Homework Assistance
Many teachers agree that homework has a place and is probably here to stay. The discipline of a daily routine is important in the formation of a good homework ethic. This statement has not been proven scientifically.
If a habit is formed in 21 days as they say, then doing homework surely teaches you that doing what is expected daily is probably a good thing. But again, no study has ever shown that homework builds character or teaches good study habits. What it does do is to contribute to the learners performing better in their assessments and tests.
While the debate rages as to how much homework is just the right amount, the fact remains that teachers will give homework and students need to complete it. Some learners will do their homework simply because it is given by the teacher. More learners will forget to do their homework or do it badly.
Here are some simple tips for helping your child to do what they have to and make the homework situation more bearable.
ClasSmart will give useful ideas and advice to assist you as parent to cope with homework.
Rule No 1
Encourage your child to work in class.
Some learners do not work hard enough in class. If class exercises are sent home to be completed, chances are your child did not use the class time effectively. Learners can become distracted in class. Assist your child to understand that if they do the work at school, they can play at home.
Rule No 2
Stay in touch with the teacher. Communication between school and home is very important. The homework diary should be a vehicle for communication.
SIGN THE DIARY DAILY!
Ask your child when nothing is written down for that day. Do not just take it for granted when they say they have no homework.
Write a note to the teacher and ask how your child is doing in Maths if you are concerned.
Ask about the lack of entries. Just check. Rather check than get the phone call.
Rule No 3
Check the suitcase every day or at least every second day. Go through the books.
Disorganised children have disorganised suitcases.
They do not write their homework down.
Bear in mind that a disinterested child may also have a disorganised suitcase
Children are often exhausted in the afternoon and homework is a chore. Allow them a rest before they start the homework.
Expect English and Maths every day. If they do not get this homework, let them read a page or two. They could also interact with you to learn their tables. It is not the end of the world if they do not get homework, but make an effort to page through their books! They may have and simply do not feel like it or have forgotten.
Help them to organise the suitcase.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see trouble coming. Have the books been marked? Read the teacher’s comments? The excessive red pen is such a give-away.
Rule No 4
Do the best most “enjoyable” homework first.
Learners can choose the homework that seems the easiest or most fun. This gives them an opportunity to start the task with a positive feeling. Help them to work smartly.
Rule No 5
Fighting about homework will not help.
Identify the cause for the lack of your child’s motivation. Do not allow homework to be done by primary school children after 20:00. Parents are tired, children are tired and this could lead to huge conflict. If a primary school child is doing homework until late at night, SOMETHING IS WRONG. Speak to the teacher immediately.