You've hit a homework-sized brick wall, and no matter how hard you try, you just can't break through it! There may be LOADS of times when you'll feel stuck with your homework, but have no fear – we can help you learn some tools and techniques to help break down that wall and be able to complete your homework.
Watch the video below for some tips to help when you simply can't do your homework and then scroll down for a recap of the top tips.
Our Homework Helpline heroes are comedians Louise Young, Inel Tomlinson, and actor Lenny Rush – happy to help!
Inel: Guys, we've got call.
Harris: Hi, I'm Harris and I'm in Year 10 and my question is: how do I get help with all my homework when my teachers aren't here at home to help me?
Louise: I think the thing with this is to try and remember that it's okay to sometimes get things wrong. Like, as long as you've doneyour best. It's better to give things a try, even if you struggle, because if you do get something wrong, it does help your teacher understand what you need support with and what you need help with. I just think it's always better to give something a go than not complete it at all.
Inel: You know, the experts say the best thing to do is to ask if you're done something similar, they're not gonna give you something completely new to do at home, so chances are you've already covered it in class.
Lenny: I mean, school might have given you and booklets or access to an online platform. With extra information on the work you've been set, but I do think it's always best to look at the resources the school's given you first.
Inel: Can’t we just use the internet to get all the resources though?
Louise: Make sure it’s a trustworthy site like for example, BBC Bitesize or a website your schools recommended, cos it’s easy to get incorrect information on the internet.
Lenny: You mean everything on the internet isn't true?
Louise: Lenny. I'm sorry to break it to you. But no. There's a lot of fake news and misinformation out there.
Inel: Oh you've also got be careful when you're searching on the internet that you don't forget that you're actually doing your homework as well, and then 30 minutes goes by and you've just been watching loads of cat videos. That's standard for me.
Louise: I mean what's wrong with just asking someone you live with for help? Though, I don't really think my cat would be any help.
Lenny: I mean, you could always ask your mates for help if you've forgotten a question, but what you don't want to do, you don't want to copy them, because you want that work to be yours. Otherwise, the teacher won't know where you're at.
Inel: It's very true. Right, bring on the summary.
Louise: Okay. So, if you are struggling, think about what's strategies you've used in class before that are similar to your homework.
Lenny: Check out the resources your schools given you, like the school books or check out Bitesize.
Inel: Try not to mindlessly search the internet or ask your friends. Even if you're bezzie mates with Albert Einstein, remember, copying is bad.
Louise: And remember there's lots more helpful homework tips and tricks on BBC Bitesize support.
Top tips if you're stuck with your homework
Deja vu?
The first question you should ask yourself is what you've done before that’s similar to what you’re trying to do now. Your teacher is unlikely to set you work that’s completely new, so try to recall the strategies you used previously, and see if any of them will work here. Consider the kinds of things you need to know in order to do the work you’re doing, and review them before you start.
Help!
If you’re still stuck, then there are lots of sources of help available to you. Your school might have given you booklets or knowledge organisers, or you might have access to an online platform with resources on. It’s always best to start with resources your school has given you, if possible, as these will be tailored to the work they set you. There is help out there.
You can also search for help using educational websites and videos, but be careful about where you look for these. Try and use sites that your school has suggested, or go for reputable sites, like BBC Bitesize. It’s very easy to find unhelpful or incorrect information, or just to get distracted, as you search the internet for other things.
Don't copy
It might feel tempting to get help from friends, and this can be good for something specific – if you’ve forgotten to write down which questions you need to answer, for example. However, avoid copying things directly from them – and this applies to website and books, too. Teachers want to know what you understand and how well you’re able to explain your ideas, so they can support you to know and understand more, and this can only come from you.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.
How to ask your teacher for help with your homework
Your teachers are there to help you if you are struggling with your homework, but how can you ask for help?
Homework: what your teachers want from you
Have you ever wondered what your teachers expect from your homework? Well, we've got the answers!
What to do if you haven’t done your homework
What if your dog actually did eat your homework? If you haven't done your homework then this article might be able to help!
