Homework - Best Ways to Help My Child with Homework

First, avoid doing the homework yourself! Doing homework for a child sends a message that he or she is incapable of doing the work and that perfection is the main objective. It also denies your child the opportunity to develop skills and gain understanding from the experience. Remember, doing homework should help children plan, manage, and complete work on their own, Parents should be familiar with the school's homework policy and help their children get the most out of homework by: 

*Exhibiting a positive attitude in word and deed that homework is important and education comes first. For many, resistance to doing homework is a source of conflict in the home. For help in reducing the conflict, see "Hassle free homework: A six week plan for parents and children to take the pain out of homework" by Cecil Clark. 

*Encouraging children to take notes about homework assignments when they are given. 

*Discussing homework assignments with children to become familiar with what they are studying. Talk together about the topic of an essay before the child begins writing, and do short quizzes on the day before a test. 

*Limiting after-school activities to allow time for homework and family activities. 

*Limiting telephone use by agreeing ahead of time what will be allowed. 

*Planning homework schedules and routines that allow some free time when assignments are completed. Make sure your child is well rested, not hungry, and has had time to wind down after school (Herold, 1999). Also, avoid scheduling homework right before bedtime when children will be too tired or feel pressured to finish by bedtime. For long-term projects, mark plans and deadlines on a calendar. 

*Monitoring television and radio use. If there is a favorite show that comes on during scheduled study time, arrange to record the show if possible. 

*Doing some assignments or questions together with a child when he or she asks for help. Sometimes children need help in learning how to break large assignments down into manageable pieces. 

*Staying nearby-reading, writing, studying or catching up on paperwork. Be available to help if asked, but avoid imposing your help or way of doing something. 

*Checking completed assignments, and reviewing homework that has been marked and returned. Avoid negative comments, but contact the teacher if your child consistently gets 25% or more wrong on homework problems and assignments, or if he or she never seems to have any homework (Shore, 1999). 

*Providing children with convenient, quiet, and comfortable work areas that are well-lit , free of family traffic, and have the materials needed to complete assignments. Some people do study better with music or background noise, so try to accommodate your child's preferred learning style. 

*Encouraging the use of reference materials (such as dictionaries and encyclopedias), and providing a computer and calculator if possible. If a computer is not available in the home, plan regular visits to a public library or community learning center where access is available. 

The computer has become a common and essential tool in learning many school subjects, particularly mathematics and science. You and your children can use a computer to: 

*Complete reports and assignments using word processing programs and other software. 

*Find information using reference materials on CD-ROMS; many are typically available from school and public libraries. 

*Use software packages that teach science concepts and skills in interesting and enjoyable ways.

Source: Helping Students with Homework in Science and Math. ERIC Digest.  by Milbourne, Linda A. - Haury, David L.

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