HOMEWORK! WHOSE WORK?

 

Homework is a regular occurrence in school routine. Almost every child gets a piece of it every school week.Parents are major players in homework because it is often directed to them.Studies have shown that children who are supported by their families with homework are likely to perform better academically. If children will succeed in school, parent involvement is not negotiable.

                      

Some parents believe that teachers give homework to keep the parents and the children busy after school. Others are of the opinion that teachers use the homework as a means of transferring difficult tasks to the parents. This is often far from the truth.

Professional teachers give out home-work for the academic advancement of the child. Appropriateness is also another major factor teachers consider before homework is being given. That is why homework is not always in written form, some could be in form of observation of a phenomenon, a painting, a project or even a question to the parents. Whichever form it comes, the primary aim of giving homework is for the child to independently learn new things needed for future endeavour.

 Parents have a lot of responsibility in ensuring that the children are successful with their homework.In reality, the value a parent places on education is clearly revealed on how the child’s homework is treated.

What homework does to your child.

The benefits of homework outweigh its disadvantages if there are any.That’s why it has come to stay as a constant in school routine. Here are some things homework does to you and your child.

• Homework set to a prior lesson aids understanding.

• Homework helps children to develop research skills. They are encouraged to refer to encyclopaedia, books, cds and the library for information.
•  Homework improves children thinking and memory.
• Homework helps the children to develop study skills.
•  Homework encourages positive use of time.
•  Homework helps children to think and achieve independently.
•  Homework helps to prepare children for the next class.
•  Homework broadens the horizon of the children.
•  Homework helps to keep parents abreast of what children are learning in school.
•  Homework helps the parent to play their invaluable role in their children’s education.

How parents can Help.

Knowing the role homework plays in a child’s education will help the parent to be more involved. So how can you as a parent help your child to succeed in homework?

• Provide a quiet and serene environment devoid of noise and distractions like tv, video games, toys etc(make the children choose the location when necessary)
• Develop a plan and lay out expectations for the child depending on academic performance.
•  Have a routine. It could be before dinner, after siesta or after lunch. Make choices to suit you and the child. (However, you must ensure that they unwind and refresh before commencement. Study their study habits to know the most suitable time)
•  Know when to seek extra help or get back to the teacher. Take cognisance of children’s age before introducing other methods of solving a problem so you don’t end up confusing the child. You may send a note asking the teacher to explain further  or refer to their recommended texts or websites.
• Avoid giving too much help. The homework is not yours and the children need to think too. Let them exercise their brains.It helps them to be self reliant.
• Reinforce their efforts and achievements. Positive comments do more good than criticism. Avoid reminding them of their short comings. In everything you do, ensure you help them develop positive self esteem.
• Be involved. Provide the needed supplies and materials for their projects. Don’t let them wear themselves out looking for project materials. Provide them with a homework bag that contains all their supplies.(Pencils, erasers, coloured pencils, clips ,pins etc) 

                           

• Be their role model. If you want your kids to succeed in homework, you need to show them to do it. Research has proven that children’s attitude towards homework can be influenced by their parents’ guidance and way of life. It is important that your children see and know you as a reader and a writer too. You are motivating them to do the same by your action.
• Monitor them: Depending on age, academic achievement and how independently a child can work, parents need to check their work over to help correct simple mistakes they make.

                              

Parents who want their children to be successful in life need to emphasise on need for preparation. One way to prepare them for success academically is by ensuring that they succeed in homework.

  Thomas Friedman said: When I was growing up, my parents told me, 'Finish your dinner. People in China and India are starving.' I tell my daughters 'Finish your homework. People in India and China are starving for your job.

If your child will end up having an edge in this competitive world, then you must teach them to make homework a priority. May we succeed as parents.