The "H word... Tackling homework sessions with your child.

Literally, tackling the homework!

Now that you are back to juggling the demands of your child's school schedule, stopping for that special blend of frothy latte, getting to work on time or meeting any one of your other responsibilities, there is one thing that you can count on with regard to supporting your child's education... the H word.  Yes, homework.  It's back.  Summer vacation, as we know it, is over.  This means our daily routines will need to be fine-tuned to accommodate this little twist in the leisure time we tend to enjoy so much.

Homework is intended to reinforce the material children learn in the classroom.  It has probably existed since the beginning of time and has grown to be an issue of controversy.  Proponents of homework believe these out-of-classroom tasks will increase their child's knowledge, skills and abilities.  Conversely, the contra-skeptics of homework believe it offers little or no educational value and feel it is unnecessary.  And then there are those in-between who accept the notion of homework but would like much less of it.  No matter what your school of thought, parents typically will expect their children to complete any school assignment made by the teacher, including homework.  

Some children are able to work on their assignments independently while others will need a little more support --- your support.  Parents, this is where you come in.  Homework sessions provide a valuable opportunity for parents to support their child's education from home.  Younger children love it when their parents show an interest in their learning experience and may even view it as a game to be enjoyed.  Our teenage children, you know the ones who are mini-adult versions of us, may act as though they do not need us but, don't fall for it.  They, too, need our support and guidance as they approach maturity. 

The role of parents is essential in shaping children's thoughts and feeling about learning.  As parents, we want our children to embrace learning opportunities rather than loathe them.  The best case scenario is when our children value learning to such a high degree that they become life-long learners.  So, how can we help our children successfully complete their homework in a learning-rich environment?

1. Begin by sharing your own day with your child and invite her to share the same.  You will learn much by listening to what is being said and what is not being said.
2. Refrain from asking your child what grade she earned on a test or project.  Instead, simply ask her what she learned today which let's her know you value learning over scores.
3. Allow her to eat a snack and relax for a short period of time before beginning her homework.  Much like an adult who "power naps" at work, a child who takes some time to relax will be refreshed and ready to tackle those additional school tasks. 
4. Identify a quiet place for studying and completing assignments.  Of course, this means televisions, cell phones, texting, surfing the net and gaming activities are void during this time.
5. Ensure your child has all the materials and supplies to complete her assignments.  Being prepared to learn at home is also a skill that will carry over into the classroom.  Your child’s teacher will love you for this.
6. Take time to review the homework that has been assigned with your child.  Some teachers may provide a weekly homework log while others allow their students to record their assignments independently.  Supplying your child with an assignment booklet or some other method of recording assignments will help her to complete her work and build organizational skills.  If applicable, compare her recorded assignments with the ones her teacher posts online to ensure all are complete.
7. Check with your child for understanding, answer questions and clarify any issues to ensure she is on the right track.  It may be necessary to sit with your child to facilitate her understanding of the material.
8. Steer clear of  yelling or criticizing your child about her performance or lack thereof.  This will only cause a lack of self-esteem, strip her of her confidence, create resentment and build resistance to learning.
9. Review her assignments for accuracy and provide your supportive guidance as necessary. 
10. Let your child know she can come to you for assistance when she needs it.  That 24/7 open door policy works!

Some additional tips worthy of mentioning are as follows:

1. Do not over-schedule your child's time with more activities than she is able to handle.   Both you and your child will appreciate the avoidance of becoming burned out.
2. Allow your children the opportunity to socialize with friends and family during the week.  Outdoor activities such as riding a bike, skateboarding or running will keep them from feeling as though their entire life is about school. 
3. Assign chores so she can work off some energy and reduce any anxieties or stress she may be feeling.
4. A good night's rest will get your child's day off to a good start.  She will arrive to school ready to learn and being well-rested will sustain her activity throughout the day.
5. Rewards sound great while punishments are seen as being punitive measures.  Both can be detrimental to your child's overall growth and development.  Try to avoid both of these strategies in connection to homework as your child may place a greater importance on her performance rather than being who she is as an individual.
6. The buddy system or study groups work well for children.  Children may call each other by telephone or meet with one another to complete assignments.  This sort of interaction provides them with new ways of solving problems, teaches them to be leaders in a group setting and allows them to learn from each other.
7. If your child shuts down during homework sessions, do not press the issue.  Let her take a break before trying again.  If this does not solve the issue then this may be a day when her assignments will be incomplete.  Do not fret, it happens.  Your child or you (depending on your child's age, development or situation) can speak to the teacher about the possibility of making up the incomplete assignments.
8. Allow your child to build confidence in solving her homework problems.  As a student, she has many resources at her fingertips (i.e. books, internet, peers, etc.).  She will learn to be the independent person you know she is able to become.
9. Model the behavior you want to see in your child.  When your child observes you regularly reading, studying, doing office work or even household administrative tasks the chances become greater that they will emulate this same behavior.
10. Unfortunately, there may be those times when your child does not follow your guidance.  In fact, she may blatantly resist any attempts you make to support her.  Although it can be difficult and senseless to you, your child will need to face the consequences of her actions while you wait in the balance to provide your support when she is open to it.

Now, if you still find your child is experiencing difficulty in completing her homework assignments within a reasonable amount of time, talk to her teacher about ways to better address the issue.  Joining forces with your child's teacher can be of great benefit to your child.  The teacher may be able to shed some additional light on the issue(s) and suggest some time management and organizational tips, tutoring, or possibly a modification of the assignments. 

To kick off this school year, you were first supplied with information on “What should parents expect during the first weeks of school.”  Now, we have build upon that information by adding some helpful tips on completing homework.  So you are well on your way to helping your child travel along the road of academic success.  Happy trails!
 
For more information on homework please visit the Family Education website which offers a homework relief center by grade level, organizational tips, tips to improve memory and a lot more! 

Please feel free to email your comments and related experiences to kellybedford4@yahoo.com or post a comment in the "Comments" section following the article.