth mindset are all strategies that foster intrinsic motivation.

Real-life examples and success stories illustrated how these strategies can be successfully implemented, providing inspiration and practical insights for students facing similar challenges. These stories showed that overcoming homework excuses is possible with the right support and strategies.

Finally, integrating positive reinforcement into daily life can further support students in developing effective homework habits. Creating a positive home environment, using reinforcement strategies in school, and incorporating rewards into extracurricular activities all contribute to a supportive and motivating environment.

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100 Excuses for Not Doing Homework

Homework, a word students all over the world are familiar with, brings both fear and responsibility. It’s a crucial part of learning, helping us practice what we learn in class and teaching us discipline and time management. However, sometimes unexpected things happen, and students face real challenges that make finishing homework tough. 

In this blog, we’ll explore 100 excuses for not doing homework. Some excuses are funny excuses for not doing homework, while some are genuine and good excuses for not doing homework. So make sure to check them all one by one.

Students often use these excuses when they find homework overwhelming. While these excuses might seem like a quick fix, it’s important to remember that being honest and responsible is essential. Instead, let’s focus on taking a proactive approach to our studies, asking for help when needed, and using time wisely. By understanding and tackling the obstacles that come our way, we can create a strong foundation for success in school and personal growth. Let’s make homework less daunting and more manageable together!

Common 100 Excuses for Not Doing Homework

• Family Emergencies: Sometimes, unexpected family situations may require our immediate attention, leaving us with no time to complete homework.
• Technical Issues: Computer crashes or internet problems can hinder our ability to access and submit assignments.
• Sickness: Falling sick can affect our productivity, making it challenging to concentrate on homework.
• Lack of Resources: Not having access to necessary textbooks or materials can impede progress.
• Extra-Curricular Activities: Involvement in sports, arts, or other activities can leave little time for homework completion.
• Overwhelming Workload: Having too much homework from different subjects can be daunting to handle.
• Time Management: Poor time management skills might lead to insufficient time for homework.
• Misplacement: Misplacing your homework or notes can create a genuine obstacle.
• Personal Issues: Emotional or personal problems can impact our focus and motivation to complete homework.
• Weather Conditions: Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snowstorms, may disrupt internet connectivity or power supply.
• Power Outage: Unexpected power outages can prevent you from working on electronic devices.
• Traveling: Being away from home or school due to travel can limit your ability to complete homework.
• Lack of Motivation: Feeling unmotivated or uninterested in the subject can result in procrastination.
• Distractions at Home: Noise or disturbances at home can make it hard to concentrate.
• Technology Addiction: Spending too much time on electronic devices can lead to distractions and reduced focus on homework.
• Family Obligations: Helping with household chores or taking care of younger siblings can consume homework time.
• Personal Injuries: Physical injuries may restrict your ability to write or use a computer.
• Mental Fatigue: Being mentally exhausted after a long day at school can impact productivity.

• Lack of Sleep: Insufficient sleep can make it difficult to concentrate on homework.
• Classwork Overload: Teachers assigning lengthy in-class tasks can leave little time for homework.
• Internet Research Challenges: Difficulty finding relevant information online can slow down the completion process.
• Commute Time: Long travel times to and from school can cut into homework time.
• Celebrations and Festivals: Preparing for special occasions can make it challenging to focus on homework.
• Exam Preparation: Prioritizing exam revision might leave less time for regular homework.
• Group Project Issues: Dependence on group members’ progress can lead to delays in submitting assignments.
• School Events: Participation in school events and activities can affect homework time.
• Lack of Understanding: Struggling to grasp the concepts covered in class can make homework difficult.
• Teacher Absence: When teachers are absent, it may lead to confusion about the assignment.
• Change in Schedule: Unforeseen changes in the school timetable can disrupt homework routines.
• Personal Loss: Coping with the loss of a loved one can interfere with completing homework.
• Technological Glitches: Software or hardware malfunctions can cause delays in finishing assignments.
• Pet Responsibilities: Taking care of pets can take up time meant for homework.
• Mental Health Issues: Struggling with mental health challenges can impact productivity.
• Internet Restrictions: Parental controls or school firewalls can limit access to online resources.
• Noisy Environment: Working in a loud environment can hinder concentration.
• Field Trips: Participating in educational outings can lead to postponing homework.
• Unforeseen Visitors: Unexpected guests can disrupt your homework schedule.
• Allergy Season: Seasonal allergies can lead to discomfort and reduced productivity.
• Sports Injuries: Injuries sustained during sports activities may hinder the ability to complete homework.
• Lack of Support: Lack of parental support or guidance can affect academic performance.
• Heavy Traffic: Being stuck in traffic can delay getting home to do homework.
• Incomplete Lecture: Incomplete or unclear explanations in class can make homework difficult.
• Classroom Disturbances: Disruptions during class can hinder learning and understanding.
• Volunteer Work: Involvement in volunteer activities can consume time required for homework.
• Power Struggles: Family arguments and disagreements can distract from homework.
• Exam Anxiety: Preparing for upcoming exams might take precedence over regular assignments.
• Power Surges: Power surges can damage electronic devices, affecting homework completion.
• Social Events: Being invited to social gatherings can disrupt homework routines.
• Peer Pressure: Engaging in peer activities instead of focusing on homework can be tempting.
• School Projects: Major school projects may consume significant time and effort.
• Incomplete Class Notes: Inadequate or messy class notes can hinder homework understanding.
• Communal Computer: Sharing a computer with family members can limit access.
• Teacher Miscommunication: Miscommunication about the homework assignment can cause confusion.
• Slow Internet: Slow internet speed can lead to delays in online research.
• Sudden Power Cuts: Sudden power cuts can disrupt your work on electronic devices.
• Late School Hours: Extended school hours can leave less time for homework.
• Weekend Commitments: Weekend commitments can impact completing homework.
• Unforeseen School Events: Unexpected school activities can interfere with homework.
• Cultural Celebrations: Cultural festivities might require time away from homework.
• Home Repairs: Home repairs or maintenance can disrupt your homework environment.
• Language Barriers: Struggling with language barriers can slow down comprehension.
• Internet Safety Concerns: Parental concerns about online safety may limit internet usage for homework.
• Lost or Broken Materials: Losing or breaking essential materials can delay homework.
• Noisy Siblings: Noisy siblings can make it difficult to concentrate on homework.
• Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting conditions can strain your eyes while doing homework.
• Lack of School Supplies: Not having the necessary stationery can hinder progress.
• Teacher’s Absenteeism: Frequent teacher absenteeism can delay assignment explanations.
• Online School Platform Glitches: Technical issues with online platforms can disrupt homework completion.
• Change in Family Routine: Changes in family routines can affect homework schedules.
• Parent’s Travel: When parents travel, it may lead to disruptions in completing homework.
• Exam Schedules: Preparing for multiple exams can take precedence over regular homework.
• School Safety Drills: School safety drills can interrupt class time for homework explanations.
• Change in Syllabus: Changes in the syllabus may require extra time for adjustment.
• School System Changes: Transitions to a new school system can be challenging.
• Academic Pressure: Feeling overwhelmed by academic expectations can impact productivity.
• Unexpected All-Nighters: Staying up late to complete assignments from other subjects.
• Sporting Events: Participating in sports events can interfere with homework time.
• School Trips: Educational trips can lead to postponing homework.
• Overdue Library Books: Returning overdue library books may require additional time.
• Misunderstood Instructions: Misunderstanding the assignment can lead to errors and delays.
• Power Cables Damaged: Damaged power cables can affect electronic devices.
• Broken or Malfunctioning Printer: Printing issues can delay submitting physical assignments.
• Cultural Obligations: Cultural obligations may demand time away from homework.
• Lack of Encouragement: Lack of encouragement from teachers can affect motivation.
• Overcommitment: Committing to too many activities can leave little time for homework.
• Seasonal Distractions: Seasonal events or holidays can disrupt homework routines.
• Internet Outages: Internet outages in the area can hinder online research.
• Personal Projects: Engaging in personal creative projects can consume time.
• Inadequate Workspace: Having an uncomfortable workspace can affect productivity.
• Cluttered Work Area: A cluttered work area can lead to disorganization and inefficiency.
• Transport Issues: Transportation problems can hinder timely submission of homework.
• Unresolved Conflict: Unresolved conflicts with peers or teachers can affect focus.
• Sleep Disorders: Suffering from sleep disorders can impact productivity.
• Online Distractions: Getting sidetracked by social media or online games while doing homework.
• Difficult Concepts: Struggling with complex concepts can slow down homework progress.
• Part-Time Job: Balancing part-time work and school can be challenging.
• Inconsistent Study Habits: Inconsistent study habits can lead to incomplete assignments.
• Bullying: Dealing with bullying can negatively impact academic performance.
• Transportation Strikes: Transportation strikes can disrupt school attendance and homework completion.
• Lost Stationery: Losing essential stationery can delay completing written assignments.

While these 100 excuses may seem like a comprehensive list, remember that using excuses for not doing homework should only be a last resort. Being honest with teachers and taking responsibility for our studies is essential for our growth and development as students. Instead of relying on excuses, let’s focus on improving our time management, seeking help when needed, and developing healthy study habits . By doing so, we can overcome the challenges of homework and thrive in our academic journey. Remember, the key to success lies in determination, dedication, and consistent effort.

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Daniel Wong

11 Excuses for Not Doing Homework (And How to Stop Making Them)

Updated on August 6, 2024 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

If you’re like many students, you’d rather take a nap, talk to your friends online, or play video games.

As you already know, finding reasons not to do your homework will prevent you from succeeding in school .

I’m sure you want to do well in school, and homework is definitely a part of that process.

In this article, I’ll go over 11 of the most common excuses for not doing homework and offer solutions to ensure that you stay engaged in school.

But first, make sure to download your free quick action guide…

FREE  QUICK ACTION GUIDE:  

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Excuse #1: You lack the required knowledge

Let your parents and teacher know if you’re taking a class and feel as if you lack the necessary skills or knowledge to complete the homework.

Ask your teacher for extra guidance so you don’t fall too far behind. See if your parents can find the time to help you, or you can look for a tutor.

Your teachers are there to help you develop the skills you need to do well in their classes.

You’re not alone in feeling that you lack the necessary skills, so don’t be too embarrassed to ask for assistance. You might even find some great study buddies who feel the same way.

Excuse #2: You lack confidence

Many students compare themselves to their peers, which can lead to a lack of confidence. When that happens, it’s easy to make excuses for not doing the homework.

But here’s what you need to know…

Everyone lacks confidence about something.

You might be good at math but need extra help with English. Perhaps you excel at geography but find biology confusing.

Give yourself a break.

If you lack confidence in your ability to learn a particular subject, get the support you need. Your teachers, parents, and even friends will help you out and give you a needed morale boost.

Excuse #3: Your home life is too hectic

The excuses for submitting assignments late are numerous, but one that I hear often is that it’s too busy or noisy at home to focus.

Finding a quiet space and using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce distractions. This will make it easier for you to finish your homework.

If that doesn’t work, try finding an alternative location to do your work, like the library or a friend’s house.

You can also talk to your parents about it. They might not even be aware of all the interruptions that are preventing you from completing your schoolwork.

Excuse #4: You don’t know where to start

Feeling anxious and overwhelmed are often the main reasons that cause students to not know where to start on their homework.

If you ever feel this way, here’s what I suggest you do:

• Take a deep breath.
• Create a space where you can get organised.
• Make a list of all your assignments and deadlines.
• Work on one assignment at a time.
• Start with an easy assignment to get a quick win, or tackle the most challenging assignment to get it out of the way.

Excuse #5: You have poor study habits

Many students develop bad study habits over their years in school.

Not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace. As such, every student will have different study habits. If what you’re doing isn’t working, try a different approach.

If you’re trying to do your homework as soon as you get home from school but can’t focus, try having a snack and taking a power nap before getting to work instead.

If you’re staying up too late studying, set a rule for yourself that you’ll start doing your homework within one hour of getting home.

Establish a routine where you do your work at roughly the same time each day. Developing routines like this will improve your study habits , which will make you a more effective student.

Excuse #6: School isn’t important to you

A common misconception is that school isn’t important, that what you learn won’t be relevant once you leave school.

This isn’t completely true.

Of course, the education system can be improved. But the knowledge you acquire in school will help you to understand and appreciate the world better.

And the process of becoming a more effective student will lead you to develop traits like self-discipline and responsibility. These are the types of traits you’ll need in order to find success at any stage of life!

Excuse #7: You’re overloaded with after-school activities

I know it can be tough to balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

Maybe you’re on a sports team or you spend several hours each week volunteering.

Finding the right balance to ensure you have enough time for homework can be challenging.

When too many afterschool activities get in the way of completing your assignments on time, it’s time to review your schedule. Decide how you can prioritise the activities that are the most important.

You may need to put some activities on hold until you’re consistently staying on top of your schoolwork.

Speak with your coach, teachers, or parents about the ideas they have to help you manage your schedule more effectively.

Excuse #8: Studying is boring for you

If you find that doing your homework is uninteresting, it may be time for you to change your point of view.

I always encourage students to cultivate a growth mindset . This is a mindset where you focus more on the learning process instead of on getting good grades.

Rather than seeing a particular subject as boring, develop a sense of wonder. Decide that you’re going to be intellectually curious, and you’ll discover that we live in a fascinating world.

And while you’re on that journey, remember that the students who succeed in school find ways to get the work done even when they find the subject boring.

For example, if you don’t like math, consider that it isn’t just about numbers – it’s a way of thinking.

Reframing how you think about a subject will enable you to see it as more interesting. In turn, you’ll become a better student over time.

Excuse #9: Your teachers assign too much homework

Sometimes, it may seem like your teachers assign more homework than you can keep up with. You might even believe that what you’re required to do is unreasonable.

If you find yourself in this situation, take a moment to think about everything else you’re doing.

Are you managing your time well?

Are you struggling with a particular class?

Do you use memory techniques to enable you to learn faster ?

Instead of allowing homework to overwhelm you, try talking to your teacher, tutor, or parents to figure out the best way forward for you.

Excuse #10: You already have so much overdue homework

Procrastinating on your homework can lead to a significant pile-up of assignments. This will affect your confidence in being able to complete them.

What’s more, once you get a set of new assignments, you probably won’t know how to do them because you didn’t do the previous assignments.

This creates a vicious cycle where you tell yourself that there’s no point in completing your newly assigned homework because you still have the old ones to do.

When this happens, the likelihood of completing any of the work decreases.

If you’re in this situation, set a reasonable goal of keeping up with all the newly assigned homework while completing, say, one overdue assignment a day, or one overdue assignment every two days.

Excuse #11: You don’t believe you can get good grades

If you hate school, there’s a chance that it’s because you feel the pressure to be a straight-A student .

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be perfect. After all, there’s no such thing as a perfect student.

But you do have to put in the effort and get the work done. The rest will then fall into place.

If you’re doing your best, you’re doing great! Celebrate your progress and keep moving forward.

Take it one step at a time, and don’t worry too much about what grades you’re getting at the moment.

In closing…

There are many possible reasons for you not to finish your homework.

No matter what those reasons are, it’s important to know that the people around you want to help you succeed.

From teachers to parents to coaches, you have a support network to provide solutions to almost any obstacle you face.

Identify the excuses listed in this article that are relevant to your situation, and apply the suggested solutions.

If you do that, you’ll become a better and happier student who makes far fewer excuses related to homework!

July 7, 2022 at 12:13 pm

Thank you so much for this article. These were the problems I was struggling with. Now that i know the solutions to it ,I’m sure I’ll do better than before.

July 7, 2022 at 1:05 pm

You’re very welcome.

July 7, 2022 at 6:20 pm

I pray that may Almighty God grant you long life, more knowledge, sound health, rest of mind, wealth and happiness, so that you can witness your good impact in this World 🌍. GOD has made you a useful tool for every students and parents that is actually seeking success.

July 7, 2022 at 7:42 pm

Thank you, God bless you too!

July 27, 2022 at 9:29 pm

Thank you so much for this. I have found a couple of solutions for excuses I’ve made in the past. I needed this.

July 27, 2022 at 9:42 pm

You’re welcome.

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Excuseindex.com

New excuses every week!

Hans Herbert

60 excuses for not doing homework (without blaming the dog).

• December 21, 2022
• ❂  School

Some people enjoy doing homework, while others despise it. Regardless of the type of person you are, homework can be boring, repetitive, or too difficult to understand. And sometimes there is just too much of it! In addition, if you have a full class schedule, homework can quickly become overwhelming.

There are several excuses for not doing homework, whether due to procrastination, lack of motivation, or external forces preventing you from doing it (like your dog eating it). We’ve all been there, so try not to be too hard on yourself. But rest assured, if you get into a situation where you cannot complete your homework, we’ve created this list of excuses that might help ease your anxiety while gaining some sympathy points from your teachers.

Excuses for not doing homework

We researched this topic and asked an English teacher of 35 years about some of her students’ most common and best excuses for not doing homework . She helped us put together the following list:

1. I was sick

Being sick, or claiming that you’re sick, can be used to get out of almost any scenario, including an instance where you did not complete your homework. Who wants to do homework when they are sick? Maybe some people will, but the majority will want to get their rest and recover to their usual selves.

2. My computer crashed

This excuse would not have worked only a couple of decades ago, but today, almost every student relies on their computer or laptop to do their work. So if you don’t have computer access, this is a plausible excuse for not doing your homework on time. 

3. My internet died

Like the excuse above, completing your assigned homework can be difficult if you don’t have internet access. Of course, not all homework relies on an internet connection, but if you need to research a particular topic, then it certainly might.

4. I broke my arm

If you broke your arm or any other bone, that is a believable excuse for not doing your homework. If this is your excuse and you didn’t break a bone, you’ll need to figure out a way to sell it. Is getting a fake cast worth going the extra distance just to get out of a bit of homework? We’ll let you be the judge of that!

5. There was a death in the family

Nobody will question your reasons if there has been a death in your family or of a loved one. This excuse will definitely buy you some time. If nobody actually passed away, you can still use this one with a low chance of getting caught, but it might make you feel guilty inside. This is a good excuse if you can live with yourself for making such a thing up.

6. My bag got stolen

Having your property stolen is another one of those believable excuses for not doing your homework. If you tell your teacher that your bag was stolen and it contained your work, they will give you a pass and some additional sympathy points along the way.

7. I was in a car accident

Being injured in a car accident is another excellent excuse for not doing homework. Not all car injuries are visible, either. So if you were in a fake car crash, you could claim internal injuries or whiplash.

8. I had to work

Unfortunately, many students today need to work a part-time job to pay for things like tuition, books, food, and other items of necessity. If you tell your teacher that you had to work to help out the family or pay for your school, they will give you a pass.

9. I got stuck babysitting my younger siblings

If you’re the older brother or sister, you’ll know that babysitting is part of your job. You will get stuck babysitting from time to time, which might prevent you from completing your homework. 

10. Practice ran later than usual

Being part of extracurricular activities like sports or part of the school band will mean that you’ll need to practice. Sometimes, practice can go longer than anticipated and cut into your normal time when you do homework. 

11. I had a personal issue I was dealing with

Using personal issues as an excuse for not doing homework is good because it’s very open-ended. Personal issues could mean a variety of things; most likely, your teacher won’t pry too much. Saying you’re having personal issues at home might also gain you sympathy points with your teachers.

12. My parents forced me to spend time with them

You might get annoyed with your parents when they want to spend time with you as you get older because you have more important things to do in your eyes. However, it’s tough to blame your parents for wanting to do something as a family. Unfortunately, this time hanging out with them may cut into your homework. This excuse is perfect if your parents are divorced.

13. I have too much homework in other subjects

If you have a lot of homework from different classes, you will need to prioritize what gets done first, especially if you have limited time. This means that sometimes homework will not get done in classes that you feel are less important. If you are going to use this excuse for not doing your homework, you shouldn’t tell your teacher that their class is not essential to you but that you had too much work in other classes that were worth more of your grade.

14. I was in the hospital

If you tell your teacher that you were at the hospital and couldn’t complete the homework, the first thing they should ask is if you are okay. If they do this, you’ll know they are sympathetic toward you. Using the hospital as an excuse to get out of homework is very general; you could have been in the hospital for countless reasons, so pick wisely if you are going to use this one.

15. My pet got sick

Using a sick pet as an excuse for getting out of doing your homework is another believable option. If your teacher is also a pet owner, then they will surely understand your situation. 

16. I thought it was due tomorrow

Claiming ignorance may or may not work, depending on your teacher. You might get a pass if you tell them straight-faced that you thought it was due tomorrow. Make sure to hand in your homework the next day if you are going to use this excuse.

17. Bullies took it away from me and ripped it up

Using bullies as an excuse for not doing your homework is another good way to earn sympathy points from your teacher. The only problem with this excuse is that your teacher will want to know who is bullying you. If you’re making this up, you won’t want to pin the blame on somebody. Also, if you’re telling the truth, exposing your bully may get you into deeper trouble with them. 

18. My baby brother/sister spilled milk all over it

Gahh! Your baby brother or sister spilled milk all over your freshly printed assignment. This excuse is similar to your dog eating it. It might work if your teacher is gullible. 

19. I missed the lesson where it was assigned

This excuse involves playing the ignorance card again. For example, if you were absent earlier in the week when the assignment was given out, you could use this reason for not handing it in. However, your teacher may flip things back on you and tell you that you are responsible for asking someone what you missed. 

20. I was doing volunteer work

Using volunteer work as a reason for not doing homework will, at the very least, portray you as a good person. Whether or not your teacher goes easy on you is another story. 

21. I did it, but I must have forgotten it at home

Claiming that you did your homework but somehow forgot it at home could work, depending on your acting skills. This is another excuse where if you use it, you better hand it in the next day. 

22. It was too easy, so I thought it was a waste of time

You’re a brave individual if you use this excuse with your teachers. If you have demonstrated your intellect with your teachers, and they know that you’re smarter than the other kids, you might get away with this. However, it might make you look like a jerk. 

23. My parents rushed me out the door, and I didn’t get a chance to grab it on the way out

Blaming your parents because you didn’t hand in your homework is a good way to divert the blame to somebody else. Maybe you have a big family, and mornings are always chaotic. If this is your situation, this excuse might be good. 

24. I mixed it up with someone else

If you try to claim that you mixed up your homework with someone else’s, you will need to provide more details to your teacher because this can be confusing. So be prepared to have a backstory ready for why you handed in your brother/sister/friend’s homework instead. 

25. I ate something and had an allergic reaction

Using food poisoning or an allergic reaction to something you ate will buy you a day or two for your homework if your teacher is sympathetic.

26. The homework file on my computer got corrupted

You finally finished your homework and went to save it, but something weird happened, and the file got corrupted. Now, all your assignment reads is a bunch of gibberish, and there is no way to undo it.

27. I was studying for something more important

If you’re getting good grades in a particular class, you can use this excuse and say that you had to study for another class because your grades are not as good. Claiming that it’s more important to get your grades up in another class for your overall GPA will work in this scenario. 

28. I was out of town

If you had to go out of town on short notice, it might leave you with no time to finish your homework. Using this excuse will work if the reason you went out of town appears valid. You could also claim that you were out of town on a family vacation. 

29. I was too tired and fell asleep earlier than usual

Lack of sleep can cause a lot of health problems. If you have insomnia, you know how painful it can be to sleep rarely. If by chance, one night, you were just so tired that you fell asleep earlier, then so be it. You’re not used to sleeping much, so you have to take advantage of the times when you can, even at the expense of not doing your homework.

30. My dog ate it

We’re joking with this one, but we had to add it to the list anyways.  According to the teacher we consulted for this list, this excuse still gets used. Saying your dog ate your homework is another way of saying, “I didn’t do it, and we both know it.”

Funny excuses for not doing homework

If you’re feeling creative and brave, you can use one of these funny excuses for not doing your homework with your teacher. Keep in mind these excuses will probably not work. However, using one of these funny excuses may get a reaction or a laugh out of your teacher. If you can break them down a bit with your comedic approach for why you didn’t do your homework, then that’s one step in the right direction for them to go easy on you.  

• I was attacked by a swarm of bees
• I was stuck in a parallel universe where homework doesn’t exist
• I was cursed by a witch and had to break the spell
• I was trapped inside a magical painting and couldn’t escape
• I was possessed by a demon and lost control of my actions
• I was in a hotdog eating contest and was so full that I couldn’t move after
• TV is just too good right now
• My homework was so well done that I didn’t want to make the other students look bad
• I fell into a giant puddle, and my homework was ruined
• I was abducted by aliens and just returned to Earth

Excuses for not doing homework to use with your parents

If you’ve been able to provide some good excuses for not doing homework to your teachers and they believed them, that’s great, but you’ll also need to work on your parents. Your reasons for not doing homework may work on your teachers, but you’ll have to adapt for your parents because they have more information about your personal life. For example, claiming a family emergency will not work with your parents as it would with your teachers. 

So if you’re at home playing videogames or watching TV instead of doing your homework, try using these excuses with your parents to get them off your back:

1. My teacher extended the deadline

The class was complaining about too much homework, so your teacher did everyone a solid and extended the deadline.

2. I finished everything while I was in school

The teacher gives lots of opportunities to work in class, so I used this time to finish all my homework to chill when I got home.

3. I’m waiting for my classmate to complete their section of the assignment first

I can’t do my homework until my classmates finish their section of our group project. They are the ones slowing me down!

4. Homework is pointless in my class and not worth any marks

My teacher told us that tests and exams make up 100% of our final grade, so there’s no point in doing the homework if it isn’t worth anything. 

5. I already know everything there is to know

I have already studied for the class and know everything there is to know. So doing the homework won’t teach me anything.

6. My teacher went easy on us and didn’t give us any work for a week

The teacher felt bad about giving us so much homework in previous weeks, so they decided not to give the class any more homework for the next week.

7. A substitute teacher is filling in

Our regular teacher is away, and a substitute teacher is filling in. The new substitute teacher does not care what we do since they are only there temporarily. 

8. You’re going to do your homework later on a video chat with your classmates 

You’re taking it easy right now because later at night, you will get on a video chat with classmates and do the work together.

9. My teacher said the homework was optional

My teacher gave us the option to do the homework and said it wouldn’t be graded either way. Normally I would do it regardless, but I didn’t feel like it this time.

10. I’m already getting straight A’s and need a break

I just need a break! I’ve been working so hard lately, and my grades reflect that. If I skip homework for one night, it will not affect my grades.

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Excuses for not doing homework to use with your classmates.

Sometimes you’ll need excuses for not doing homework to use with your classmates, primarily if they are relying on you for group work. For example, if you are working on a project or assignment together and haven’t completed your portion of the work, they might get pissed off. For this reason, it’s good to have excuses you can use with your classmates.

It could be a migraine, a cold, flu, covid-19, or other viruses. You were so sick you couldn’t complete the homework. 

2. My pet was sick

You were worried about your family pet, so you took them to the vet to ensure they were okay. You were there all night worrying about them.

3. There was a power outage at home

The whole block lost power, and as a result, you couldn’t do your share of the homework. The power outage lasted all night, so there was nothing you could do!

4. I thought it was due later

Whoops! You swear you thought it was due later. 

5. My ex was harassing me

You were trying to do the work, but your ex kept harassing you by calling and texting you or even showing up at your front door. Needless to say, you couldn’t get much done because of them.

6. I had no place to work

Typically, you work in your room, but you couldn’t this time because there were renovations taking place in your house. So you had to move all your stuff out of your room, which took forever!

7. My parents forced me to do something 

How annoying! Your parents insisted you do something together as a family. You tried to tell them you had vital homework to do, but they insisted, stating that you don’t spend enough time together.  This excuse works great if your parents are divorced. 

8. I was in an accident

Maybe it was a car accident, or you fell down the stairs. Regardless of the accident, you were too injured to do anything and needed to recover.

9. I was fighting with my partner

Being in a relationship is tough . So tough that sometimes you fight all night with your partner about meaningless topics. Once you two get going, the next thing you know is that it’s past midnight, and you got nothing done. 

10. I’ve been carrying the group all year, and now it’s your turn

It’s time for everybody else to pick up the slack! You’ve been the key to your group’s success in class so far, and you’re tired of carrying everyone else. Sheesh!

What if your teacher or parents are strict and don’t believe your excuses?

Sometimes your excuses for not doing homework will not cut it, no matter how much you try to convince your teacher or parents. They may be so strict that they will not accept any possible reason you may throw at them.

In these scenarios, it’s better to just come clean and explain why your homework isn’t complete without passing the blame. 

This is because if your teacher or parents don’t believe you or care regardless of what you say, you can have a clean conscience by telling the truth. Furthermore, if your parents or teachers know you’re telling the truth, they might have more respect for you and your situation, knowing that you could have blamed it on the dog or an alien abduction. 

How to finish homework faster

If you’re tired of using excuses for not doing your homework and want to become a better student, then it’s a good idea to learn some tips on how to finish your homework faster. If you can finish your homework faster, you’ll have extra time to do the things you want with your friends and family.  This will reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with the feeling of not getting your homework done. Not only will these tips help with getting your homework done faster, but they will also teach you how to get caught up on schoolwork if you’re falling behind.

Here are some tips on how to finish your homework faster:

1. Set up your workstation

The first step is to make sure you are doing your homework in a productive environment. If you do your homework in your room or an office, make sure that your space is neat and tidy. A clear space can equal a clear mind, which can put you in the right mindset before you start working.

2. Make a list of things that need to get done

Make a list of all the things you need to get done. Don’t worry if the list is larger than anticipated. Seeing everything in a list will become satisfying when you start crossing things off it.  Before you know it, your list will shrink in size and eventually disappear.

3. Estimate the time it will take for you to complete each item on your list

It’s a good idea to put a time estimate for all the things on your list. This way, you can start prioritizing items based on time. You can also plan your breaks better this way.

4. Unplug from screens and distractions

If one of your main problems is procrastination, then it is especially important to limit distractions. It’s easy to get wrapped up on Instagram or Tiktok for hours at a time.  Unplug from your phone and any other screen that isn’t necessary for your homework.

5. Start with any outstanding items

If you’re wondering how to get caught up on school work that is outstanding, then you should with all your outstanding items first! Pick the easiest outstanding item to get the ball rolling, then work to finish them all before moving on to tasks with future due dates.

6. Break down larger tasks into smaller ones

If you have a lot of bigger tasks, then you should break them down into smaller ones. For example, if you have to write an essay on a particular topic, break the essay down into smaller chunks like the intro paragraph, the supporting paragraphs, and the conclusion. Make each of those paragraphs a smaller task. It will seem more manageable this way.

7. Start with something small and easy

If you’re really struggling to even get started, then the best thing you can do is just pick the smallest and easiest task on your list of items and do that first. Once you cross it off the list, you might become more motivated to move on to the next item. Keep going from there and build momentum.

8. Take breaks and stretch

Taking breaks is really important for mental and physical well-being. Within every hour, do 50 minutes of concentrated and focused work with a 10-minute break at the end. Stretching is another great thing you can do while on your break to get your blood flowing. Set a timer for 50 minutes, then again for 10 minutes when the 50 minutes elapse. 

9. Stay focused

If you do 1-hour blocks of 50 minutes of work, with 10 minutes of break, then its important that the 50 minutes of work is high quality. Do your best to stay focused on the task at hand. Then, you can release that focus on your 10-minute break. 

10. Relax and reward yourself at the end of your working session

Did you complete your list? A large portion of it? Or did you only complete a few small tasks? If you’ve struggled with homework, then any amount you’ve completed should be a celebration. Even if you only completed 1 task on your list, that’s one task that wasn’t completed yesterday. Make sure to give yourself credit, and reward yourself with whatever makes you happy.  Of course, the more you complete, the bigger the reward!

How to finish homework last minute

There isn’t a method on how to finish homework last minute that will always work. Realistically, you shouldn’t be leaving things until the last minute. However, there is one technique you can try.

If you have an assignment that due the next day, but you haven’t done anything for it, do the absolute bare minimum and hand it in. Pull your teacher aside and say that life got in the way, but you still wanted to submit something. Explain that you aren’t happy with your work, and would kindly request that you can resubmit it again in another few days to show what you’re truly capable of.  

Your teacher might see this as a positive effort and will reward you with a later deadline. Of course, this means that you will need to put more effort into the assignment. If you don’t do it, or hand in something lackluster, then this strategy on how to finish homework last minute will not work again.

If you’re having trouble finishing your assigned work in school, then we hope this list of excuses for not doing homework will help you.  Of course, we always recommend taking an honest approach. However, if you’re feeling embarrassed or ashamed about not finishing your homework again, then try one of these excuses if it makes you feel better.

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how to get out of homework 1 say you sick and your tired and just ignorn the teacher and here you go

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Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework [Complete Guide]

When the pile of homework seems insurmountable, having valid Excuses for Not Doing Homework can be a lifesaver. In this straightforward guide, we provide practical and genuine reasons for students who find themselves unable to complete their assignments.

Table of Contents

30 Stunning Excuses for not doing homework

In the world of academics, when homework piles up and time runs short, having “Stunning Excuses for Not Doing Homework” can be a game-changer. In this concise guide, we present innovative and genuine reasons that students can employ when faced with the daunting task of unfinished assignments.

1. I WAS SICK

It’s a classic excuse, and being genuinely ill can indeed hinder homework completion. When using this excuse, it’s crucial to convey your sincerity to your teacher.

If you’re not genuinely sick , consider the ethical aspect. Faking illness is not recommended, and it’s essential to maintain trust with your teachers. Instead, try to manage your time better to avoid last-minute homework crises.

2. MY COMPUTER CRASHED

When you explain this to your teacher, be honest about the issue and express your frustration. They may offer an extension or suggest alternative ways to complete the assignment .

3. MY INTERNET DIED

Ensure that your teacher understands the necessity of internet access for the specific assignment. In the meantime, you can try to complete any offline portions of your homework.

Always have a backup plan for internet access, such as using a mobile data connection or a nearby library, to prevent this excuse from becoming a recurring issue.

4. I BROKE MY ARM

Remember that honesty is essential. Faking an injury is not recommended, as it can lead to serious consequences and damage your credibility with teachers.

5. THERE WAS A DEATH IN THE FAMILY

However, consider the ethical implications of using this excuse falsely. Faking a family death is highly inappropriate and can have severe consequences.

Be prepared to provide some documentation or information about the situation, but remember that you’re not obliged to share more than you’re comfortable with.

6. MY BAG GOT STOLEN

Provide details about what was in your bag and explain the urgency of the situation. Teachers are generally sympathetic to theft-related issues.

7. I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT

When informing your teacher, be honest about the impact of the accident on your ability to complete homework. Mention any physical or emotional distress you’re experiencing.

Only use this excuse when it’s valid, and prioritize your recovery over homework.

8. I HAD TO WORK

Many students have part-time jobs to support themselves or their families. If work commitments prevent you from completing homework, discuss your situation with your teacher in advance.

Explain the importance of your job for your financial stability and your commitment to your studies. Most teachers will be accommodating if they know your circumstances.

9. I GOT STUCK BABYSITTING MY YOUNGER SIBLINGS

Highlight your commitment to your family while also emphasizing your commitment to your education .

Try to create a schedule that balances your babysitting responsibilities and homework time to avoid last-minute issues.

10. PRACTICE RAN LATER THAN USUAL

Extracurricular activities like sports or band practice can extend beyond their expected duration. Inform your teacher about your commitment to these activities and the unexpected delay in returning home .

Express your dedication to both academics and extracurriculars. Teachers often appreciate students who are involved in school activities.

11. I HAD A FAMILY EMERGENCY

Be honest and considerate of your family’s privacy while explaining the circumstances to your teacher.

12. MY PET REQUIRED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION

Pets are like family to many people, and their health issues can be concerning. If your pet needs urgent care , let your teacher know and explain the situation.

Be sure to provide any necessary documentation from the veterinarian or proof of the emergency vet visit . Ensure your pet’s well-being and then address your homework responsibilities.

13. I’M FACING TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH A SPECIFIC SOFTWARE

14. i had a mental health crisis.

Mental health is as crucial as physical health . If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, inform your teacher honestly and express your need for time to address your well-being.

15. I WAS VOLUNTEERING FOR A CHARITY EVENT

Volunteering for a worthy cause is commendable. If your volunteer work unexpectedly extended into your homework time, explain your commitment to community service and ask for an extension.

Highlight the valuable skills and experiences gained through volunteering. Balance your volunteering commitments with your academic responsibilities by planning your schedule effectively.

16. MY NOTES WERE STOLEN

17. i’m experiencing family conflict.

Family conflicts can be emotionally draining. If you find yourself in the midst of such a situation, communicate with your teacher about the emotional strain it’s causing.

18. MY NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERIENCED A NATURAL DISASTER

Share your concern for your community’s safety and well-being. Prepare an emergency kit and have backup plans for studying during power outages.

19. I’M DEALING WITH A SERIOUS MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS

20. i’m experiencing technical difficulties with my school’s online platform.

Technical issues with your school’s online platform can be frustrating. If these problems prevent you from accessing or submitting homework, report them to your teacher.

21. I’M TRAVELING FOR A FAMILY EVENT

Express your commitment to your family while recognizing your academic responsibilities. Plan your travel and homework schedule carefully to avoid last-minute conflicts.

22. I LOST MY WORK DUE TO A FILE CORRUPTION

23. i’m facing a language barrier.

If you’re learning a new language and struggling to understand the homework, reach out to your teacher for assistance.

24. MY CALCULATORS OR SUPPLIES WERE STOLEN

Request an extension to acquire replacement supplies or borrow from a classmate. Keep your school supplies secure and consider labeling them to prevent theft.

25. I’M EXPERIENCING A POWER OUTAGE

26. i’m struggling with a personal crisis.

Personal crises, such as a breakup or a challenging family situation, can be emotionally taxing. Communicate with your teacher about the crisis and its impact on your ability to focus on homework.

17. I’M EXPERIENCING A HOUSING INSTABILITY

Emphasize your commitment to resolving housing instability and your dedication to your education. Connect with housing support services in your community to address the instability more effectively.

28. I’M STRUGGLING WITH TIME MANAGEMENT

Sometimes, students struggle with time management and find themselves unable to complete homework due to procrastination or over commitment to other activities.

Acknowledge the issue and ask your teacher for guidance on improving time management skills. Consider seeking assistance from a teacher or counselor to develop effective time management strategies.

29. I’M FACING TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

Lack of reliable transportation can be a barrier to completing homework, especially if you rely on public transportation. Notify your teacher about transportation challenges and their impact on your ability to access resources or attend school.

30. I’M STRUGGLING WITH MOTIVATION

Sometimes, students experience a lack of motivation , making it challenging to complete homework. Be honest with your teacher about your motivation struggles and ask for strategies to stay on track.

Express your desire to overcome this issue and succeed academically. Seek inspiration from classmates, teachers, or online resources to boost motivation and focus on your studies.

Resources Consulted For Research On This Article

Excuses for Not Doing Homework and Getting Away with It

Homework: a dreaded task for many students. When faced with an unfinished assignment, the temptation to concoct an elaborate excuse can be overwhelming. Common excuses for not doing homework can range from:

• Difficulty comprehending the assignment
• Being swamped with other coursework
• A stolen backpack
• Malfunctioning computer, etc.

Other students might claim confusion over the instructions, a packed extracurricular schedule, or simply forgetting that homework was assigned.

While these excuses might temporarily alleviate the immediate pressure, they do little to address the underlying issue: the unfinished assignment. Instead of resorting to creative storytelling, students might consider seeking assistance. A platform like DME offers a practical solution by providing expert help with any type of homework. Rather than spending time and energy crafting the perfect excuse, you can focus on learning and improving your academic performance with our help.

I Had Trouble Comprehending The Assignment

This excuse is a classic for a reason: it's often believable. If the assignment was genuinely complex or poorly explained, it can be a valid reason for not completing it on time. By expressing confusion about the task, students can appear diligent and eager to learn rather than careless or lazy.

It works best when the assignment is truly challenging or if the instructions are unclear or ambiguous. It can also be effective if the subject matter is new to the student or if the assignment requires a specific skill set that they haven't yet mastered. However, overuse of this excuse can make it less credible, so it's important to use it sparingly.

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I Was Unwell And Couldn't Complete It

This excuse taps into a universal human experience: illness. When used strategically, it can be a powerful tool for avoiding the consequences of unfinished homework. By claiming to be too sick to complete the assignment, you can evoke sympathy and understanding from teachers.

This excuse works best when accompanied by visible symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, or red eyes. However, it's important to be cautious about overusing this excuse, as it can raise suspicion if used frequently. Additionally, providing too many details about the illness can be counterproductive.

My Backpack Was Stolen, And I Lost All My Materials

This can be quite effective when executed correctly. By adding specific details, students can increase the credibility of their stories.

• Where and when the theft occurred: The more specific the location and time, the more believable the story becomes. For example, "My backpack was stolen from my locker between the third and fourth period today."
• What was stolen: List specific items that were in the backpack, such as textbooks, notebooks, and the homework assignment. This can help to reinforce the loss and make the excuse more impactful.
• Steps taken to recover the backpack: Describe any efforts made to recover the stolen items, such as filing a police report or contacting the school administration. This demonstrates that the student is taking responsibility for the situation.

My Computer Malfunctioned And I Couldn't Access My Work

This excuse has become increasingly common in our technology-dependent world. A malfunctioning computer can be a legitimate obstacle to completing homework, especially if the assignment requires the use of specific software or online resources.

• Nature of the malfunction: Clearly describe the problem. Did the computer freeze, crash, or experience a power outage? Be specific about the issue.
• Attempts to resolve the problem: Explain what steps were taken to fix the computer, such as restarting, troubleshooting, or seeking help from a tech-savvy friend or family member.
• Loss of data: If applicable, mention that important files or the homework itself were lost due to the malfunction.

While this excuse can be effective, it's important to remember that technology can be unpredictable. Backing up your work regularly can help mitigate the risk of data loss.

I Found The Homework Confusing

This can be a straightforward approach that can be effective when you can't motivate yourself to do homework . It implies that you made a genuine effort but were unable to grasp the assignment's requirements.

When to use it:

• If the homework directions are vague or contradictory, claiming confusion can be valid.
• For complex subjects like math or science, where concepts can be challenging, expressing confusion can be believable.
• If the homework covers material that hasn't been thoroughly taught in class, claiming confusion can be justified.

How to use it:

• Instead of simply saying, "I found it confusing," elaborate on the specific parts you didn't understand. This demonstrates genuine effort.
• Express your desire to complete the assignment correctly and ask for clarification or help. This portrays you as a responsible student.
• Frequent use of this excuse can make it less credible.

I Was Overloaded With Assignments From Another Class

Claiming to be overwhelmed by assignments from another class can be a convincing excuse; you just can't concentration on homework . It taps into the relatable experience of juggling multiple academic responsibilities. To make this excuse more effective, students often specify the demanding class and the nature of the overwhelming assignments. For instance, detailing a major history project due on the same day can bolster the claim.

However, to sound authentic, it's important to convey the impression of effective time management gone awry. You might explain how you attempted to balance both workloads but ultimately fell short. This demonstrates awareness of your responsibilities without appearing careless.

I Missed The Class When The Homework Was Given

While claiming to have missed the class when the homework was assigned can be a viable option, it's essential to approach it with caution and sincerity. Here are some additional tips:

• Be specific about the absence: Was it a doctor's appointment, a family emergency, or a school-related event? Providing specific details can enhance credibility.
• Show that you've taken steps to catch up : Mention that you've contacted a classmate to get the assignment details or that you plan to visit the teacher during office hours.
• Avoid overusing this excuse: Frequent absences for this reason can raise suspicions. Use this excuse sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.

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My Schedule Was Packed With Extracurricular Activities And Volunteer Work

This excuse can be particularly effective when combined with evidence of genuine involvement. Students might mention specific accomplishments, awards, or leadership roles within their extracurricular activities. For instance, detailing the hours spent practicing for a sports team or organizing a community service event can strengthen the claim of a time crunch.

However, it's crucial to maintain a balance between showcasing achievements and appearing overly boastful. You should emphasize the challenges of managing a demanding schedule rather than bragging about your accomplishments. Additionally, expressing genuine regret for missing the assignment and a willingness to make it up can help mitigate potential negative consequences.

I Don't Recall Receiving Any Homework

This excuse is a risky one, as it can easily be challenged. It's best used when there's genuine uncertainty about the assignment. To make this excuse more believable, you might mention checking your notes or planner and finding no record of the homework. Expressing confusion and a willingness to complete the assignment once it's clarified can also help mitigate potential negative consequences.

But be careful not to sound careless. Show you're ready to do the work as soon as you know what it is. Remember, it's usually better to be honest. If you really don't remember, just ask the teacher nicely to explain the homework again.

Be Honest About Why It Wasn't Done

This might seem like the most obvious choice, but it's often the best excuse for not doing homework. Honesty can build trust between a student and a teacher. If the homework simply wasn't a priority, or if the student procrastinated, admitting this can show maturity and a willingness to take responsibility.

Of course, honesty should be balanced with taking steps to rectify the situation. Offering to complete the assignment as soon as possible or asking for an extension demonstrates a commitment to learning.

Remember, while excuses might temporarily alleviate the pressure, honesty and responsibility are key to building a positive relationship with teachers and fostering a strong learning environment.

Final Thoughts

When faced with overwhelming workloads, consider these good excuses for not doing homework:

• Claiming difficulty understanding an assignment
• Being overloaded by other coursework
• Reporting losing your assignments or necessary materials
• Occasionally, admitting to procrastination or a lack of interest.

If you're struggling to complete assignments, considering professional assistance can be a game-changer. Platforms like DME offer expert help with a wide range of subjects, providing you with the opportunity to excel academically without resorting to excuses. Simply ask us - do homework for me and let us build a strong foundation for your future success.

How to Make a Believable Excuse for not Doing Homework?

What is a good excuse for late homework.

School Drillers

10 common excuses students make for not doing homework.

Homework is an integral part of the educational process, designed to reinforce learning, foster discipline, and develop crucial skills such as time management and responsibility. However, despite its importance, students often find themselves grappling with a myriad of reasons to avoid completing assignments. From the classic “the dog ate my homework” to more elaborate justifications, excuses for not doing homework are as diverse as they are creative. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the top 10 common excuses students make for not doing homework, exploring the underlying reasons behind each excuse and providing strategies for educators and parents to address them effectively.

Common Excuses Students Make for Not Doing Homework

1. “i forgot”.

Perhaps one of the most frequently heard excuses, “I forgot” seems innocuous at first glance. However, forgetfulness can signal deeper issues such as poor organizational skills or overwhelming academic workload. Students may struggle to keep track of assignments amidst a plethora of other responsibilities. To combat this excuse, educators can implement strategies such as assignment notebooks, digital reminders, or periodic check-ins to help students stay organized and accountable.

2. “I Didn’t Understand”

When faced with complex assignments or concepts, students may resort to claiming lack of understanding as a reason for not completing homework. This excuse highlights potential gaps in comprehension or ineffective teaching methods. Educators should strive to provide clear instructions, offer additional support through tutoring or peer assistance, and encourage open communication to address any confusion promptly.

3. “It’s Too Hard”

Similar to the previous excuse, citing difficulty as a reason for not doing homework may indicate a need for differentiated instruction or scaffolded learning experiences. Students may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by challenging tasks, leading them to procrastinate or avoid completing assignments altogether. Educators can break down assignments into manageable steps, offer alternative approaches, and provide constructive feedback to build students’ confidence and resilience.

4. “I Didn’t Have Time “

In today’s fast-paced world, students juggle various commitments outside of school, from extracurricular activities to familial responsibilities. While time constraints are a legitimate concern, they should not serve as a perpetual excuse for neglecting homework. Educators and parents can help students prioritize tasks, establish a structured study schedule, and identify opportunities for time management skills development to ensure that homework remains a priority amidst competing demands.

5. “I’ll Do It Later”

Procrastination plagues many students, tempting them to postpone homework until the last minute. This excuse reflects a lack of self-discipline and effective time management strategies. Educators can teach students techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique or task prioritization to combat procrastination and instill a sense of accountability for completing assignments promptly.

6. “My Internet Was Down”

In an increasingly digital age, reliance on technology for completing homework is commonplace. However, technical issues such as internet outages or device malfunctions can disrupt students’ ability to access online resources or submit assignments. To address this excuse, educators can offer alternative offline activities or extensions for affected students while encouraging them to communicate issues promptly to seek assistance.

7. “I’m Not Feeling Well”

Health concerns, whether physical or mental, can impact students’ ability to focus on homework. Chronic illnesses, stress, anxiety, or depression may contribute to frequent absenteeism or decreased productivity. Educators and parents should prioritize students’ well-being, offering support services, accommodations, and flexibility when necessary to ensure that they can manage their health while maintaining academic progress.

8. “I Finished It, but I Left It at Home”

This classic excuse may seem far-fetched, but instances of misplaced or forgotten homework are not uncommon. Disorganization or lack of responsibility may contribute to such incidents. Educators can encourage students to utilize digital platforms for submitting assignments or implement backup submission methods to mitigate the impact of forgetfulness or logistical challenges.

9. “The Assignment Wasn’t Clear”

Miscommunication between educators and students regarding assignment expectations can lead to confusion and frustration. Ambiguous instructions or unclear grading criteria may contribute to students’ reluctance to engage with homework tasks. Educators should strive for clarity in their communication, provide detailed assignment guidelines, and be receptive to questions or requests for clarification to minimize misunderstandings.

10. “I Have Personal Issues”

Students may encounter various personal challenges outside of the classroom that affect their ability to complete homework assignments. Family problems, financial difficulties, or emotional turmoil can significantly impact academic performance. Educators and support staff should cultivate a compassionate and understanding environment, offering resources, referrals, and accommodations to help students navigate personal hardships while maintaining academic engagement.

Excuses students make for not doing homework often serve as red flags, signaling underlying issues that require attention and intervention. By understanding the motivations behind these excuses and implementing targeted strategies to address them, educators and parents can empower students to overcome barriers to academic success and cultivate a culture of responsibility, resilience, and lifelong learning. Through collaboration and support, we can transform excuses into opportunities for growth and achievement in the educational journey.

Also read : 10 tips to help you become a good educator

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How to Excuse Yourself from Unfinished Homework

Last Updated: June 24, 2024

This article was co-authored by Alicia Oglesby . Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. This article has been viewed 893,966 times.

Ideally, you will always be ready for class and have your homework completed. Sometimes, however, life gets in the way and you aren’t prepared. There are several methods for developing an excuse to give your teacher for why you don’t have your homework ready, ranging from honest to deceptive.

Inventing an Elaborate Excuse

• Crumple and tear a paper assignment. Then you can tell the teacher that it flew out the window and got run over or trampled on.
• Smear dirt and water on your assignment and claim it fell in a puddle. Make sure to write a few words (bonus points if it relates to the homework assignment) so that it looks believable.
• Spill something dark (like juice or ink) on the assignment so that it is illegible.

• For instance, if you have to save work to a USB drive, you can claim to have a problem with the file.
• If you are asked to email or otherwise electronically send a homework file, you can “accidentally” send a different assignment, or the “wrong” draft (which could have just your name and the first part of the assignment, for instance). You might even be able to purchase corrupted files.
• Be aware that your teachers can be tech-savvy and know all of these tricks, so you might have to get creative. [2] X Research source

Buying Time and Stretching the Truth

• If the missed homework is for a class late in the day, you might be able to do the work before school, during another class, or during lunch or a break.
• You can hand in the wrong assignment—such as one from another class—or an old one from the same class. By the time your teacher notices the mistake, you will be able to complete the real homework, or just turn it in the next day and say you are sorry about the mix-up.
• Copy answers from a friend so you have something to turn in. Make sure your friend is ok with helping. This also only works for assignments where it is expected that students will have the same or similar answers. In some schools, even copying something like homework can merit a suspension. Remember to evaluate the situation and make a good decision as to whether or not you will copy homework off of a peer.

• A dangerous move, you can forge a note from a parent explaining why you couldn't do your homework.
• If you decide to forge one, be warned that your teacher might know it’s a fake. If you are caught, you face punishment from both your parents and teacher.

Telling the Truth

• You might say something like "I am really sorry, but I got behind on things and wasn't able to finish my homework. Could I be excused just this once? I'll turn it in tomorrow and I won't be late again."
• Keep things simple and direct, rather than annoying your teacher with long, rambling excuses.

• This means saying something like: "I know there's no excuse, and I accept full responsibility. I should have done my work. I'm sorry that I'm not prepared, and it won't happen again."
• Doing so will display maturity and your teacher might respect your honesty.

• Perhaps you are overworked and stressed (this is especially persuasive at exam time).
• If circumstances beyond your control, like an illness or death in the family, have prevented you from doing your work, say so.
• You can also explain that you didn’t understand the assignment, or struggled with it, or felt rushed, and needed to give it more time.

• Your teacher is more likely to accept the excuse if you don’t spring it on him or her at the last minute.
• You might also be able to ask for an extension so that you can turn the homework in later.
• Know your teacher’s personality, and how flexible and forgiving he or she is. When you talk to your teacher, look sad, serious, agitated, etc. depending on your excuse.

Community Q&A

• The best approach is to try to do your work on time rather than be tempted by an excuse. Don’t attempt to make excuses too often. This way, when you actually need to use one, your teacher is more likely to accept it. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Turn in your work, even if you have to make an excuse and submit it late. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you are able to do any of your homework, even a small amount or poor quality work, consider turning it in anyway. Having something prepared can be better than having nothing, and sometimes teachers will give you partial credit for partial work. You can also explain to your teacher that you would like to do a better job and turn it in later, if you want. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• I had an essay draft due, but I hadn't started. So, I pretended to not be able to find the file. It worked and my teacher even helped me a little. If that doesn't work, try asking for a short extension so you don't appear too suspicious.
• Just turn in a different homework assignment or sheet of paper. Then, finish the real homework. The next day, say that you noticed you actually turned in the wrong sheet and turn in the real assignment!
• Try not to look guilty and don't speak if you're too nervous. Also, don't talk too fast or your teacher might think that you practiced what to say.

• Be prepared to face the consequences if you get caught for using a deceptive excuse. Talk to your teacher in a mature way, explaining that you have a problem with procrastination, or feel overworked, or struggled with the assignment, etc. Thanks Helpful 54 Not Helpful 8
• Try not to lie, a bad conscious can easily come from repetitive lying. Thanks Helpful 44 Not Helpful 11
• If you get caught lying, it may lead to severe consequences with your teacher and parent/guardian. Thanks Helpful 25 Not Helpful 8

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• ↑ https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/08/30/british-lecturer-compiles-best-student-excuses
• ↑ https://www.chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/the-computer-ate-my-homework-how-to-detect-fake-techno-excuses-2

About This Article

To excuse yourself from unfinished homework, try to make your excuse as believable as possible, like saying you were sick last night. If your homework was on a computer, claim your laptop crashed or your files were corrupted. Another thing you can try is handing in an old assignment. Then, do your actual homework before your teacher realizes. When they ask you about it, say that you accidentally handed in the wrong homework, and then give them the homework that was actually due. Even if you think you have a good excuse, your teacher’s probably heard it a dozen times before, so consider being honest with them and apologizing for falling behind. For example, say, “I’m sorry, but I wasn’t able to finish my homework this week. I had a lot of things to deal with. Is it okay if I turn it in tomorrow?” If you decide to be honest, try to tell your teacher at the beginning of class or even earlier in the day, which will make your excuse more realistic. For more tips, including how to pretend you lost your homework, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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15 Good Excuses for When You Forgot to Do Your Homework

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Social Responses

Having to do a ton of homework after a long day at school isn’t a great feeling. But, if you don’t do it, you’ll get in trouble if you don’t have good excuses not to do homework.

Instead of settling for a zero, you need to come up with good excuses to convince your teacher to give you a pass. These excuses not to do homework must be rock solid or else you might end up in even more trouble.

Saying the dog ate it is not a good excuse not to do homework, so don’t even think about using that one. Here are 15 of the best excuses not to do homework that are guaranteed to work:

Things to pay attention to before making up excuses not to do homework

  Before you go ahead and make up your excuses not to do homework, there are some things you must pay attention to. This will let you know if the excuse will work or not.   The main things are:  

4 excuses about blaming family when you forgot to do your homework

  Sometimes family can come in the way of getting your homework done on time. This can be because of a toxic home environment, or simply because a lot is going on at the moment.   Here are 4 good excuses not to do homework that can be blamed on your family:  

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25 Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework: Debunking the Myths

For as long as we can remember, homework has always been a component of school life. It is an essential tool for enhancing classroom learning, refining study techniques, and getting ready for tests. But occasionally, finishing homework can be difficult and daunting. Some students turn to make-up justifications in these circumstances to completely evade the assignment. Although using an excuse to avoid doing your homework may seem like a fast fix, it might hinder academic development and personal improvement.

We seek to dispel the misconceptions around the “Excuses for Not Doing Homework” that frequently circulate among students in this blog post. We will provide you with useful advice on how to help your students deal with homework difficulties and establish appropriate study habits so that you won’t have to resort to justifications.

1. “I forgot to do my homework.”

Although forgetting to complete your homework is a frequent justification, it’s vital to keep in mind that time management and organization are crucial skills for success. Try the following to remember your assignments:

• Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of due dates.
• Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to make them less overwhelming.

2. “I didn’t understand the assignment.”

Schoolwork can occasionally be difficult or unclear, which makes this justification enticing. Try these steps instead of ignoring the assignment:

• Review the instructions and ask for clarification from your teacher or classmates.
• Research the topic online or consult additional resources to gain a better understanding.

3. “My internet was down, so I couldn’t conduct any online research.”

Online research is a necessary component of many projects in the modern digital world. However, problems with internet access might happen. What you can do is:

• Inform your teacher about the internet problem and request an extension if necessary.
• Utilize offline resources, such as textbooks or reference books available at your school or local library.

4. “I had a family emergency.”

Unexpected family crises might throw your schedule off. However, it’s crucial to get in touch with your teacher and look for other options:

• Inform your teacher about the situation as soon as possible.
• Discuss the possibility of an extension or make-up work.

5. “I didn’t have the required materials.”

Not having your textbooks, notebooks, or other necessary resources might make it difficult for you to finish your assignment. To get through this defense:

• Double-check your bag before leaving school to ensure you have all the necessary materials.
• Keep a checklist of essential items for each class and refer to it before leaving school.

6. “I was too tired to do my homework.”

It makes sense to feel worn out after a full day of academics and extracurricular activities. However, it’s crucial to put your academic obligations first. These suggestions can help you fight fatigue:

• Take short breaks and engage in physical activity or relaxation techniques to rejuvenate yourself.
• Ensure you have a consistent sleep schedule and aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

7. “I didn’t have enough time to finish my homework.”

Success in academics depends on good time management. Even if it could feel as though there aren’t enough hours in the day, good planning and organization can enable you to schedule time for homework. Think about the following:

• Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated homework time.
• Prioritize your assignments based on urgency and importance.

8. “I had other significant obligations.”

For students, juggling several obligations is a regular difficulty. You must, however, give your academic obligations priority. Here are some tips for handling your responsibilities wisely :

• Plan and allocate specific time slots for each commitment, including homework.
• Learn to say “no” when necessary and avoid taking on more responsibilities than you can handle.

9. “I didn’t have access to a computer or printer.”

Your ability to finish assignments that call for access to a computer or printer may occasionally be hampered by technological challenges. Here are some substitutes:

• Utilize public computers at your local library or community centers.
• Ask your school if they have computer or printer resources available for students to use.

10. “I participated in extracurricular activities or practiced sports.”

Sports and extracurricular involvement are key educational components, but it’s crucial to maintain a healthy balance. Think about the following advice:

• Communicate with your coach or activity leader about your homework commitments.
• Plan your schedule, ensuring you have dedicated time for both homework and extracurricular activities.

11. “I had a doctor’s appointment.”

Medical appointments are sometimes unavoidable but always important. However, it’s crucial to prepare ahead of time and organize your schoolwork properly. Think about the following actions:

• Inform your teacher in advance about the appointment and inquire about any missed assignments.
• Prioritize completing your homework before or after the appointment to stay on track.

12. “I didn’t have the necessary resources or materials at home.”

Although a problem, there are workarounds if there aren’t enough resources. Consider these options:

• Visit your school or local library to access the materials you need.
• Collaborate with classmates and arrange study sessions where you can share resources.

13. “My online platform was experiencing a technical problem.”

Even while technical difficulties might be annoying, you shouldn’t allow them to keep you from finishing your homework. Take the following actions:

• Reach out to your teacher or the technical support team for assistance.
• Use alternative devices or browsers to access the online platform.

14. “I had a family celebration or event.”

While attending family gatherings and activities is vital, it’s also crucial to strike a balance between your obligations and your academic obligations. Take into account this advice:

• Plan your time effectively and allocate specific periods for homework before or after the celebration.
• Communicate with your family about your homework commitments and ask for their support.

15. “I had no idea it was an assignment.”

The secret to successfully managing your schoolwork is to be informed and organized. Follow these recommendations:

• Pay attention in class and actively listen to announcements or instructions regarding assignments.
• Develop a system to track and record homework assignments, such as a planner or digital calendar.

16. “I had lots of homework from other classes.”

It might be difficult to manage several tasks from various classes, but it’s crucial to set priorities and manage your time well. Think about the following suggestion:

• Create a schedule or to-do list that outlines all your assignments and their respective deadlines.
• Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time.

17. “I didn’t have a quiet place to study.”

It might be tough to concentrate and do assignments in a loud atmosphere. To make a setting that is conducive to studying, try these techniques:

• Find a quiet area in your home, such as a designated study corner or a library.
• Use noise-canceling headphones or play instrumental music to drown out distractions.

18. “I had other work responsibilities or a part-time job.”

Finding a balance between a job and schoolwork might be difficult, but it is achievable. Think about the following ideas:

• Communicate your availability and scheduling preferences to your employer.
• Plan your work hours around your homework schedule and allocate specific time slots for studying.

19. “I wasn’t feeling very well.”

There are measures you can take to control the problem, however, illness might make it difficult for you to do your homework:

• Prioritize rest and focus on your recovery to prevent further health issues.
• Communicate with your teacher about your condition and inquire about missed assignments or extensions.

20. “I experienced a personal crisis or emotional problems.”

Personal problems and emotional challenges might make it difficult for you to focus on your assignments. Here is how to overcome such difficulties:

• Reach out for support from trusted friends, family members, or school counselors to help you cope with the situation.
• Communicate with your teachers about your circumstances and explore potential accommodations or extensions.

21. “I had a computer problem”

Computer technical difficulties might be annoying, but they shouldn’t serve as a regular justification. To solve this problem, think about the following strategies:

• Troubleshoot the issue by restarting your computer or seeking assistance from tech support.
• Utilize alternative devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, to access necessary resources or complete assignments.

22. “I went on a social outing or event with friends.”

While keeping up your social life is vital, it’s crucial to strike a balance with your academic obligations. Here’s how to locate a neutral position:

• Plan your social outings and allocate specific time for homework beforehand.
• Communicate with your friends about your homework commitments and request their support.

23. “I didn’t find the homework assignment interesting.”

Even if not every task will hold your attention, it’s important to approach it with the proper attitude. Take into account these tactics:

• Find ways to relate the assignment to your interests or goals.
• Seek guidance from your teacher or classmates to gain a better understanding of the assignment’s relevance.

24. “I had a family duty or responsibility.”

Even while family duties might be time-consuming, it is feasible to achieve a balance between them and your academic requirements. Try these things:

• Communicate with your family about your academic responsibilities and seek their understanding.
• Plan your time effectively by setting aside dedicated periods for homework.

25. “I didn’t think it was necessary.”

You could occasionally ponder the significance or relevance of a specific homework assignment. It’s important to understand the benefits of discipline and constant practice, though. Think about these viewpoints:

• See homework as an opportunity to reinforce what you’ve learned and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
• Recognize that completing assignments demonstrates your commitment to learning and your academic growth.

We have emphasized the need of accepting responsibility for academic responsibilities by disproving the “25 Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework.” Instead of making excuses, success will be paved by establishing productive study habits, time management abilities, and proactive communication.

Remember that while excuses may provide short-term solace, they ultimately impede development and advancement. Students may overcome homework difficulties and meet academic objectives by having a proactive mentality, asking for help when they need it, and remaining focused.

So let’s set such justifications aside, adopt a cheerful outlook, and pursue assignments with tenacity and diligence. Dedication to studying will pay off in the long run and advance your success as a whole.

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• Creatively Dodging Commitments, One Excuse at a Time! /
• Excuses For Not Doing Homework /

Excuses For Not Doing Homework

As a student, I understand the importance of completing homework assignments. But sometimes, it can be difficult to find the motivation or time to get your work done. I’m sure many of us have been in a situation where we’ve had to come up with excuses for not doing our homework.

Although it’s never ideal to make excuses, sometimes it’s necessary. Here are some of the most common excuses for not doing homework:

• I didn’t understand the assignment.

This is a common excuse, especially if you’re in a class where the material is new or unfamiliar. If this is the case, don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for clarification. They’ll be more than happy to help you understand the assignment better.

• I had a family emergency.

If you have a family emergency, this is a valid excuse for not doing your homework. Your teacher will likely understand and be willing to work with you to make up the work.

• I was sick.

If you’re sick, it’s understandable that you may not be able to complete your homework. Your teacher should be understanding of this.

• I had too much work.

Sometimes, teachers assign too much work and it can be overwhelming. If this is the case, talk to your teacher about it and see if they can reduce the workload.

• I had a test the next day.

If you had a test the next day, it’s understandable that you may not have had time to complete your homework. Your teacher should be understanding of this.

• I had to work.

If you have a job, your teacher should understand that you may not have had time to complete your homework.

• I had a project due.

If you had a project due, your teacher should understand that you may not have had time to complete your homework.

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Homework Excuses: Top Guide To Help You Not Do Homework

Homework excuses are common among students at all educational levels. It’s no secret that many learners dislike homework and must find ways to convince educators they are not at fault. Although academic life is exciting, it comes with burdens. Life hardships make some learners unable to complete homework within the deadlines that educators stipulate.

Whether in college, high school, or university, you will need excuses for not doing your homework. This article lists some of the best reasons learners give for not completing their homework. It’s helpful because not every learner is sufficiently creative to convince the teacher or professor to pardon them for not completing assignments.

What Are Homework Excuses?

A homework excuse is a story, explanation, or alibi that a student gives the teacher or professor for not completing their homework.

A learner may require an excuse for various reasons. For instance, they may need it to cover up for something else or lack a good reason to justify their inability to submit the assignment. Regardless of the case, students can use different excuses to convince educators not to punish or penalize them.

Excuses for not doing homework are essential for several reasons. For instance, a learner could be having a bad day. Or they may not feel like doing the assignment. Some educators bombard learners with many tasks with strict deadlines. In that case, students may lack time to do all the coursework and score their desired grades. Therefore, they can give excuses to get extra time to complete the homework.

What Is The Purpose Of HW Excuses?

Every student has been there- you have homework, but certain things prevent you from doing it.

The primary purpose of excuses is to temporarily help you get out of trouble for not doing the task. They can also allow you to focus on what prevents you from doing it.

Homework excuses give students a way to explain why they didn’t do their assignments. While learners have different reasons for using an excuse, the bottom line is avoiding the consequences of not completing the work or punishment. Nevertheless, students should keep a few things in mind whenever they use an excuse to justify their inability to submit homework on time.

First, learners should ensure their excuses are believable. A student shouldn’t try to use a fake reason, like saying your dog ate your homework. Second, they should prepare to back up their story if necessary. If the teacher asks for more information about the excuse, the learner should be ready to give it. Finally, students shouldn’t overuse excuses. If they constantly make excuses for not doing their homework, the teacher will catch on eventually.

Good Homework Excuses For Different Situations

An excuse for not completing homework can come in handy in different situations. Here are seven examples of reasons for not doing homework.

If you didn’t do your homework because you forgot about it, you could say that you were sick or that something came up that prevented you from doing it. Maybe you didn’t do your homework because you didn’t understand it. In that case, you can say that the instructions were confusing or that you couldn’t find the needed information. If you didn’t do your homework because you didn’t have enough time, you could say that you had extracurricular activities or that you had to work. Perhaps, you didn’t do your homework because you were procrastinating. In that case, you can say that you started it but ran out of time. If you didn’t do your homework because you were distracted, you can say that something came up or that you couldn’t focus. Maybe you didn’t do your homework because you were sick. If so, you can say that you had a doctor’s appointment or weren’t feeling well. If your reason for not doing homework was a busy schedule, you could say that you had a family emergency or that you had no option but to work.

Always remember that your excuse must be believable to serve its purpose. Therefore, choose a reason that best suits your situation.

Good Excuses To Miss Practice Or Class

Perhaps, you have other commitments that prevent you from attending practice or class. And this might prevent you from submitting your homework on time. In that case, you can give the following believable excuses:

• I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. I have a doctor’s appointment.
• I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. I have to work to avoid losing my job.
• I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. My car broke down.
• I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. My train has a delay.
• I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. There is heavy traffic.

Note that you can also use these excuses for not completing your homework. Nevertheless, ensure you’re convincing the educator to believe you.

Advice On How To Give Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Not every learner can give an excuse and get away with it. That’s because educators were once students, meaning they knew all the tricks in the book. So, suppose you have difficulties giving your teacher a believable excuse for not completing and submitting homework. In that case, the following are tips for providing good excuses for not doing homework should help you get away with it.

Be confident: Unless you sell the excuse, chances are that your teacher won’t buy it. So, act as if you believe in what you’re saying, and chances are, your educator will find it too. Keep it short and sweet: The longer the story, the more likely it is to seem fabricated. So, make sure to keep your excuse short and to the point. Make it believable: As we said before, educators were once students. That means they know all of the excuses in the book. So, if you want to make your excuse believable, make sure it’s something that could happen. Be prepared to back it up: If your teacher asks for more information about your excuse, be ready to give it. And this will help make your story more believable. Don’t overuse excuses: If you’re constantly making excuses for not doing your homework, your teacher will catch on eventually. So, use them sparingly and only when necessary.

If you ever want to give excuses for homework, these tips should help you do so without getting caught. But if your teacher is on to your tricks, making up believable excuses might seem daunting. But don’t worry. There are still ways to make your reasons more plausible. For instance, try to use excuses that don’t involve technology. If you say your computer crashed and lost all your work, your teacher will likely ask for a hard copy or proof that you did the task.

Second, try to use excuses that are specific to the assignment. For example, if you’re trying to get out of doing a science project, saying you don’t have the materials is more believable than saying you don’t have the time. And finally, try to use excuses that are relevant to your life outside the school. If you’ve been sick recently or have a family emergency, your teacher is likelier to believe that you didn’t do your homework.

Nevertheless, the best way to avoid giving an excuse in the first place is to do your homework. That way, you won’t have to worry about coming up with a good reason for not doing it.

Tips On How To Avoid Making Excuses For Late Homework

Maybe you’ve given many excuses for not completing homework on time and think your teacher has begun suspecting you. Perhaps, you can no longer come up with the best excuses for not doing homework. In that case, the following tips will help you avoid giving excuses for missing class or not submitting homework on time.

• Set a schedule: In addition to being organized, setting a schedule can help you avoid making excuses for failing to submit homework. That’s because scheduling will help you plan your time and ensure you’re working on your assignments when you’re supposed to be.
• Be organized: If you want to avoid struggling to find the best excuses for missing school or not doing homework, try being organized. Organization means having a planner or another way to track your assignments and due dates.
• Get rid of distractions: Another way to avoid excuses for failing to do homework is to get rid of distractions. And this could mean turning off your phone, getting off social media, and anything else that might prevent you from working on your assignments.
• Start early: Another way to avoid excuses for missing homework is to start early. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to work on your assignments and won’t have to rush to finish them.
• Ask for help: If you’re having trouble with your assignments, don’t hesitate to ask for help. For instance, you can turn to your parent, tutor, or even your teacher. Also, you can seek homework help online or pay for assignment . Nevertheless, choose a reputable service to ensure quality work and your information’s safety. Getting help will ensure that you complete your assignments and avoid making excuses for why they’re late.

These tips should help you avoid excuses because you will always complete your homework on time. Nevertheless, excuses are a necessary evil for students who want to get out of doing their homework. But with creativity, you can make even the most far-fetched excuse sound plausible. So next time you’re stuck trying to come up with an excuse, remember these tips, and you’ll be sure to get out of doing your homework in no time.

Get The Best Homework Help

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We offer high-quality homework assistance online to learners across educational levels. Whether in high school, pursuing our diploma, undergraduate, or post-graduate studies, we can help you. Our service is custom, cheap, and secure. We’re fast and reliable, with the best homework experts in all academic disciplines. Once you contact us saying, “Please do my homework,” we pick the most competent experts to start working on it immediately.

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Neag School of Education

How to use homework to support student success.

• by: Sandra Chafouleas
• January 13, 2022
• Community Engagement

Editor’s Note: Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Sandra Chafouleas shares insights on supporting students’ homework during the pandemic in the following piece, which originally appeared  in Psychology Today , where she publishes a blog.

COVID has brought many changes in education. What does it mean for homework?

School assignments that a student is expected to do outside of the regular school day—that’s homework. The general guideline is 10 minutes of nightly homework per grade level beginning after kindergarten. This amounts to just a few minutes for younger elementary students to up to 2 hours for high school students.

The guidance seems straightforward enough, so why is homework such a controversial topic? School disruptions, including extended periods of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, have magnified the controversies yet also have provided an opportunity to rethink the purpose and value of homework.

Debates about the value of homework center around two primary issues: amount and inequity.

First, the amount of assigned homework may be much more than the recommended guidelines. Families report their children are stressed out over the time spent doing homework. Too much homework can challenge well-being given the restricted time available for sleep, exercise, and social connection. In a 2015 study , for example, parents reported their early elementary children received almost three times the recommended guidelines. In high school, researchers found an average of three hours of homework per night for students living in economically privileged communities.

“ Debates about the value of homework center around two primary issues: amount and inequity.”

Second, homework can perpetuate inequities. Students attending school in less economically privileged communities may receive little to no homework, or have difficulty completing it due to limited access to needed technology. This can translate into fewer opportunities to learn and may contribute to gaps in achievement.

There isn’t a ton of research on the effects of homework, and available studies certainly do not provide a simple answer. For example, a 2006 synthesis of studies suggested a positive influence between homework completion and academic achievement for middle and high school students. Supporters also point out that homework offers additional opportunities to engage in learning and that it can foster independent learning habits such as planning and a sense of responsibility. A more recent study involving 13-year-old students in Spain found higher test scores for those who were regularly assigned homework in math and science, with an optimal time around one hour—which is roughly aligned with recommendations. However, the researchers noted that ability to independently do the work, student effort, and prior achievement were more important contributors than time spent.

Opponents of homework maintain that the academic benefit does not outweigh the toll on well-being. Researchers have observed student stress, physical health problems, and lack of life balance, especially when the time spent goes over the recommended guidelines. In a survey of adolescents , over half reported the amount and type of homework they received to be a primary source of stress in their lives. In addition, vast differences exist in access and availability of supports, such as internet connection, adult assistance, or even a place to call home, as 1.5 million children experience homelessness in the United States

The COVID-19 pandemic has re-energized discussion about homework practices, with the goal to advance recommendations about how, when, and with whom it can be best used. Here’s a summary of key strategies:

Strategies for Educators

Make sure the tasks are meaningful and matched..

First, the motto “ quality over quantity ” can guide decisions about homework. Homework is not busy-work, and instead should get students excited about learning. Emphasize activities that facilitate choice and interest to extend learning, like choose your own reading adventure or math games. Second, each student should be able to complete homework independently with success. Think about Goldilocks: To be effective, assignments should be just right for each learner. One example of how do this efficiently is through online learning platforms that can efficiently adjust to skill level and can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.

Ensure access to resources for task completion.

One step toward equity is to ensure access to necessary resources such as time, space, and materials. Teach students about preparing for homework success, allocating classroom time to model and practice good study habits such as setting up their physical environment, time management, and chunking tasks. Engage in conversations with students and families to problem-solve challenges When needed, connect students with homework supports available through after-school clubs, other community supports, or even within a dedicated block during the school day.

Be open to revisiting homework policies and practices.

The days of penalizing students for not completing homework should be long gone. Homework is a tool for practicing content and learning self-management. With that in mind, provide opportunities for students to communicate needs, and respond by revising assignments or allowing them to turn in on alternative dates. Engage in adult professional learning about high-quality homework , from value (Should I assign this task?) to evaluation (How should this be graded? Did that homework assignment result in expected outcomes?). Monitor how things are going by looking at completion rates and by asking students for their feedback. Be willing to adapt the homework schedule or expectations based on what is learned.

Strategies for Families

Understand how to be a good helper..

When designed appropriately, students should be able to complete homework with independence. Limit homework wars by working to be a good helper. Hovering, micromanaging, or doing homework for them may be easiest in the moment but does not help build their independence. Be a good helper by asking guiding questions, providing hints, or checking for understanding. Focus your assistance on setting up structures for homework success, like space and time.

Use homework as a tool for communication.

Use homework as a vehicle to foster family-school communication. Families can use homework as an opportunity to open conversations about specific assignments or classes, peer relationships, or even sleep quality that may be impacting student success. For younger students, using a daily or weekly home-school notebook or planner can be one way to share information. For older students, help them practice communicating their needs and provide support as needed.

Make sure to balance wellness.

Like adults, children need a healthy work-life balance. Positive social connection and engagement in pleasurable activities are important core principles to foster well-being . Monitor the load of homework and other structured activities to make sure there is time in the daily routine for play. Play can mean different things to different children: getting outside, reading for pleasure, and yes, even gaming. Just try to ensure that activities include a mix of health-focused activities such as physical movement or mindfulness downtime.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. Read more about CAEP Accreditation, including the programs covered and the accountability measures .

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Consequences for Students Who Don’t Do Homework

Many parents wonder what are some consequences for students who don’t do homework.

It can be a challenge to get your students to do their homework especially if they don’t like the topic. When the situation occurs that they don’t want to start or complete their homework, it is time to implement consequences.

Before doing so, you need to first identify why they don’t want to complete it in the first place.

Find the Problem

Before handing down any consequences, you should first find out why they do not want to do their homework. There can be different reasons why and finding out the right one is important for fixing the situation.

1. Distraction

The first reason why they are not doing their homework would be because they are distracted.

Distraction is the worst thing you can experience when you are trying to get important things done. Whether it is a student in school or a worker at a job, it will take your attention away from what is important and make your mind wander around.

It is even worse if the person is dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that both children and adults have that limits their focus when attempting to finish a task.

If you are noticing that your student is not able to focus while doing their homework, the best way to solve this problem would be to limit their distraction. This would be by either placing them in a room with the least distractions or by taking away anything they use that distraction like electronics.

2. They are Struggling

Another reason why they might not want to do or start their homework would be because they are struggling and might not know the material they are doing the homework on. This is a very common problem for students who don’t do their homework because not knowing how to do it will discourage them and they will be stuck.

This will lead them to not want to do it and will use any excuse not to finish.

What you need to do in this situation is bring in a tutor to help your child understand the material and be encouraged to finish it.

We at Beingagoodparent realize the struggle that many students face when it comes to understanding a topic in school so we partnered with Redemption Tutoring to help parents find affordable qualified tutors to help their children. By mentioning Beingagoodparen t, they will give you a 20% discount on all tutoring when you sign up.

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Limit Their Freedom

The first consequence you can implement for students who don’t do their homework would be to limit their freedom.

What I mean by that is limit what they want to do when trying to have fun. Whether it’s an 8-year-old from watching cartoons or a highschooler from going out with his friends, you need to find out what they love to do the most and limit their time of that.

When someone is restricted from doing what they love, they will do anything to try and regain their freedom of doing it and in this case, they will have to finish their homework before regaining the freedom to do what they love.

This works well for any age level and they will regret not finishing earlier because their time of fun will be cut out until they finish.

Take Away Electronics

A great consequence you can implement when your children don’t want to do their homework is to take away their electronics. Children nowadays are addicted to their electronics because it is their form of entertainment.

It is what they love to spend time on once they come back from school and it is most likely the reason they are distracted enough not to do their homework. If you take away their form of entertainment, they will have nothing else to do but to finish the assignments they have due.

Take a Different Approach in Fixing the Problem

Many parents want to punish their children for not doing their homework but a better strategy to have them finish their homework rather than punishing them would be to set rewards if they do finish.

This puts a positive approach for them to finish the homework rather than making it a negative situation if they don’t finish.

The reason why setting rewards is a better solution than threatening consequences would be because they will approach the homework assignment with a positive mindset rather than a negative one.

If they go in knowing that there is a prize at the end, they will be excited to finish and get it done. If they go in knowing that if they don’t finish, they will have a consequence, they will go in with fear and that will put a negative connotation on homework assignments.

Setting rewards also motivates them to finish.

Think of it like how people get paid at work. They know that if they go to work and do their job, they will get a paycheck so even though many people don’t like their job, they still go in every day and finish because they know that they will be getting a paycheck. They are motivated to work hard by knowing that they will receive a check after.

This is the same concept you should apply for any student that does not want to do their homework. They should have a motivating factor to work towards so it drives them to do it.

Many parents think that they should not be rewarded for doing homework but that is farther from the truth. If adults have to be motivated to work for a paycheck, the child should also have a motivating factor to do their homework.

Let’s start making homework a positive thing instead of pressuring them to finish so they don’t have a consequence.

If they are motivated and are going in with a good mindset to finish, they will most likely aim to finish and do it quickly to receive the prize. You can decide what that prize is or even set up a rewards program where if they get a certain amount of homework done in a week, they will get a bigger prize.

This of course does not mean that you take away the consequences if they don’t finish. This trick of setting up rewards won’t work for all students and they still might slack off and not finish so when explaining to them the reward system, let them know that they are not saved from the consequences and will receive them if they are not trying to finish.

Final Thoughts

There are consequences for students who don’t do homework when they are supposed to and it can be easy to choose one these days. Anything that the student loves to do in their free time should be limited or taken away and that will cause them to finish the homework they have due.

The first thing you have to do is find the reason why they are not finishing their homework and once you find that out, it is time to help them get started. Your child acting out in school can also play a role with they don’t want to finish their homework.

When dealing with this, a way you can take a different approach would be to motivate them by having rewards set up once they are able to complete their homework. This will cause a bigger effect than threatening consequences if they don’t finish.

Related Posts:

• Family Rules and Consequences Chart
• Teaching Honesty to Elementary Students
• Creative Punishments for High School Students

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How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

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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.

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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.

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How to Use Homework to Support Student Success

Covid has brought many changes in education. what does it mean for homework.

Posted January 12, 2022 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

• Why Education Is Important
• Take our ADHD Test
• Find a Child Therapist
• Generally, homework should include about 10 minutes per night per grade level.
• The value of homework is debated, with questions about the right amount and potential for inequity.
• Families should view homework as a communication tool, strive to be good helpers, and monitor balance.

School assignments that a student is expected to do outside of the regular school day—that’s homework. The general guideline is 10 minutes of nightly homework per grade level beginning after kindergarten. This amounts to just a few minutes for younger elementary students to up to 2 hours for high school students.

The guidance seems straightforward enough, so why is homework such a controversial topic? School disruptions, including extended periods of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, have magnified the controversies yet also have provided an opportunity to rethink the purpose and value of homework.

Debates about the value of homework center around two primary issues: amount and inequity.

First, the amount of assigned homework may be much more than the recommended guidelines. Families report their children are stressed out over the time spent doing homework. Too much homework can challenge well-being given the restricted time available for sleep, exercise, and social connection. In a 2015 study , for example, parents reported their early elementary children received almost three times the recommended guidelines. In high school, researchers found an average of three hours of homework per night for students living in economically privileged communities.

Second, homework can perpetuate inequities. Students attending school in less economically privileged communities may receive little to no homework, or have difficulty completing it due to limited access to needed technology. This can translate into fewer opportunities to learn and may contribute to gaps in achievement.

There isn’t a ton of research on the effects of homework, and available studies certainly do not provide a simple answer. For example, a 2006 synthesis of studies suggested a positive influence between homework completion and academic achievement for middle and high school students. Supporters also point out that homework offers additional opportunities to engage in learning and that it can foster independent learning habits such as planning and a sense of responsibility. A more recent study involving 13-year-old students in Spain found higher test scores for those who were regularly assigned homework in math and science, with an optimal time around one hour—which is roughly aligned with recommendations. However, the researchers noted that ability to independently do the work, student effort, and prior achievement were more important contributors than time spent.

Opponents of homework maintain that the academic benefit does not outweigh the toll on well-being. Researchers have observed student stress, physical health problems, and lack of life balance, especially when the time spent goes over the recommended guidelines. In a survey of adolescents , over half reported the amount and type of homework they received to be a primary source of stress in their lives. In addition, vast differences exist in access and availability of supports, such as internet connection, adult assistance, or even a place to call home, as 1.5 million children experience homelessness in the United States.

The COVID-19 pandemic has re-energized discussion about homework practices, with the goal to advance recommendations about how, when, and with whom it can be best used. Here’s a summary of key strategies:

Strategies for Educators

Make sure the tasks are meaningful and matched. First, the motto “ quality over quantity ” can guide decisions about homework. Homework is not busy-work, and instead should get students excited about learning. Emphasize activities that facilitate choice and interest to extend learning, like choose your own reading adventure or math games. Second, each student should be able to complete homework independently with success. Think about Goldilocks: To be effective, assignments should be just right for each learner. One example of how do this efficiently is through online learning platforms that can efficiently adjust to skill level and can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.

Ensure access to resources for task completion. One step toward equity is to ensure access to necessary resources such as time, space, and materials. Teach students about preparing for homework success, allocating classroom time to model and practice good study habits such as setting up their physical environment, time management , and chunking tasks. Engage in conversations with students and families to problem-solve challenges When needed, connect students with homework supports available through after-school clubs, other community supports, or even within a dedicated block during the school day.

Be open to revisiting homework policies and practices. The days of penalizing students for not completing homework should be long gone. Homework is a tool for practicing content and learning self- management . With that in mind, provide opportunities for students to communicate needs, and respond by revising assignments or allowing them to turn in on alternative dates. Engage in adult professional learning about high-quality homework , from value (Should I assign this task?) to evaluation (How should this be graded? Did that homework assignment result in expected outcomes?). Monitor how things are going by looking at completion rates and by asking students for their feedback. Be willing to adapt the homework schedule or expectations based on what is learned.

Strategies for Families

Understand how to be a good helper. When designed appropriately, students should be able to complete homework with independence. Limit homework wars by working to be a good helper. Hovering, micromanaging, or doing homework for them may be easiest in the moment but does not help build their independence. Be a good helper by asking guiding questions, providing hints, or checking for understanding. Focus your assistance on setting up structures for homework success, like space and time.

Use homework as a tool for communication. Use homework as a vehicle to foster family-school communication. Families can use homework as an opportunity to open conversations about specific assignments or classes, peer relationships, or even sleep quality that may be impacting student success. For younger students, using a daily or weekly home-school notebook or planner can be one way to share information. For older students, help them practice communicating their needs and provide support as needed.

Make sure to balance wellness. Like adults, children need a healthy work-life balance. Positive social connection and engagement in pleasurable activities are important core principles to foster well-being . Monitor the load of homework and other structured activities to make sure there is time in the daily routine for play. Play can mean different things to different children: getting outside, reading for pleasure, and yes, even gaming. Just try to ensure that activities include a mix of health-focused activities such as physical movement or mindfulness downtime.

Sandra M. Chafouleas, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor in the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut.

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Why Students Don’t Do Homework (And What You Can Do About It)

Homework provides supplementary learning opportunities for students, helping to reinforce topics and concepts covered in the classroom. However, many students fail to complete the homework assigned to them. And that raises the question: why don’t students do their homework?

This article will explore why students fail to complete their homework and discuss ways teachers can increase homework completion rates.

Table of Contents

What Happens When Students Don’t Do Homework?

Academic performance suffers.

Depending on your classroom grading policies, homework can account for as little as 1% or as much as 25% of a student’s overall grade . School districts can impose some control over these grading policies, but many public schools allow teachers to set the percentage.

Educators who prefer to assign more worth to homework can find that students’ grades and overall academic performance quickly suffer when their students fail to submit at-home assignments.

Decreasing grades can be highly discouraging for students and contribute to a lack of self-confidence. The situation can also become problematic for teachers.

Teachers Can Lose Their Jobs

School board members and administrators often judge a teacher’s performance by their students’ grades and academic performance. When grades and test scores plummet, some schools resort to dismissing the teacher, often without exploring the factors contributing to the lower-than-expected attainment to which homework can be linked to.

Future Course Topics Become More Challenging

For example, once elementary students have mastered the alphabet, they’re taught how to spell simple words. After that, they advance to writing basic sentences and reading aloud.

But if students never master the first phase (learning the alphabet), future learning related to writing and reading becomes harder to grasp. Similarly, students who fail to complete assigned homework will struggle to cope with future course topics and learning objectives.

Student-Teacher Relationships Worsen

When teachers chastise their students for underperforming on homework assignments or failing to submit completed homework, the relationship between students and teachers suffers.

Students can begin to resent homework and the teachers that assign at-home assignments. As a consequence, students’ in-class performance suffers because students have a negative emotional response to a teacher’s presence or teaching style.

Naturally, this behavior only degrades teacher-student relationships further, making it more challenging for instructors to help their students achieve their fullest academic potential.

Reasons Why Students Don’t Do Homework

Failing to complete and turn in homework can have long-lasting implications for students and teachers. This begs the question: Why don’t students do their homework?

But it’s crucial that educators explore the potential reasons why students don’t complete homework assignments. Doing so offers insight that can help teachers improve the homework completion rate and provides a glimpse into the challenges many students face when attempting to complete at-home assignments.

Let’s discuss the most prevalent reasons why students don’t do homework.

The Assignment’s Instructions Are Unclear or Overly Complicated

Sometimes, students don’t do homework because they don’t know how to. The assignment’s instructions may be vague, or students might need more time and instruction to grasp the concepts being tested.

When faced with an assignment that seems undoable due to a lack of information or confusing guidelines, many students will simply opt to ignore the task and move on.

After all, students often have multiple homework assignments each school day, resulting in an at-home workload that can feel extremely overwhelming, bringing us to the next item on the list.

Students Feel Overwhelmed With the Amount of Homework

Some studies report that students spend as little as one hour per night on homework, while others maintain that the average is just under three hours . But some students report spending up to nine hours working on at-home assignments each night!

Regardless, stress related to homework is a common issue among students, and it’s often associated with the amount of homework assigned.

Students Lack the Resources Required to Complete Homework

Not all schools and school districts receive the same level of financial support, leaving some students with few resources.

For example, some students might be prohibited from bringing home textbooks because the school cannot afford to provide one to each student. Others might have limited access to the internet at home or school.

Assignments Are Repetitive and Time-Consuming

One of the primary benefits of homework is that it can help reinforce concepts learned in the classroom. Homework can also offer an opportunity for students to practice the new skills and concepts they’ve learned, keeping them fresh in their minds.

But imagine this: you’ve just learned how to solve basic single-variable algebraic equations , and you’re now given a set of 50 such equations to complete at home.

Students may only partially complete their homework when assignments are repetitive. Tasks that are both repetitive and time-consuming might get neglected altogether, as students’ after-school time is precious and often limited.

After-School Activities Are Restricting Students’ Time

Extra-curricular activities are a crucial part of life for many students. These activities can also help increase students’ chances of being accepted into specific universities or college degree programs.

Managing free time can also contribute to students’ stress and anxiety regarding schoolwork, negatively impacting academic performance.

Students Don’t Believe the Homework Is Relevant

Often, homework tends to be the least significant part of a student’s final grade, with exams, tests, and quizzes typically holding more weight.

For this reason, students may focus more on preparing for tests and quizzes. Homework that seems irrelevant to upcoming test material is particularly prone to be ignored by students.

Assignments with supplementary information that won’t appear on tests or quizzes might soon become frustrating for students, leading to a total abandonment of any attempt to complete at-home assignments.

Teachers who declare that homework holds minimal weight regarding a student’s final grade might also experience a lack of completed homework assignments.

There’s a Lack of Constructive Feedback on Completed Homework Assignments

Making mistakes is part of the learning process. But it’s impossible to learn from mistakes when errors aren’t explained.

Students that feel their homework doesn’t help them master specific concepts or skills can begin to feel disillusioned with doing at-home assignments. That’s why constructive feedback for homework assignments is essential.

While teachers might expect or request students to look up the misspelled words using a dictionary or a spell-checking device, some students might not have access to these resources at home.

In this scenario, students can remain uncertain about why they got specific answers wrong and thus be unable to learn from their mistakes, resulting in disillusionment toward homework.

Parents Aren’t Available or Capable of Assisting With Homework

Students who struggle with their homework might turn to their parents for assistance. But some parents are unable or unwilling to assist their children with at-home tasks.

While this reaction certainly isn’t true of all parents, these attitudes can leave students feeling more frustrated than before. They can also cause a general feeling of apathy toward homework.

A lack of support or engagement from parents can also contribute to poor mental health, another issue that can contribute to problems with completing homework.

Issues Outside of School

Students struggling to cope with problems at home can struggle with schoolwork, both in and after class. The burden of unfavorable at-home conditions can cause or contribute to significant mental health concerns , resulting in reduced academic performance and an inability to complete homework.

Unfortunately, declining grades and pressure related to homework can contribute to student anxiety and stress, creating a feedback loop that only worsens academic performance.

However, there are several things teachers can do to help students turn things around and complete homework more frequently and confidently.

What Can Teachers Do?

To avoid homework-related problems, teachers should set aside time during class to clarify the instructions and address any misconceptions related to homework assignments. Reducing the workload also increases students’ chances to complete their tasks and allows teachers more time to provide constructive feedback. Finally, teachers should ensure that homework is relevant and engaging if they want to boost the homework completion rate.

Discuss Homework Assignments During Class

One of the most common reasons students fail to complete homework is a lack of understanding of how to complete the assignment.

Teachers can reduce confusion regarding homework instructions by setting aside some time during class to discuss and explain the assignment. This small change can help clarify what you expect from your students and help them approach the work more confidently.

Teachers often sacrifice a few minutes at the end of the lesson to review the homework instructions. But avoid holding students after the bell , as this could have a knock-on effect on other classes or subjects.

Set Aside Part of In-Class Time for Homework

When students have questions or concerns about specific parts of a homework assignment, they can discuss those issues with you in class. Not only is this beneficial for students, but it can also offer teachers insight into what types of assignments are confusing or engaging to students.

Setting aside in-class time for homework can also reduce a student’s overall at-home workload, thus decreasing stress associated with school.

Be Patient With Students and Allow for Late Turn-In

For example, instead of asking, “Why haven’t you turned in your homework assignment?” teachers can ask, “Would you be able to complete this if you had an extra day to work on it?”

Although accepting late assignments can result in completed tasks being returned later than expected, it can also reassure students that their work is appreciated and valued. The same can be said for providing in-depth feedback on homework assignments.

Provide Feedback When Returning Completed Homework

If homework lacks comments, students can struggle to understand what information they’re misunderstanding. As a result, they can begin to feel frustrated or apathetic about their schoolwork.

Providing detailed feedback on an individual basis can be time-consuming for teachers, but it’s a fantastic way to help students perform better on in-class and at-home assignments. Besides, teachers can assign fewer homework assignments to reduce the workload for both themselves and their students.

Reduce or Eliminate Assigned Homework

Although it’s often recommended, teachers are the ones who create course syllabi and assign grade percentages to academic tasks like exams, quizzes, group projects, and homework assignments.

Consequently, they can choose to eliminate or significantly reduce homework loads. This option can be particularly beneficial for elementary school students and teachers.

After all, homework assignments given to elementary-aged children can have negative consequences, including strained parent-child relationships, increased stress levels, and a bleak outlook on education.

But reducing or getting rid of homework altogether can also be a beneficial change for older students.

For example, Scott Anderson, a high school mathematics teacher from Wisconsin, decided to eliminate homework and focus more on completing tests and quizzes. This change placed a stronger focus on learning and mastering concepts.

This no-homework policy may be unconventional, but it could also help students boost their academic performance without increasing their stress levels.

Final Thoughts

When students fail to complete their homework, their grades can suffer. They can also struggle to understand more complex course topics that build on information covered in the homework, leading to a cycle of declining academic performance and increasing apathy or frustration.

There are several reasons why students don’t do homework. Complicated directions, an excessive homework workload, and apathy towards homework can all contribute to a lack of homework completion.

Fortunately, teachers can adapt homework assignments to meet students’ needs, thus increasing homework completion rates.

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The Case for (Quality) Homework

Janine Bempechat

Any parent who has battled with a child over homework night after night has to wonder: Do those math worksheets and book reports really make a difference to a student’s long-term success? Or is homework just a headache—another distraction from family time and downtime, already diminished by the likes of music and dance lessons, sports practices, and part-time jobs?

Allison, a mother of two middle-school girls from an affluent Boston suburb, describes a frenetic afterschool scenario: “My girls do gymnastics a few days a week, so homework happens for my 6th grader after gymnastics, at 6:30 p.m. She doesn’t get to bed until 9. My 8th grader does her homework immediately after school, up until gymnastics. She eats dinner at 9:15 and then goes to bed, unless there is more homework to do, in which case she’ll get to bed around 10.” The girls miss out on sleep, and weeknight family dinners are tough to swing.

Parental concerns about their children’s homework loads are nothing new. Debates over the merits of homework—tasks that teachers ask students to complete during non-instructional time—have ebbed and flowed since the late 19th century, and today its value is again being scrutinized and weighed against possible negative impacts on family life and children’s well-being.

Are American students overburdened with homework? In some middle-class and affluent communities, where pressure on students to achieve can be fierce, yes. But in families of limited means, it’s often another story. Many low-income parents value homework as an important connection to the school and the curriculum—even as their children report receiving little homework. Overall, high-school students relate that they spend less than one hour per day on homework, on average, and only 42 percent say they do it five days per week. In one recent survey by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a minimal 13 percent of 17-year-olds said they had devoted more than two hours to homework the previous evening (see Figure 1).

Recent years have seen an increase in the amount of homework assigned to students in grades K–2, and critics point to research findings that, at the elementary-school level, homework does not appear to enhance children’s learning. Why, then, should we burden young children and their families with homework if there is no academic benefit to doing it? Indeed, perhaps it would be best, as some propose, to eliminate homework altogether, particularly in these early grades.

On the contrary, developmentally appropriate homework plays a critical role in the formation of positive learning beliefs and behaviors, including a belief in one’s academic ability, a deliberative and effortful approach to mastery, and higher expectations and aspirations for one’s future. It can prepare children to confront ever-more-complex tasks, develop resilience in the face of difficulty, and learn to embrace rather than shy away from challenge. In short, homework is a key vehicle through which we can help shape children into mature learners.

The Homework-Achievement Connection

A narrow focus on whether or not homework boosts grades and test scores in the short run thus ignores a broader purpose in education, the development of lifelong, confident learners. Still, the question looms: does homework enhance academic success? As the educational psychologist Lyn Corno wrote more than two decades ago, “homework is a complicated thing.” Most research on the homework-achievement connection is correlational, which precludes a definitive judgment on its academic benefits. Researchers rely on correlational research in this area of study given the difficulties of randomly assigning students to homework/no-homework conditions. While correlation does not imply causality, extensive research has established that at the middle- and high-school levels, homework completion is strongly and positively associated with high achievement. Very few studies have reported a negative correlation.

As noted above, findings on the homework-achievement connection at the elementary level are mixed. A small number of experimental studies have demonstrated that elementary-school students who receive homework achieve at higher levels than those who do not. These findings suggest a causal relationship, but they are limited in scope. Within the body of correlational research, some studies report a positive homework-achievement connection, some a negative relationship, and yet others show no relationship at all. Why the mixed findings? Researchers point to a number of possible factors, such as developmental issues related to how young children learn, different goals that teachers have for younger as compared to older students, and how researchers define homework.

Certainly, young children are still developing skills that enable them to focus on the material at hand and study efficiently. Teachers’ goals for their students are also quite different in elementary school as compared to secondary school. While teachers at both levels note the value of homework for reinforcing classroom content, those in the earlier grades are more likely to assign homework mainly to foster skills such as responsibility, perseverance, and the ability to manage distractions.

Most research examines homework generally. Might a focus on homework in a specific subject shed more light on the homework-achievement connection? A recent meta-analysis did just this by examining the relationship between math/science homework and achievement. Contrary to previous findings, researchers reported a stronger relationship between homework and achievement in the elementary grades than in middle school. As the study authors note, one explanation for this finding could be that in elementary school, teachers tend to assign more homework in math than in other subjects, while at the same time assigning shorter math tasks more frequently. In addition, the authors point out that parents tend to be more involved in younger children’s math homework and more skilled in elementary-level than middle-school math.

In sum, the relationship between homework and academic achievement in the elementary-school years is not yet established, but eliminating homework at this level would do children and their families a huge disservice: we know that children’s learning beliefs have a powerful impact on their academic outcomes, and that through homework, parents and teachers can have a profound influence on the development of positive beliefs.

How Much Is Appropriate?

Harris M. Cooper of Duke University, the leading researcher on homework, has examined decades of study on what we know about the relationship between homework and scholastic achievement. He has proposed the “10-minute rule,” suggesting that daily homework be limited to 10 minutes per grade level. Thus, a 1st grader would do 10 minutes each day and a 4th grader, 40 minutes. The National Parent Teacher Association and the National Education Association both endorse this guideline, but it is not clear whether the recommended allotments include time for reading, which most teachers want children to do daily.

For middle-school students, Cooper and colleagues report that 90 minutes per day of homework is optimal for enhancing academic achievement, and for high schoolers, the ideal range is 90 minutes to two and a half hours per day. Beyond this threshold, more homework does not contribute to learning. For students enrolled in demanding Advanced Placement or honors courses, however, homework is likely to require significantly more time, leading to concerns over students’ health and well-being.

Notwithstanding media reports of parents revolting against the practice of homework, the vast majority of parents say they are highly satisfied with their children’s homework loads. The National Household Education Surveys Program recently found that between 70 and 83 percent of parents believed that the amount of homework their children had was “about right,” a result that held true regardless of social class, race/ethnicity, community size, level of education, and whether English was spoken at home.

Learning Beliefs Are Consequential

As noted above, developmentally appropriate homework can help children cultivate positive beliefs about learning. Decades of research have established that these beliefs predict the types of tasks students choose to pursue, their persistence in the face of challenge, and their academic achievement. Broadly, learning beliefs fall under the banner of achievement motivation, which is a constellation of cognitive, behavioral, and affective factors, including: the way a person perceives his or her abilities, goal-setting skills, expectation of success, the value the individual places on learning, and self-regulating behavior such as time-management skills. Positive or adaptive beliefs about learning serve as emotional and psychological protective factors for children, especially when they encounter difficulties or failure.

Motivation researcher Carol Dweck of Stanford University posits that children with a “growth mindset”—those who believe that ability is malleable—approach learning very differently than those with a “fixed mindset”—kids who believe ability cannot change. Those with a growth mindset view effort as the key to mastery. They see mistakes as helpful, persist even in the face of failure, prefer challenging over easy tasks, and do better in school than their peers who have a fixed mindset. In contrast, children with a fixed mindset view effort and mistakes as implicit condemnations of their abilities. Such children succumb easily to learned helplessness in the face of difficulty, and they gravitate toward tasks they know they can handle rather than more challenging ones.

Of course, learning beliefs do not develop in a vacuum. Studies have demonstrated that parents and teachers play a significant role in the development of positive beliefs and behaviors, and that homework is a key tool they can use to foster motivation and academic achievement.

Parents’ Beliefs and Actions Matter

It is well established that parental involvement in their children’s education promotes achievement motivation and success in school. Parents are their children’s first teachers, and their achievement-related beliefs have a profound influence on children’s developing perceptions of their own abilities, as well as their views on the value of learning and education.

Parents affect their children’s learning through the messages they send about education, whether by expressing interest in school activities and experiences, attending school events, helping with homework when they can, or exposing children to intellectually enriching experiences. Most parents view such engagement as part and parcel of their role. They also believe that doing homework fosters responsibility and organizational skills, and that doing well on homework tasks contributes to learning, even if children experience frustration from time to time.

Many parents provide support by establishing homework routines, eliminating distractions, communicating expectations, helping children manage their time, providing reassuring messages, and encouraging kids to be aware of the conditions under which they do their best work. These supports help foster the development of self-regulation, which is critical to school success.

Self-regulation involves a number of skills, such as the ability to monitor one’s performance and adjust strategies as a result of feedback; to evaluate one’s interests and realistically perceive one’s aptitude; and to work on a task autonomously. It also means learning how to structure one’s environment so that it’s conducive to learning, by, for example, minimizing distractions. As children move into higher grades, these skills and strategies help them organize, plan, and learn independently. This is precisely where parents make a demonstrable difference in students’ attitudes and approaches to homework.

Especially in the early grades, homework gives parents the opportunity to cultivate beliefs and behaviors that foster efficient study skills and academic resilience. Indeed, across age groups, there is a strong and positive relationship between homework completion and a variety of self-regulatory processes. However, the quality of parental help matters. Sometimes, well-intentioned parents can unwittingly undermine the development of children’s positive learning beliefs and their achievement. Parents who maintain a positive outlook on homework and allow their children room to learn and struggle on their own, stepping in judiciously with informational feedback and hints, do their children a much better service than those who seek to control the learning process.

A recent study of 5th and 6th graders’ perceptions of their parents’ involvement with homework distinguished between supportive and intrusive help. The former included the belief that parents encouraged the children to try to find the right answer on their own before providing them with assistance, and when the child struggled, attempted to understand the source of the confusion. In contrast, the latter included the perception that parents provided unsolicited help, interfered when the children did their homework, and told them how to complete their assignments. Supportive help predicted higher achievement, while intrusive help was associated with lower achievement.

Parents’ attitudes and emotions during homework time can support the development of positive attitudes and approaches in their children, which in turn are predictive of higher achievement. Children are more likely to focus on self-improvement during homework time and do better in school when their parents are oriented toward mastery. In contrast, if parents focus on how well children are doing relative to peers, kids tend to adopt learning goals that allow them to avoid challenge.

Homework and Social Class

Social class is another important element in the homework dynamic. What is the homework experience like for families with limited time and resources? And what of affluent families, where resources are plenty but the pressures to succeed are great?

Etta Kralovec and John Buell, authors of The End of Homework, maintain that homework “punishes the poor,” because lower-income parents may not be as well educated as their affluent counterparts and thus not as well equipped to help with homework. Poorer families also have fewer financial resources to devote to home computers, tutoring, and academic enrichment. The stresses of poverty—and work schedules—may impinge, and immigrant parents may face language barriers and an unfamiliarity with the school system and teachers’ expectations.

Yet research shows that low-income parents who are unable to assist with homework are far from passive in their children’s learning, and they do help foster scholastic performance. In fact, parental help with homework is not a necessary component for school success.

Brown University’s Jin Li queried low-income Chinese American 9th graders’ perceptions of their parents’ engagement with their education. Students said their immigrant parents rarely engaged in activities that are known to foster academic achievement, such as monitoring homework, checking it for accuracy, or attending school meetings or events. Instead, parents of higher achievers built three social networks to support their children’s learning. They designated “anchor” helpers both inside and outside the family who provided assistance; identified peer models for their children to emulate; and enlisted the assistance of extended kin to guide their children’s educational socialization. In a related vein, a recent analysis of survey data showed that Asian and Latino 5th graders, relative to native-born peers, were more likely to turn to siblings than parents for homework help.

Further, research demonstrates that low-income parents, recognizing that they lack the time to be in the classroom or participate in school governance, view homework as a critical connection to their children’s experiences in school. One study found that mothers enjoyed the routine and predictability of homework and used it as a way to demonstrate to children how to plan their time. Mothers organized homework as a family activity, with siblings doing homework together and older children reading to younger ones. In this way, homework was perceived as a collective practice wherein siblings could model effective habits and learn from one another.

In another recent study, researchers examined mathematics achievement in low-income 8th-grade Asian and Latino students. Help with homework was an advantage their mothers could not provide. They could, however, furnish structure (for example, by setting aside quiet time for homework completion), and it was this structure that most predicted high achievement. As the authors note, “It is . . . important to help [low-income] parents realize that they can still help their children get good grades in mathematics and succeed in school even if they do not know how to provide direct assistance with their child’s mathematics homework.”

The homework narrative at the other end of the socioeconomic continuum is altogether different. Media reports abound with examples of students, mostly in high school, carrying three or more hours of homework per night, a burden that can impair learning, motivation, and well-being. In affluent communities, students often experience intense pressure to cultivate a high-achieving profile that will be attractive to elite colleges. Heavy homework loads have been linked to unhealthy symptoms such as heightened stress, anxiety, physical complaints, and sleep disturbances. Like Allison’s 6th grader mentioned earlier, many students can only tackle their homework after they do extracurricular activities, which are also seen as essential for the college résumé. Not surprisingly, many students in these communities are not deeply engaged in learning; rather, they speak of “doing school,” as Stanford researcher Denise Pope has described, going through the motions necessary to excel, and undermining their physical and mental health in the process.

Fortunately, some national intervention initiatives, such as Challenge Success (co-founded by Pope), are heightening awareness of these problems. Interventions aimed at restoring balance in students’ lives (in part, by reducing homework demands) have resulted in students reporting an increased sense of well-being, decreased stress and anxiety, and perceptions of greater support from teachers, with no decrease in achievement outcomes.

What is good for this small segment of students, however, is not necessarily good for the majority. As Jessica Lahey wrote in Motherlode, a New York Times parenting blog, “homework is a red herring” in the national conversation on education. “Some otherwise privileged children may have too much, but the real issue lies in places where there is too little. . . . We shouldn’t forget that.”

My colleagues and I analyzed interviews conducted with lower-income 9th graders (African American, Mexican American, and European American) from two Northern California high schools that at the time were among the lowest-achieving schools in the state. We found that these students consistently described receiving minimal homework—perhaps one or two worksheets or textbook pages, the occasional project, and 30 minutes of reading per night. Math was the only class in which they reported having homework each night. These students noted few consequences for not completing their homework.

Indeed, greatly reducing or eliminating homework would likely increase, not diminish, the achievement gap. As Harris M. Cooper has commented, those choosing to opt their children out of homework are operating from a place of advantage. Children in higher-income families benefit from many privileges, including exposure to a larger range of language at home that may align with the language of school, access to learning and cultural experiences, and many other forms of enrichment, such as tutoring and academic summer camps, all of which may be cost-prohibitive for lower-income families. But for the 21 percent of the school-age population who live in poverty—nearly 11 million students ages 5–17—homework is one tool that can help narrow the achievement gap.

Community and School Support

Often, community organizations and afterschool programs can step up to provide structure and services that students’ need to succeed at homework. For example, Boys and Girls and 4-H clubs offer volunteer tutors as well as access to computer technology that students may not have at home. Many schools provide homework clubs or integrate homework into the afterschool program.

Home-school partnerships have succeeded in engaging parents with homework and significantly improving their children’s academic achievement. For example, Joyce Epstein of Johns Hopkins University has developed the TIPS model (Teachers Involve Parents in Schoolwork), which embraces homework as an integral part of family time. TIPS is a teacher-designed interactive program in which children and a parent or family member each have a specific role in the homework scenario. For example, children might show the parent how to do a mathematics task on fractions, explaining their reasoning along the way and reviewing their thinking aloud if they are unsure.

Evaluations show that elementary and middle-school students in classrooms that have adopted TIPS complete more of their homework than do students in other classrooms. Both students and parent participants show more positive beliefs about learning mathematics, and TIPS students show significant gains in writing skills and report-card science grades, as well as higher mathematics scores on standardized tests.

Another study found that asking teachers to send text messages to parents about their children’s missing homework resulted in increased parental monitoring of homework, consequences for missed assignments, and greater participation in parent-child conferences. Teachers reported fewer missed assignments and greater student effort in coursework, and math grades and GPA significantly improved.

Homework Quality Matters

Teachers favor homework for a number of reasons. They believe it fosters a sense of responsibility and promotes academic achievement. They note that homework provides valuable review and practice for students while giving teachers feedback on areas where students may need more support. Finally, teachers value homework as a way to keep parents connected to the school and their children’s educational experiences.

While students, to say the least, may not always relish the idea of doing homework, by high school most come to believe there is a positive relationship between doing homework and doing well in school. Both higher and lower achievers lament “busywork” that doesn’t promote learning. They crave high-quality, challenging assignments—and it is this kind of homework that has been associated with higher achievement.

What constitutes high-quality homework? Assignments that are developmentally appropriate and meaningful and that promote self-efficacy and self-regulation. Meaningful homework is authentic, allowing students to engage in solving problems with real-world relevance. More specifically, homework tasks should make efficient use of student time and have a clear purpose connected to what they are learning. An artistic rendition of a period in history that would take hours to complete can become instead a diary entry in the voice of an individual from that era. By allowing a measure of choice and autonomy in homework, teachers foster in their students a sense of ownership, which bolsters their investment in the work.

High-quality homework also fosters students’ perceptions of their own competence by 1) focusing them on tasks they can accomplish without help; 2) differentiating tasks so as to allow struggling students to experience success; 3) providing suggested time frames rather than a fixed period of time in which a task should be completed; 4) delivering clearly and carefully explained directions; and 5) carefully modeling methods for attacking lengthy or complex tasks. Students whose teachers have trained them to adopt strategies such as goal setting, self-monitoring, and planning develop a number of personal assets—improved time management, increased self-efficacy, greater effort and interest, a desire for mastery, and a decrease in helplessness.

Excellence with Equity

Currently, the United States has the second-highest disparity between time spent on homework by students of low socioeconomic status and time spent by their more-affluent peers out of the 34 OECD-member nations participating in the 2012 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) (see Figure 2). Noting that PISA studies have consistently found that spending more time on math homework strongly correlates with higher academic achievement, the report’s authors suggest that the homework disparity may reflect lower teacher expectations for low-income students. If so, this is truly unfortunate. In and of itself, low socioeconomic status is not an impediment to academic achievement when appropriate parental, school, and community supports are deployed. As research makes clear, low-income parents support their children’s learning in varied ways, not all of which involve direct assistance with schoolwork. Teachers can orient students and parents toward beliefs that foster positive attitudes toward learning. Indeed, where homework is concerned, a commitment to excellence with equity is both worthwhile and attainable.

In affluent communities, parents, teachers, and school districts might consider reexamining the meaning of academic excellence and placing more emphasis on leading a balanced and well-rounded life. The homework debate in the United States has been dominated by concerns over the health and well-being of such advantaged students. As legitimate as these worries are, it’s important to avoid generalizing these children’s experiences to those with fewer family resources. Reducing or eliminating homework, though it may be desirable in some advantaged communities, would deprive poorer children of a crucial and empowering learning experience. It would also eradicate a fertile opportunity to help close the achievement gap.

Janine Bempechat is clinical professor of human development at the Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development.

An unabridged version of this article is available here .

For more, please see “ The Top 20 Education Next Articles of 2023 .”

This article appeared in the Winter 2019 issue of Education Next . Suggested citation format:

Bempechat, J. (2019). The Case for (Quality) Homework: Why it improves learning, and how parents can help . Education Next, 19 (1), 36-43.

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