Is homework a dirty word at your house? Discussions about homework come up in some of the workshops I hold and some parents think it is. We all understand the intent of homework is to reinforce learning that has taken place at school. It provides an opportunity to master skills taught in school, prepares children for future class discussions and activities, completes class work not finished at school, encourages independence, creativity and reading, and develops a sense of discipline and organization.
With all of this going for it, how does it sometimes turn into such a battle? Homework can become a power struggle between parents and children with parents nagging, and children finding ways to procrastinate doing homework. Before too long both parents and children see homework as a chore or even a punishment.
Don’t despair parents! Here are some pointers to help with this daily challenge. First, don't nag. Instead, set up specific expectations for when and where homework should be done. Let children help make these decisions. Agree on consequences if these expectations are not met.
Establish a nightly quiet or study time. If children have no homework, or it's finished early, encourage them to spend the time reading. This routine avoids rewarding children for completing their homework as quickly as possible so they can play. During this quiet time parents can be good role models by reading, writing letters or paying bills. The length of time depends on the child's age and homework load. Elementary-age children may need to take a break every 15 - 30 minutes; older children can usually concentrate for 30-45 minutes at a time.
Provide a place to study that is quiet and free of distractions. Make sure there is good lighting, and a desk or table with a comfortable chair.
Help children keep track of assignments and projects on a calendar or in an assignment journal.
Be interested in assignments and available to help. Start by helping children understand the directions for the assignment. Have children read the directions out-loud or read them together. Help children identify and assemble all the supplies they will need to complete the assignment (pencil, calculator, dictionary). If children are still unsure what to do, parents can complete one or two examples, but not every question.
Check homework and have children correct any mistakes. Pointing out mistakes while keeping children feeling positive about you and their work is very tricky. One suggestion is to ask children how they got the answer. They may discover their own mistake. Praise right answers, creative thinking, problem solving and effort. Show children how to correct mistakes. If children are tired or frustrated you might offer to help by erasing while they take a quick break before they make needed corrections.
Recognize your limits and the frustration level between you and your child. In some cases it may be better to hire a tutor or older student to help your child. Talk to the teacher if your child does not understand assignments, or struggles to complete them. Ask the teacher how much time completing nightly homework should take.
By working together, homework time can actually be a time for building relationships rather than breaking them down.
—Maria Pippidis
Originally published in
“Newark Outlook,”
The Newark Post
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