Homework can be a sticking point that many families struggle with on a daily basis. As your child moves on through their education, homework will likely become a larger part of their routine and grades. With the start of the new school year upon us, setting the tone early on can help you avoid future battles and empower your child to be the best student they can be.
1. Know the homework schedule. Many teachers have specific homework policies. Some give it every day while others may only give it certain days. In my classroom, there are three assignments each week and they are not due until the Friday of that week. This policy is outlined in my beginning of the year letter that parents sign and I post it on my class website and grade book, but I make a point to mention it whenever I speak with a parent about grades because most seem unaware of my routine. Knowing when your child has homework helps you avoid the “I don’t have any” argument. Check with your child’s teacher to see when and if they assign homework so that you know exactly what to expect.
2. Check your child’s daily planner. Many schools give their students a daily planner or agenda at the beginning of the year to record their assignments. Get your child into the routine of using this book to keep track of their responsibilities and check it every day. They can also record when they have upcoming tests or projects so you can help them manage their time. This is a skill that is particularly important to develop in middle school. I know several teachers that check to see if their students use these books and even give them grades for keeping accurate records. Others will sign the book to acknowledge that the student has correctly written down the assignment. Ask your child’s teacher if they can keep an eye on your child’s planner if they struggle with using it..
3. Stay organized. I often recommend that students who struggle with completing homework carry a homework folder. Instead of keeping homework for different classes in different places that can get lost or mixed up, I encourage students to keep one folder for ALL of their homework. The folder is brought to every class, so “I forgot it in my locker” is no longer an excuse. One side of the folder can be for new assignments and the other can be for ones that are completed and need to be passed in. Let your child’s teacher know that they will be carrying such a folder so they can check to see that they have it and know what to look for.
4. Establish a routine. Students who struggle with completing homework on their own may need more structure to get them used to what is expected of them. Have a designated time and place for homework to be done each day and stay consistent. If your child has clear expectations they are more likely to follow through. For example, homework could be completed immediately when they get home, right after dinner, before any television, or whatever works best for your family. Choose a place with limited distractions where your child works comfortably. Check in to make sure they are getting work done or to see if they need your help.
5. Stay in contact with the teachers. Not only will this help you understand their expectations, teachers can offer you a variety of tips from all of their experience. They may also be available after school for homework help or just a quiet place to get work done. Teachers don’t expect parents to be able to help their children with everything (seriously, when was the last time you divided two fractions?), so don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is also important to know how homework will affect your child’s grade. If homework is a large percentage of their overall grade, it may be important for you to discuss the potential impact with your child. Homework is often an easy way not only to raise a grade but be better prepared for a class overall. Homework is given for a reason, and that is to further explore and embed a topic outside of the short daily class time. Not doing homework may be hurting your child’s grade in more than one way.
Homework is important, but it doesn’t have to be the biggest battle of your day. Setting clear expectations and routines can be a big help, and make sure you have the information you need from the teacher. Every teacher is different, and your child is sure to have many different expectations thrown at them at school. Having a parent help guide them through will make them more successful and better prepared for higher grades with higher expectations.