What's the last thing children want to do after getting home from school? Homework! Many students are not interested in homework and you may frequently hear complaints such as, "It's so boring", or "Do I have to?"
The fact is, researchers say that how your child completes homework assignments has a direct bearing on his or her academic success. Homework also lets teachers check the effectiveness of their lessons and identify students who need additional help. A combination of homework assignments helps children retain newly learned skills and information, and lets teachers cover more information. Ideally, teachers assign three types of homework:
1. | Practice Homework, which reinforces newly learned skills. | |
2. | Preparation Homework, in anticipation of classroom activities, and | |
3. | Extension Assignments, such as research papers and science-fair projects which involve students applying information they've learned along with their own research and problem-solving skills. |
Educational researchers also believe that homework is one of the most important areas for parent involvement. Parents who create a regular time and space for homework send the message that education is important to them. When parents insist on an environment that is conducive to studying and show an active interest in their children's learning, they're on their way to improved homework patterns. And when children manage their own homework, they increase their independence, responsibility, and self-esteem.
Homework Checklist:
• | Provide a quiet, well-lit space, away from distractions and with all the right study materials- paper, pens and pencils, books, a dictionary, a desk, etc. | |
• | Try to find a separate space for each of your children, or schedule quiet times for homework in designated spaces. | |
• | Create a regular schedule, allowing for adequate study and free time. | |
• | Limit TV time, and do not allow it during homework. | |
| • | When possible, be available to answer questions. Try doing a problem or two together, then watch as your children try the next one. | |
| • | Avoid simply giving the answer. Instead, ask questions that let your children see the problem in smaller, sequential steps. | |
| • | Provide your children with notebooks for writing down assignments. When they're finished, compare the homework and the notebook to make sure everything's done. | |
| • | Review completed and graded assignments. Discuss errors to be sure your children understand the material. | |
| • | Share any concerns with your children's teachers about the amount or type of homework assigned. Be sure to let them know if your children are having difficulty or are unable to do most of it by themselves. | |
| • | If your children never seem to have the right material from school, talk about how they can help themselves, for homework must be their responsibility - not yours or the teacher's. If mystified about a child's disorganization, call the teacher for help. | |
| • | Parents sometimes overschedule their children in a panic to make sure children are "covered" while parents are working. Consider scheduling afternoon study time with a sitter or tutor if your children seem too tired to concentrate on homework later on. |
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