Parents Do Their Share of Homework

Parents to Do Their "Share" of Homework
When Homework Is A Family Affair - Everyone Benefits

Homework has always been an issue for kids, families and teachers. The question of whether there should even be such a thing as school work that has to be completed at home comes up every year.

Teachers struggle with how much homework to give, how early to start children with homework and how to deal with complaints that tend to be divided between too much or too little - depending on parents beliefs.

Most studies find a link between kids who do homework and success in school. If homework is used to reinforce concepts that were covered in the classroom, students can work their way through any questions or come in the next day and ask about the ideas that just don't make sense.

Parents are a big part of the sucessful homework equation. Although it may be difficult in the modern world of two income families, taking time to help or at least review daily homework adds to the chances that a child will do well in school. Homework also supports the development of independent learning skills, and provides parents with an opportunity to take part in their children's education.

By applying these homework tips early in your child's school years, you will help your child establish the habits your child needs to be successful throughout the school years.

Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework. Avoid having your child do homework with the television on or in places with other distractions, such as people coming and going.
Make sure the materials your child needs, such as paper, pencils and a dictionary, are available. Ask your child if special materials will be needed for some projects and get them in advance.
Help your child with time management. Establish a set time each day for doing homework. Don't let your child leave homework until just before bedtime. Think about using a weekend morning or afternoon for working on big projects, especially if the project involves getting together with classmates.
Be positive about homework. Tell your child how important school is. The attitude you express about homework will be the attitude your child acquires.
When your child does homework, you do homework. Show your child that the skills they are learning are related to things you do as an adult. If your child is reading, you read too. If your child is doing math, balance your checkbook.
When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers. Giving answers means your child will not learn the material. Too much help teaches your child that when the going gets rough, someone will do the work for him.
When the teacher asks that you play a role in homework, do it. Cooperate with the teacher. It shows your child that the school and home are a team. Follow the directions given by the teacher.

If homework is meant to be done by your child alone, stay away. Too much parent involvement can prevent homework from having some positive effects. Homework is a great way for kids to develop independent, lifelong learning skills.
Stay informed. Talk with your child's teacher. Make sure you know the purpose of homework and what your child's class rules are.
Help your child figure out what is hard homework and what is easy homework. Have your child do the hard work first. This will mean he will be most alert when facing the biggest challenges. Easy material will seem to go fast when fatigue begins to set in.
Watch your child for signs of failure and frustration. Let your child take a short break if she is having trouble keeping their mind on an assignment.
Reward progress in homework. If your child has been successful in homework completion and is working hard, celebrate that success with a special event (e.g., pizza, a walk, a trip to the park) to reinforce the positive effort.

Source: White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans

Related Links of Interest:

• NEA: Helping Your Student Get the Most Out of Homework

• Ten Homework Tips