Homework. It doesn't have to be a daily battle of wills between child and parent. There are several strategies and elements that a parent can use to maximize an opportunity to support a child's education and to massage the parent/child bond. For the parent, it is a way to understand what is going on at school and an opportunity for communication. Simply put, a parent has the ability to guide a child to positive feelings about education and to the rewards of good efforts.
Teachers need to have parents on their side, not for the teacher's benefit, but for the child's. When a parent gets involved and stays involved on a routine basis, this catapults the child to another level. A parent who reads to a child, models life-long learning, participate in school events and monitors homework time is doing his or her job of setting up the child for success.
The Five Essential Elements of Helping Your Child with Homework are: knowing the homework basics and the whys; knowing how to set up a proper environment; knowing how to monitor a child's work; knowing how to provide the appropriate guidance; and knowing how to communicate with your child's teacher.
Essential Element # 1 - Homework Basics
Getting to know the basics of homework, the ins and outs of the process, is critical. Think of it as a perfect platform for a parent to be involved, in a very meaningful way, in a child's education. Think of it as one of the greatest challenges that a parent can ever face. Finally, think of it as an everyday routine that needs to be a primary function of family life.
Think about the reasons for homework to begin with. This is ammunition for a parent when responding to the typical child question, "Why do I have to do homework?" Homework helps the child do the following things: reviews previous learning; provides opportunity to practice; readies the child for the next lesson; expands reference skills using the library and internet; supplements and extends learning; provides opportunities for exploring subjects in more depth; helps the child become an independent worker; and allows for exploring individual interests. Keeping these lofty goals in mind will help a parent when the child starts to balk from time to time. Patience and perseverance is the mental state that parents must adopt. Staying in a positive mode, along what might prove to be a bumpy road, is the preferred approach.
Essential Element # 2 - A Proper Homework Environment
If a child believes that a parent cares and that there is a good reason to complete assignments, the child will value education and the routine of homework. A child needs to see that homework is as essential to education as training is to an athlete.
There are several considerations, which provide a great deal of flexibility, when setting up a good homework environment for a child. A parent should work with a child to make some of these decisions together. Research shows that the following areas need to be addressed: schedule a priority time, which may need to flex if there are dance lessons, sports teams, etc.; choose a specific place that is comfortable and works for the family; minimize distractors, such as TV; organize school supplies and materials; be a good role model by reading, playing educational games, and other appropriate activities; and show interest in what the child is working on.
Essential Element # 3 - Monitoring the Homework Routine
How closely a parent should monitor the homework time will vary from child to child. Those who do not work well independently will, of course, need intensified monitoring. Teachers may have varying views on the parent's monitoring role. It is imperative that a parent talk with the child's teacher to get an understand of the best way to support the child at home. A "never, never rule" is that you never do your child's homework.
Being available for and in close proximity to the homework area is important. At the end of the homework time, a parent needs to thoroughly check to see that the assignments are complete. Asking the child what they were supposed to do and having them explain the assignment is a very effective way to wrap up the summary portion of the homework routine. This can also be a good way to start the session if the child tends to procrastinate about getting down to the assigned tasks. A parent should always be alert to teacher comments that may be on homework and other school papers. These can be red flags for the parents.
Essential Element # 4 - Providing the Appropriate Guidance
Supporting homework routines includes the appropriate guidance in scheduling other activities. Left to their own devices, most children will choose TV or video games over homework. There is a place for the television watching and the game playing, but a parent and child need to formulate a limited time for these. Homework has to be the priority.
Some of the specific techniques in guidance can include the following: encourage independence in completing homework; assist the child with organization skills, such as using folders; reinforce good study skills; help with practice and drills, for example multiplication flash cards; help the child learn about budgeting time to complete all tasks; talk about the assignments with the child; and provide praise throughout.
Essential Element # 5 - How to Communicate with the Classroom Teacher
A parent should contact the child's teacher if the following issues arise: directions for homework are not clear; the parent can't provide the necessary materials and supplies; the child is overly disorganized; the assignments are too easy or difficult on a consistent basis; and the child has missed several days of school and is behind on a massive amount of work.
As early as possible, contact the child's teacher when there is a problem. A parent should take some notes to the meeting in order to be specific about what problem needs to be addressed. Work together to find a solution. It important that whatever is agreed upon that the parent and teacher monitor the results. If there no change after 3 o 4 weeks, the parent should follow up with another meeting request. Don't let things go wrong too long.
The homework environment does not have to be a battleground. However, it can easily turn into one if the parent does not see the big picture and take control of the situation. A parent needs to seize this daily routine as an opportunity to be involved with the child and to be the child's number one supporter for school success. Here's a chance for a parent to give a meaningful gift to a child - a positive attitude toward responsibility, independence and educational accomplishments.
Copyright usage: No permission is needed to reproduce this story. The About The Author statement must remain in tact. I possible, we also request notification of where the article is being used so reciprocal links can be considered. barb@sbmag.org
About The Author Barbara Snyder M.A. Ed. is a retired California Distinguished School Principal and Coordinator For Human Resources. She has a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds elementary education, secondary, community college, and administrative credentials. She is currently the publisher of barb@sbmag.org, co-publisher of Strictly Business Magazine at barb@sbmag.org and Student Teacher Supervisor at Chapman University.
I have been a single mom for almost 20 years.... Read More
In today's fast-paced society, many families depend on some form... Read More
Have you ever wondered why toys for babies tend to... Read More
Does the homework battle so typical with your hyperactive or... Read More
Dexedrine is not prescribed very often for the treatment of... Read More
You are at the grocery store with your daughter and... Read More
As a parent there are lots of things that you... Read More
Non-compliance is the family therapist's big word for your child... Read More
We all know that using cloth nappies is best for... Read More
Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make... Read More
IntroductionAs a parent who wants the best for your children,... Read More
Is your babysitter watching the kids and your k9 family... Read More
Uh oh.Your kids arrive home with their school reports and... Read More
An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More
It is so important to create an environment that promotes... Read More
Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More
No matter what you say or do, your kids will... Read More
Having a babysitter take care of your kids is sometimes... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
You are in the final round of your favorite game... Read More
In the beginning, having children was just a byproduct of... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
There are some grounds to assume that a cognitive dissonance... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles... Read More
Something eerily familiar happened in KwaZulu-Natal's Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in Africa... Read More
The following spelling games can be used by parents to... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
Optimists do better academically, socially and enjoy better health than... Read More
Much has been said about the "gifted child" but in... Read More
During the assessment process it is of great importance for... Read More
Well first off, please to don't institute the ? hour... Read More
It is human nature to feel competitive and envious toward... Read More
It is not the divorce but the conflict arising after... Read More
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and... Read More
When we consider that the word allowance means, "allowing for,"... Read More
Peaceful Parenting? ideas are very different from other kinds of... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
On a recent Saturday evening, I noticed a young teen-age... Read More
Q. Things have been relatively calm and OK with our... Read More
Wooden toys are one of the best alternatives for the... Read More
Bedtime and children's sleep habits can cause nightmares - for... Read More
Join a growing number of parents and teachers!Fact: Last year,... Read More
Public-school teaching is structured in such a way that it... Read More
IntroductionChildren are the gifts of God to parents. That young... Read More
As part of the whole-language (or "balanced") reading-instruction philosophy, many... Read More
LOS ANGELES (May 19, 2005) - With Memorial Day weekend,... Read More
Do you want your child to cooperate with you more?Children... Read More
Child Car Seat Safety:We know you love your children, but... Read More
Parenting |