When you ask your child if he or she has homework, they may look at you as if homework never existed. After you find out they do have homework, let’s make sure they do it right. I want to discuss the importance of being involved in your child’s education as it pertains to homework and study habits that will help them in the future.I can remember the days of being in class and doing classwork only to end up looking at the chalkboard (I know I’m revealing my age) and seeing the reading assignment or given a worksheet that was due the following day. Today some teachers don’t give homework due to having classes with longer class hours allowing more time to do work in the room. Other teachers don’t give out homework because it’s not a part of their philosophy of teaching. No matter what an educator chooses to do concerning homework, it has many advantages. According to the U.S. Department of Education, studies show that homework can help students develop study skills that will be of value even after they leave school. It can also foster positive character traits such as independence, responsibility, and time management.
I want to give you with some helpful homework tips for your teenager to ensure success in the classroom and later on in college if they choose to pursue college.
Provide a place to do homework. Most teens probably want to go to their room. That’s fine as long as you check on them to make sure they’re on task. It would also be a good idea to make sure that the cell phone, computer, television, and other electronic devices are turned off during this time. However, some kids work better with music on. Whatever helps them learn the best is fine.
Provide a daily schedule. You can ensure your children have enough time every day to get homework done by giving them a specific time. This will help your teen learns how to manage time.
Provide support and encouragement. Always be ready and available for questions and help by going over the instructions with your teen. Notice I said go over instruction not actually do the work. For example, if your children ask you how to do a particular math problem and you don’t know how to do it, don’t try to solve the problem! It’s okay to tell them you don’t know and get help. A good idea would be to contact the teacher or get a tutor for them.
Study groups. Your child may benefit from studying with one or two classmates; however, make sure the group is using the time to STUDY!
Talk to the teacher. Make an appointment to speak with a teacher if they’re having difficulties in a subject. Their teacher and the school may be able to make arrangements for extra help in the form of a tutor—the earlier your child gets the help they needs, the better.
Keep the lines of communication open. On a consistent basis you should be talking with your teen about her homework and school. Anytime you have questions or concerns, you should speak with your teen’s teachers and other school staff if necessary, such as guidance counselors, principals, etc. By doing these things you will stay involved in your teen’s life, education, and continue to make a connection between home and school.
Jesse Duckworth
Great article! I love the fact that our children have daily agenda books that list the assignments and must be signed by a parent each day. Each signature promises that the child has done their work and we checked it, plus it offers an incentive to the children. If it is signed everyday, they win a free Friday afternoon called "Extrav". The students really look forward to unwinding on Fridays all the while being taught routines, accountability and organization.
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