I don’t know of any parent or student who honestly can say, “I love homework!” If a teacher is honest, they probably don’t love it either. Many schools and school districts require minimum and maximum homework assignments weekly. Some parents believe their child’s school is not doing their job if parents don’t see homework every night. They expect to see their child working diligently at the kitchen table on schoolwork.
Research indicates that homework is beneficial for middle and high school students. Interestingly, elementary students appear not to derive the same benefits from homework as their older peers. Some studies conclude that homework increases standardized test scores, improves time management, and improves critical thinking skills. Most research finds that ten minutes of homework for the grade level is the most beneficial amount. Therein lies the challenge – the appropriate amount and efficacy of the homework assigned.
Quality vs. Quantity of Homework
What takes ten minutes for one child to complete can take significantly more time for others. Children work at different speeds in the classroom. Why would it be different when they are at home? Many students don’t go home immediately after school ends. They are in after-school programs that may try to help them with their homework. Still, given the number of children in the program, the distractions, and the qualifications of the people helping, a child will unlikely get the assistance they need.
There is also the issue of ‘quality’ homework versus ‘busy work.’ For instance, a ‘quality’ homework assignment might involve a research project encouraging independent thinking, while ‘busywork’ could be a worksheet of repetitive math problems. If a teacher assigns homework, the homework should be meaningful and applicable to something they are doing in the classroom.
Effective Strategies for Homework Management
Given the problematic nature of homework, the probability of someone supervising or helping a child complete an assignment, and children’s overall busyness with other activities during the week, it’s crucial to have effective strategies for homework management. Much like other routines in your home, integrating homework as a regular routine requires communication and planning.
Communication
The first is to communicate with all the teachers to understand the expectations for homework. For example, do teachers rotate assignments so that one night is math, the following is language arts, and so on? It’s inexcusable for a child to come home with five assignments, one from each teacher. Communicating with teachers gives you reassurance that your child’s homework is being managed effectively.
Once you have an idea of the expectations, the next thing a parent should know is how much homework counts towards the final grade and how the teachers grade homework. This understanding can significantly impact your child’s academic performance. There’s a massive difference if homework counts 10% of the final grade rather than 25% or if it is averaged into classwork, which is usually about 40%.
The method a teacher uses to grade homework is equally important. Some teachers grade homework the same way they would a test. There are teachers who assign homework because the district or school requires it. If it’s turned in, they never bother to look at it. Others give a grade of 100 if homework is turned in and a zero if not. Knowing these details can help guide your child effectively and help them feel proactive in their academic journey.
Monitoring
Once you understand your child’s teacher’s expectations, developing a method for monitoring the assignments is next. Many schools have lessons and assignments placed online by the teachers. Assuming they are updated on the online platform, you can easily log in and find out what your child is doing.
Online platforms are less accurate than you think, as teachers get busy or something changes their lesson plans. They need to be updated promptly, but aren’t. Some schools provide agendas for your child to write their assignments. Again, even the most diligent children sometimes get the assignment written down incorrectly. Having a method to monitor assignments is not foolproof, but it is necessary.
Designating Space
Once you have established a monitoring method, the next step is determining where the homework will be completed. A designated area where homework is completed is crucial – preferably where you can see what’s happening. This will help your child stay organized and focused. Eliminate all distractions like cell phones or other devices.
Have all the supplies accessible, not somewhere your child will have to leave the designated area. Any distraction will result in extended time spent completing the assignment. The key is to get started and get finished, making you feel in control of the homework process.
If you rely on after-school programs for homework assistance, you must have a serious conversation with them about your expectations. Most after-school programs are understaffed and at capacity. If there is a qualified person to assist your child with homework, they are more than likely thinly spread over multiple age groups with varying needs. The result is that you will need to check your child’s homework.
Ask for Help
Finally, homework should be a smooth process! As a teacher, I want to respect and protect family time. Suppose homework is taking time away from your family or preventing your child from participating in activities unrelated to school. In that case, you should express your concerns to the school administrator. Balancing family, school, and non-academic activities is challenging—but manageable with the right plan!
