You're a smart person. So why is homework time giving you such a headache? You did pass second grade, right? Then why can't you figure out the math worksheet?!The expectations placed on our young people are high. Things we learned in high school geometry are being taught in fourth grade math these days. Helping your child with his homework can be a challenge. What's a parent to do?
- Ask your child to "be the teacher." You weren't sitting next to little Lily in class when the teacher went over the assignment. You are starting to second guess yourself when it comes to adding multi-digit numbers because this new math starts adding numbers from the left instead of the right. So ask Lily to teach you the new strategy!
"Lily, Mommy needs your help in remembering how to add big numbers. Can you show me how? Tell me what you are thinking!"
Many times children will parrot what their teacher has said in class. If you can get your child to verbalize the process, you can better assist with homework.
Now, if Lily shrugs her shoulders and says, "I don't remember" or "Mrs. Polin never taught us how to do this" then you need to contact the teacher and let her know that Lily didn't understand the skill.
- Use a lifeline. Does the teacher have a website with helpful links? Is there a parent-support section on the curriculum website you can reference? Can you call a fellow classmate or parent?
- Don't be ashamed to admit defeat. Sometimes you just don't know and either does your child. Why waste time fighting with frustration? Many teachers are understanding. A simple note explaining that you tried to work on homework but neither of you really got it is all that needs to be said. It doesn't make you any less of a parent!
Adapted from “Parents on your side: A teacher’s guide to creating positive relationships with parents” by Lee and Marlene Canter (2001)
Homework Tip #1: Set up a study area.
Create a well lit, quiet place at home for your child to work. Try not to disturb him/her when he/she is working.
Homework Tip #2: Create a homework survival kit.
Keep extra pencils, a pencil sharpener, erasers, crayons, markers, pens, scissors, and glue in the study area. Keeping all of these necessary homework supplies in a pencil case will eliminate last minute searches.
Homework Tip #3: Schedule daily homework time.
It’s amazing how kids find time for television, video games, sports, and other extracurricular activities but have difficulty making time for homework! You can help by scheduling a daily homework time for your child and getting him/her to stick to it. It is best if homework is done as soon as possible after school (and maybe a snack). Of course it is essential for parents/guardians to be available to help too!
Homework Tip #4: Encourage your child to work independently.
Homework teaches students responsibility. Through homework, students learn skills they must develop if they are to grow to be independent, successful adults. Please encourage your child to work on his/her own. Encourage your child to use reference books, such as dictionaries, to collect information. Have your child call a friend for help. Only once these resources have been used should you offer assistance. By using resources other than a parent to complete homework, your child will develop creative problem-solving skills.
Homework Tip #5: Motivate your child with
praise.
Children need encouragement and support…especially from their parents! Be sure to tell your child that you are proud of his/her persistence on a challenging problem or that you are impressed with his/her ability to connect to a text that he/she is reading. Consistent praise will increase a child’s self-confidence, develop a sense of pride in personal achievements, and motivate him/her to do the best work possible.
Children need encouragement and support…especially from their parents! Be sure to tell your child that you are proud of his/her persistence on a challenging problem or that you are impressed with his/her ability to connect to a text that he/she is reading. Consistent praise will increase a child’s self-confidence, develop a sense of pride in personal achievements, and motivate him/her to do the best work possible.
Don't let homework be such a headache anymore. And remember, you are smart ...despite what your kids may think.
