PTA - Adamsville Elementary

Helping Your Child Get the Most Out of Homework

Sep 22, 2004

Many students try to avoid it, but teaching and learning research indicates that children who spend more time on regularly assigned, meaningful homework, on average, do better in school, and that the academic benefits of homework increase as children move into the upper grades.


Parents and families play an important role in the process. Together, families and teachers can help children develop good study habits and attitudes to become lifelong learners.


This Homework Q&A can show parents how they can help their children get the most out of homework.


Why do teachers give homework?
Teachers use homework...

To help students understand and review the work that has been covered in class

To see whether students understand the lesson
To help students learn how to find and use more information on a subject
Homework is also the link between school and home that shows what a child is studying.

Research shows that when homework is turned in to the teacher, graded, and discussed with students, it can improve students' grades and understanding of their schoolwork.



How much time should my child spend each night on homework?
Most educators agree that...

For children in grades K?–2, homework is more effective when it does not exceed 10?–20 minutes each school day;

Older children, in grades 3?–6, can handle 30?–60 minutes a day;

In junior and senior high school, the amount of homework will vary by subject. Most older students will also have homework projects, such as research papers and oral reports, that may have deadlines weeks away. They may need help organizing assignments and planning work times to make sure homework is ready to turn in on time.
Your child's teachers can tell you how much time they expect students to spend on homework. Place most concern on whether the homework is meaningful and whether over a period homework is assigned in all of your child's subjects.

Ask your principal if your school or school district has a homework policy. If it does, make sure that you and your child know and understand that policy.



How can I help with homework?
There are several ways in which you can help:


Send your child to school each day, well-rested, fed, and with a positive outlook.

Take an active interest in your child's schooling. Ask specific questions about what happens at school each day and how your child feels about it.
Try not to let any of your own negative experiences keep you from supporting and encouraging your child's learning. Let your child know how much you care about education by continuing your own learning both informally and formally, to impress its importance upon him or her.
Make homework a daily activity and help your child develop good homework habits.


How much help should I give?
This depends on each child's grade level and study habits. Younger students often need extra homework help. First, make sure the child understands the directions. Do a few problems together, then watch your child do a few. When your child is finished, check the work. Praise right answers, and show how to correct mistakes.

Avoid doing your child's homework. Teachers need to see where your child is having trouble.

An older child may need help organizing his or her assignments by recording them on calendars or planners, along with due dates, dates turned in, etc.


What if I don't understand my child's assignment?
Today's students may have subjects that you never had or that you didn't like when you were in school. You can still help your child by praising their progress, getting help from a public library or homework hotline, and talking with his or her teachers.



Do teachers really want me to ask them questions about homework?
Teachers want children to learn and want parents and families to be involved in their child's education. When you stay in touch with your child's teachers, they can ease your worries and offer their own homework tips and ideas on how you can help your child learn. Meet each of your child's teachers and ask what kind of homework will be given. This is very important, even if your child is in junior or senior high school.

Early in the school year and on occasion, ask teachers about your child's subjects and about homework policies. For example, ask what books your child will be using, what kinds of assignments will be given, and when the teacher is available to answer questions.



My child tries hard but still has problems with homework. What can I do to help?
There could be a number of reasons for your child's trouble. Suggest that the child ask the teacher for extra help before or after school. Tell your child it's good to ask the teacher about homework or anything else he or she doesn't understand. Set a time to meet with the teacher to discuss the problem. You may need to meet again during the year to check on how your child is doing.

If your child understands the work but is still having trouble, ask for a meeting with the teacher. The two of you should work out a plan to meet your child's needs. Ask your school about tips or guides for helping your child develop good study habits.
Ask your child to show you their homework after the teacher returns it, to learn where they're having trouble and where they're doing well. See if your child did the work correctly.


When I ask my child if she has homework, she says that it's finished or that she doesn't have any. How do I make sure she's really doing the work?
Make studying, not just homework, a daily habit. A child can always review lessons, read a book, or work on practice exercises during quiet time, even if they don't have homework. Ask younger children to show you their homework so that you can check it, sign it, and date it. Teachers like to see that adults have checked a child's homework. If your child's school has a homework hotline, call it to check for the day's assignments. If your child often has no homework to do, you should let their teachers know.

Don't ask your child if he or she has homework each night?—assume that the child always has homework or studying to do.


What if my child still isn't turning homework in?
State clearly and assertively to your child that you expect homework to be done and turned in to the teacher. Let your child know you will not tolerate irresponsible behavior about homework.

Don't wait until grades come out to find out if the problem has been solved. You may need weekly contact with the teacher until the student develops new habits.

Should I reward my child for doing homework or for getting good grades?
Children like to know when they've done a good job. Your approval means a lot. Praise your child's work often. Show pride when your child does his or her best, no matter what grades they get. Maintain a portfolio of "best pieces."

Be careful about giving money or gifts as rewards. Most teachers want parents to reward students' work in other ways. The next time your child does a good job on a school project, plan a special family activity as a reward.



How can I create a household environment that encourages my child to be engaged in their homework?
Set the stage for homework success by organizing a household environment where studying does not conflict with other activities. Consider some of the following strategies:

1. Plan "quiet time" for the family every day. This study time will allow the child to work uninterrupted, but it will also give the child an opportunity to see other family members engaged in activities?—such as reading a book or balancing a checkbook?—that emphasize the family's commitment to quietly doing things that require thought and effort.

2. Schedule homework at a time that works for the child and for the family. Some children are able to start homework right after school, while others may prefer to come home and take a break. During study time, turn off the television and entertainment devices. Some children, however, may work better with soft music in the background.

3. Help the child set up a study area. The area can be in any room; the location may depend on whether the child prefers to study alone or around others.