Helping kids with homework

Is homework a dirty word at your house? The intent of homework is to reinforce learning that has taken place at school. Specifically, it can provide an opportunity to master skills taught in school, prepare children for future class discussions and activities, complete class work not finished at school, encourage independence, creativity and reading, and develop a sense of discipline and organization.

With all of this going for it, how does it sometimes turn into such a battle? Homework can become a power struggle between parents and children with parents nagging, and children finding ways to procrastinate doing homework. Before too long both parents and children see homework as a punishment.

Advice for parents

-- Don't nag. Instead, set up specific expectations for when and where homework should be done. Let children help make these decisions. Agree on consequences if these expectations are not met.

-- Establish a nightly quiet or study time. If children have no homework, or it's finished early, encourage them to spend the time reading. This routine avoids rewarding children for completing their homework as quickly as possible so they can play. During this quiet time parents can be good role models by reading, writing letters or paying bills. The length of time depends on the child's age and homework load. Elementary-age children may need to take a break every 15 - 30 minutes; older children can usually concentrate for 30-45 minutes at a time.

-- Provide a place to study that is quiet and free of distractions. Make sure there is good lighting, and a desk or table with a comfortable chair.

-- Help children keep track of assignments and projects on a calendar or in an assignment journal.

-- Be interested in assignments and available to help. Start by helping children understand the directions for the assignment. Have children read the directions out-loud or read them together. Help children identify and assemble all the supplies they will need to complete the assignment (pencil, calculator, dictionary). If children are still unsure what to do, parents can complete one or two examples, but not every question.

-- Check homework and have children correct any mistakes. Pointing out mistakes while keeping children feeling positive about you and their work is very tricky. One suggestion is to ask children how they got that answer, they may discover their own mistake. Praise right answers, creative thinking, problem solving and effort. Show children how to correct mistakes. If children are tired or frustrated you might offer to help by erasing while they take a quick break before they make needed corrections.

-- Recognize your limits and the frustration level between you and your child. In some cases it may be better to hire a tutor or older student to help your child. Talk to the teacher if your child does not understand assignments, or struggles to complete them. Ask the teacher how much time completing nightly homework should take.

Advice for children

-- Read the directions before you start, even if you think you already know what to do.

-- If possible start your homework at school while the teacher is there to answer questions.

-- Have a homework phone friend. Call your friend if you forget what the assignment is or you can't remember what the teacher said in class. Find out if your school or community has a homework hotline and use it if you're having trouble. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

-- If you get stuck, don't give up. Go back and look at the sample problems or read the directions again. If you still don't understand go on to another problem or part of the assignment. If the assignment is really hard don't do it all at once. Do one part and put it aside while you do something else, and then come back to it.

-- If you don't understand a word look it up in the book's glossary in the back of the book or use a dictionary.

-- Show homework to your parents or tutor and let them check it for you before you turn it in. Turn in your homework even if you think you did it wrong, this lets the teacher know you need help.

Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Hall (770)535-8290 and the Forsyth (770)887-2418 County Extension Service.