Parents Page
How Parents Can Help with
Homework
 
Families play a vital role in educating children. This is particularly true when it comes to homework. Good assignments, completed successfully, can enhance learning and help children develop lifelong skills. Homework can also help parents learn about their child's education and communicate with their child and the school.
 

        Why teachers assign homework
     Teachers assign homework for many reasons. Homework
     can help children:
  •  review and practice new knowledge and skills;
  •  prepare for the next days class;
  •  learn to use resources such as libraries and reference materials;
  •  explore subjects more fully than time in class allows;
  •  work independently;
  •  develop self-discipline and responsibility;  
  •  enhance self-esteem for a task done well.

    Parent involvement is the key
     Children need to know that their parents think homework is important. When parents help their  children  with homework, chances of doing well in school and in life are improved, and important lessons about discipline and responsibility are learned. Parents are in a unique position to help their children make connections between schoolwork and the "real world," bringing meaning to the homework experience. The following suggestions will help parents and their children develop homework habits essential for school success.
     

    Set a daily homework time
     Children work and learn best when they have a regular, predictable routine. Parents can help establish and maintain a regular homework time that works best for their children and their family. In some instances, family activities may require a flexible schedule.
     

    Provide a study area
     A study area doesn't have to be fancy. It could be a desk in a quiet room ,the kitchen table, or a corner of the living room. Regardless of the location of the study area,  homework must be a priority. During homework time the TV should be off. Some students work well with quiet background music, but loud, noisy music is a distraction and interferes with concentration.
     

    Provide the necessary supplies
     Make sure there are plenty of pens, pencils, and paper on hand so precious time is not lost searching for items needed to complete assignments.
     

    Be available
    Many children, especially younger ones, feel more comfortable completing homework if a parent is available to answer questions and provide explanations and assistance.
     

    Look over completed assignments
     When parents review completed homework assignments, they are better informed about what their children are learning in school. They also demonstrate to their children that homework is a priority and that accurate completion of assignments is expected.
     

    Ask about the teacher's homework policy
     Teacher's expectations about homework vary. At the start of the school year, parents should ask the teacher what kinds of assignments will be given, how long are children expected to take to complete them, and how does the teacher want parents to be involved.
     

    Give praise
     Children, like everyone, respond to praise. When parents praise their children for responsible behavior, that behavior is more likely to be repeated. Praise can go a long way toward motivating children to complete assignments.
     
    The right amount of homework
     Many educators believe that homework, to be effective, should follow these guidelines. 
    •  Grades 1 - 3:  20 minutes each school day,
    •  Grades 4 - 6:  20 to 40 minutes each school day
    •  Grades 7 - 12:  up to 2 hours each school day.
    Parents who have concerns about either too much or too little homework should talk with their child's teacher. Assignments will vary depending on the teacher, curriculum, and the learning needs of the child.  

    Resources:  U.S. Department of Education and the Laboratory for Student Success
     
    Source:  Oswego Classroom Teachers Association