How Much Should I Be Involved In Daily Homework?

According to "Mom Goes to School", teachers rely on homework to straighten the review classroom work, often counting on parents to help clarify misunderstandings and confusion. In essence, the parent becomes an adjunct of the classroom, providing the tutoring, editing, or advice your child needs to grasp the material. Below are why homework is important and ways you can get involved with daily homework:

1. Homework allows you to take an active role in your child's education.

2. Homework serves as a bridge between your world and your child's classroom.

3. By reviewing the content and checking your child's homework, you become involved in your child's academic progress.

4. Time management is a critical skill which your child needs your help to master. (Examples: Decide together how much time an assignment should take, Marking a time for him/her to start work, checking in when the work is finished). This will help your child pace him/herself.

5. Figure out how your child works best. Is it under pressure and deadlines, or doing work gradually.

6. Make homework a family time. If you don't have any work to do, work on a crossword puzzle or read as long as you're doing something productive.

7. Ask your child to explain his work and teach it to you, because if they can teach the material he/she truly understand it.

8. Ask to see the homework after the teacher returns it. Go over the assignment and discuss the teacher's comments.

9. Reward your children's progress with plenty of praise, and display their work on the fridge.

10. Make sure your child does the homework. It does no one any good if you are completing the homework for your child.