Huber heights SCHOOLS
WILLIAM KIRBY
Homework is an important part of instruction. Homework provides students the opportunity to practice or extend the material learned in the classroom.
Research tells us that doing homework not only increases a student’s learning but it also helps them learn important life skills such as organization, problem solving, goal-setting and perseverance. While homework can have a positive impact on student learning, it also can be a source of frustration for both parents and children. Listed below are some ideas that may help parents and students deal more effectively with homework.
•Develop a plan for homework and studying. This plan can include a specific place and time for homework. Make sure children have all the supplies they need in order to complete the homework. Keep the supplies in a designated location so that time is not wasted trying to find them.
•Try to be available to answer any questions your child might have about the homework. If necessary, work a problem or two with your child, then watch as the child tries to complete the next one independently. Recognize your role as a parent is to provide help, not to do the work for them. Sometimes in our quest to help our children succeed, we can provide too much help and this can rob children of the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing an important task.
•Be positive about homework. Tell your child how important school is and how homework can help them practice what they have learned. The positive attitude you express about homework will help your child have a positive attitude.
•Contact your child’s teacher(s) if your child consistently has problems completing the homework or refuses to do the homework. The teacher may be able to help you and your child turn the situation around so that homework is not a struggle for you or your child.
•The teacher is always your best resource when you have questions about what your children are learning in school. Contact them if you have any questions.
When parents get involved with their children’s homework, communication between the school and family can improve and student achievement can increase. Homework can also give parents firsthand knowledge of what their children are learning in school.
William Kirby is superintendent of Huber Heights Schools. Contact him at (937) 237-6300 or William. Kirby@huberheightscity
schools.org.
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