Helping with Homework
Why helping with homework is important:
Helping your child with homework is an excellent way to support your child’s learning. By assisting with your child’s homework, you are showing your child that their education is important. In addition, you are encouraging positive learning behaviors and helping to reinforce classroom material. Research has proven that kids are likely to be more successful in school when parents show interest in their child’s homework.
How to help:
Helping with homework can look different with every child. Depending on your child, you can be supportive by demonstrating study and organization skills, explaining a tricky problem, or just encouraging kids to take a break when they’re having trouble.
Here are some tips for helping with homework:
Make a schedule - Setting a regular study time is important. Choose a time that works best for your child. Some children work best directly after school while others work best after dinner.
Reserve a special location for homework - Give your child a workspace to complete their homework. Provide them with all the necessary materials (i.e. highlighters, pencils, markers). Limit distractions by making sure this space is quiet (i.e. turn off the TV).
Take breaks when necessary - If your child has been working on homework for longer than usual encourage them to take a break.
Encourage independent thinking - Assist with directions and make suggestions as necessary, however, allow your child to think for themselves and to learn from their mistakes.
What to do if your child says they don’t “need” or “want” help:
Be a motivator - Ask about upcoming assignments, tests and quizzes. Review vocabulary, spelling words or ask to read a book together. Give praise for your child’s hard work and provide encouragement to keep up the great work. Hang their work on the refrigerator and mention their academic achievements to family members.
Get the family involved - Check and review the homework. Have them show a sibling, grandparent, cousin or friend the work they’ve completed. Ask your child to explain their work or sequence the order of steps needed to solve a math problem.
Get to know the teachers - Ask about homework policies and how you can get involved!
