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Recently I received an email from a concerned
parent about her children not having homework. I thought you would like
to read my response.
Thank you for contacting The Classroom. It
is refreshing to know that there is a concerned parent. The ultimate responsibility
for any child's education lies, not in the hands of our educational system,
but in the hands of the parents. Children will often use the excuse of
saying they have no homework to avoid doing it.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Make an appointment
with the teacher and discuss your concerns. If the teacher says that he/she
does give homework, develop a communication system. You can use a small
note pad that the teacher signs and explains the assignments. You also
sign the page and discuss the assignment with your child.
2. If the teacher
doesn't give homework, make an appointment with the principal. Ask about
county policies on homework. Explain your feelings and ask him or
her to talk to the teacher.
3. If there are no
school policies on homework take the initiative and develop your own assignments.
Here are some suggestions for your homework:
1. Review what you
child is studying, then ask your child questions. If your child doesn't
know the answers, discuss it with them.
2. Write simple study
questions. If they don't know the answers discuss it with them.
3. Go to local school
supply stores, home school center and order supplemental workbooks. Use
the answer keys to check the answers. If their answers are wrong have them
go back and find the right answers. Give them simple rewards when they
get all the answers correct. I must stress that your rewards be non monetary,
it could be as simple as praise or a hug!
I feel if you take charge of your children's
education, you will find that their grades will improve, you will feel
better and you all will learn something.
Some sources for additional information:
The Classroom Homework Helper
Our page with tips and advice
Helping
Your Child With Homework
For Parents of Elementary and Junior High
School-Aged Children
By Nancy Paulu
Edited by Kathryn Perkinson
Illustrated by Becky Heavner
Homework
Guide for Parents.
Very useful tips on how to help your child
with his or her homework.
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