Although both children and parents often dread homework, it provides an important opportunity for children to practice what they have learned in school, get more in-depth information, apply skills learned more broadly, obtain important learning and organizational skills, and learn how to work independently with self-discipline. Homework can also provide an opportunity for parents to get a sense of what their children are doing in school, how well they are doing, and enhance their relationship with their children.
Here are some tips on things you can do to help your children with homework:
- Set a regular family quiet time for working. It helps to have a family quiet time set aside in the afternoon or evening for study, reading, and working on homework. Regardless of whether or not children have homework assigned, everyone in the family should participate in this quiet time, and children without homework should use the time to read, write letters, review school lessons, study or do research. Children are less likely to lie about not having homework if they know they will still need to participate in quiet time.
- Find a good location. It is helpful to set aside a comfortable place in the home where the child can do homework, such as a desk or a kitchen table with a chair. It helps to have good lighting. Younger children will need more assistance with and monitoring of their homework, so picking a location that is within easy view of the parent is helpful.
- Minimize distractions. Turn off the TV and make video games off-limits during quiet time. Although some children seem to enjoy working while listening to music, there is some evidence to suggest that even music can be distracting. If you do let children listen to music while working, make sure that the music is quiet, and not distracting to other children who are working.
- Have resources available. Make sure that your child has pens, pencils, notebook paper or any other supplies he/she may need. If children need information from the library or a computer, or to obtain supplies for a project, help them to get access to what they need. If you are not sure how your child should do the homework that is okay! Just know where to direct your child to get the information, such as a homework hotline, other children in the class, or a teacher’s after school help.
- Express interest and enthusiasm in your child’s homework. Ask about the assignment, and express interest in the topic. Talk to your child about how to tackle the assignment and what it means. Children will be more interested and enthusiastic about their homework if you show interest and enthusiasm. Posting work that received good grades on the refrigerator, or keeping a folder with special work in it shows children that you are interested and care about their work.
- Set a good example. Children watch what we do, and if we model good study skills, read, and organize our time well, our children will learn from our example.
- Be available. Make sure that you or another responsible adult is available to monitor homework time. It is helpful to serve as a coach to your children, providing assistance on what to do next if they get stuck, checking over their work when they are finished, or even helping them practice testing themselves on new skills. They may also benefit from assistance with breaking down large tasks into smaller tasks, organizing their work, and managing their time.
- Give praise and encouragement. Homework can be tiring and frustrating, so make sure to praise children for their efforts, even if they are struggling. Give children the message that they are capable of doing the homework and that you believe in them. If necessary, encourage them to take short breaks after they finish smaller tasks so that they don’t get too fatigued or restless.
- Ask teachers what to expect regarding homework. Teachers have varying policies on homework, so checking in with your child’s teacher at the beginning of the school year regarding what to expect will help both you and your child prepare for the coming year. If the amount of homework provided seems to be too much or too little for your child, make sure to talk to your child’s teacher about your concerns.
- Don’t do your child’s homework! Although it may be tempting at times, it is important for children to do the work themselves. Not only do they not learn if you do the work for them, it gives them the message that you think they can’t do it, or they are not important enough to take the time to help with homework.
National Education Association. Helping your student get the most out of homework.
Gurung, R. (2005). How do students really study (and does it matter)? Teaching of Psychology, 32, 239-241.
U.S. Department of Education. Helping your child with homework.
