Homework!



Posted: Saturday, March 29, 2008

by
dancing leaf

There it is again - the worksheet that just goes on and on! It is that time of night - tired school children and tired parents dreading the battlefield of endless homework. Why do children get homework?

Many teachers believe that there are valid reasons for assigning homework - it is a bridge between home and school, it consolidates the work of the classroom, it allows children to develop independent learning skills and it shows you what work your child is doing in school. There are so many reasons why children might miss important stuff - daydreaming about playtime, not listening - homework is a chance to spot gaps in learning.

However, every parent knows that there is danger of homework interfering with the developmental needs of children, the need for exercise and social play. It's healthy for children to engage in other activities outside of school. Homework also interferes with family time and adds to family stress. It can become a power struggle between parents and children, a battleground for many families.

There are several reasons why children do not want to do their homework. They might find it too easy, too boring, or too difficult. They may also view it as punishment. Probably the most effective way of encouraging children to do homework is to set an example. Children are more likely to study if they see you reading and writing too. Turn off the television and discourage social telephone calls during homework time

Another way to display a positive attitude to homework is to show an interest. Make time to take your child to the library to check out materials needed for homework. Talk about school and learning activities in family conversations. Volunteer to help in the classroom and get to know classmates and other parents who will help to build a network of support for you and your child.

Above all, avoid stress! When you are working with your child try not to work on an emotional level. Don't let your son/daughter "push your buttons". Be cool, calm and collected! Be relaxed. It is up to you to create an atmosphere which will encourage learning. Set up specific expectations for when and where homework should be done and agree on consequences if these expectations are not met.

Most children struggle with homework. Some children take longer to grasp ideas and no one ever encourages them along the way. This is your opportunity to praise your child for what he or she knows and offer help with what is difficult. Remember that your child needs your support and encouragement. Homework is not an opportunity to point out all of your children's academic or behavioural shortcomings no matter how tired and short of patience you are.

Though many sources discourage you from doing children's homework for them, if your child just does not understand, there is no harm in doing a few examples for him or her. Sometimes kids just need to see a few answers and its okay to do that. You can even make it into a game where you answer one and then it's the child's turn to answer the next one.

Daily reading at home is usually part of the day's homework. However, if your child isn't ready to read, is it worth forcing the issue? It's better to read to them instead. Curling up together with a good story creates a positive association with books. Even if it takes a year or two, they will start reading independently when they're ready, and they're far more likely to keep it up in the long term if they love stories. Storytelling is literacy too. Children love to talk about when they where babies, or to hear what you got up to when you were a child.

Maths doesn't have to be written sums! Show your child how maths is useful in everyday life. That could be weighing out ingredients for making a cake and letting your child pay for things in shops. Simple board games with dice are great for building number familiarity.

Above all, we must recognize that children are always learning. Children aren't men and women in little bodies. They need time to play.



Sharri (Home educator and master story teller)

visit www.dancingleaf.co.uk

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by James P Krehbiel
 3 years 291 days ago.
125 fans.
Sharri, Excellent article. I agree with most of what you say. Have you seen my article called, "DITCH THE HOMEWORK?" You might find it interesting and a deviation from the norm. Thanks again. Take care.
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