Homework: A Concern for the Whole Family

A survey of 1,032 parents of primary-school children found that 69 percent of parents surveyed said it is "extremely important" to spend time at home encouraging children in schoolwork.

Those are the latest findings of a survey by the Hand in Hand: Parents, Schools & Communities United for Kids campaign, sponsored by the Institute for Educational Leadership and the Mattel Foundation.

The study indicates that we need to reassess the widely held assumption that parents have little or no involvement in their children's education.

Indeed, families play a vital role in educating America's children. What families do is more important to student success than whether they are rich or poor, whether parents have finished high school or not, or whether children are in elementary, junior high or high school.

Yet, for all that common sense and research tell us, family involvement often remains neglected in the debate about school reform. To focus more attention on this important subject, the U.S. Congress added to an initial list of six National Education Goals another that states: "Every school will promote partnerships that will increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional and academic growth of children."

We know that children who spend more time on homework, on average, do better in school, and that the academic benefits increase as children move into the upper grades. But the value of homework extends beyond school. Good assignments, completed successfully, can help children develop wholesome habits and attitudes. Homework can help parents learn about their children's education and communicate both with their children and the schools. And it can encourage a lifelong love of learning.

Homework is an opportunity for students to learn and for parents to be involved in their children's education. A parent's interest can spark enthusiasm in a child and help teach the most important lesson of all - that learning can be fun and is well worth the effort. Here are some ideas for parents who want to show their children that they value education and homework.

Set a Regular Time for Doing Homework.
Some families also have a required amount of time that children must devote to homework or some other learning activity each school night.
Pick a Place.
A study area should have lots of light, supplies close by, and be fairly quiet. A study area doesn't have to be fancy, but your child may enjoy decorating a special study corner with a plant, a brightly colored container to hold pens and pencils, or some favorite artwork taped to the walls.
Remove Distractions.
Turn off the television and discourage social telephone calls during homework time. Try having all family members take part in a quiet activity during homework time.
Provide Supplies and Identify Resources.
For starters, collect pencils, pens, erasers, writing paper, an assignment book, and a dictionary and keep these items together in one place if possible. Calculators, glue, tape, scissors and a thesaurus may also be helpful.
Set a Good Example.
Children are more likely to study if they see you reading, writing, and doing things that require thought and effort on your part.
Show an Interest.
Make time to take your child to the library to check out material needed for homework - and for fun too - and read with your child as often as you can. Ask your child what was discussed in class that day. If he or she doesn't have much to say, try another approach. For example, ask your child to read aloud a story he or she wrote or discuss the results of a science experiment.

In addition to helping with homework, there are many other important ways that parents can help their children learn. Parents can encourage children to spend more leisure time reading than watching television. They can talk with their children and communicate positive behaviors, values, and character traits. They can keep in touch with the school. And they can express high expectations for children and encourage their efforts to achieve.

Indeed, family involvement in education is crucial if we want our children to succeed in school and throughout life.

NSEA

Survey

Homework: A Concern for the Whole Family