Homework Help 12 ways to support students

So, it’s halfway through the year and you still need to master (or reconfigure) a homework routine. Let’s be honest—parents often dread homework as much as kids do. We get it. But homework connects parents to what children are learning in school, and research shows that children are more likely to be successful in school when they have family support. So, it’s important for everyone involved to get a handle on a consistent routine. Even the most homework-challenged parents can support their children with these tips.

1. Understand the reason for homework. Homework should reinforce what is being taught in the classroom—an extension of what they’ve already learned. Doing homework also teaches students important life skills—responsibility, time management and task completion. Children should be able to complete homework with little help from parents as they shouldn’t come home with an entirely new concept to learn. If that is not the case, it’s time to schedule a teacher conference (see #11).

2. Know the teacher’s philosophy. As you’ve likely learned by now, teachers have varying philosophies about how much homework to assign. Some think a ton of homework helps build character. Others think children have done enough work during the day and don’t assign any. Understand where your child’s teacher falls on the homework spectrum so you’re no longer surprised when the homework does (or doesn’t) come home. The National Education Association and the National Parent Teacher Association support the 10-minute guideline: 10 minutes of homework per grade level (understand that multiple teachers likely means more assignments).

3. Let them fail. Don’t be quick to bail your child out every time you receive a frantic text about forgotten homework. One of the purposes of homework is to teach responsibility and accountability. There is no motivation to remember and improve if kids know parents will fix the problem.

4. Get re-organized. If you haven’t done a mid-year re-organization of backpacks and homework schedules, now is the time. Your kids should have a relatively organized backpack and homework folder to carry assignments between home and school. If teachers

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haven’t provided a homework schedule or assignment book/calendar, get one for each child and teach them how to fill it out.

5. Be consistent. Kids benefit greatly from structure and consistency. With sports, service projects, religious and other enrichment activities, it can be challenging to schedule a set time to do homework every day. Aim for as much consistency as possible.

6. Designate a study space. If you don’t already have a designated homework space, choose one that is free of distractions and that is accommodating to your child’s personality. Some children concentrate best in complete quiet, while others study well with background music. Make study areas free from video games, TV and disruptive siblings who finish homework early. Set kids up for success with easy access to necessary supplies such as pencils, markers, glue, tape, stapler, three-hole punch, notebook paper, graph paper, calculator, ruler, etc.

7. Be available, but don’t do the work. Helping your child with homework is a great way to connect, but don’t provide answers. The whole point of homework is for children to practice skills independently.

8. Use a timer if necessary. Some children like to procrastinate. Some like the challenge of beating the clock. Either way, a timer keeps a child focused on the finish line.

9. Model learning as a priority. Let children see you reading books, the newspaper or an e-reader. Discuss current events, politics or exhibitions at local art or history museums. Find exciting tidbits in their homework lessons to explore together. Show by example that learning is fun. Find great ideas for local educational outings in our article Fun San Diego Learning Adventures: www.sandiegofamily. com/things-to-do/out-about/funeducational-places-to-go-with-kids.

10. Encourage. No matter how tired you are, have a positive attitude about the work your child does. Encourage their efforts and let them know you are proud of them.

11. Speak up. If you think too much homework is coming home, that your child isn’t familiar with the material or that they are struggling, schedule a conference with your child’s teacher. Most teachers welcome feedback and want to help your child succeed.

12. Call in reinforcements. If homework is too challenging and your child is not feeling supported by the teacher, consider getting an experienced tutor who is good at explaining the subject material to kids. v

Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and teacher with a Master’s Degree in education. Because she loves to see her students get lost in books, reading is her favorite homework to assign.

Find more support through apps and San Diego tutoring services in our article at www.sandiegofamily.com/ resources/education-directory/ homework-help-apps-and-san-diegotutoring-services.

Feb. 2023 SanDiegoFamily.com