How to help your child ......

Homework

The need for homework has been a much-debated topic over the past few years. Although research has given us no conclusive evidence as to its value, many studies conclude that regularly assigned homework leads to immediate academic improvement, as well as to improved study skills and attitudes.

Homework can range from reading, spelling, math exercises to detailed research topics and projects. The purpose of the homework will depend on the age and ability of the student as well as the purpose for which it was assigned.

Homework is given:

• to reinforce lessons taught during class time;
• to give students extra time in an area where they may need practice;
• to provide students with extension or remediation activities;
• to teach students to organise their time;
• to help students develop self-reliance and good study habits;
• to enable parents to see their children's progress;
• to give experience in research techniques;
• to strengthen the ties between home and school, particularly when parents can help in some way with assignments.

There are many ways in which parents can help with homework; these include:

• providing a quiet, regular place to work
• ensuring that there is time set aside for homework;
• taking an active interest in your child's homework
• helping their children organise their time for assignments
• providing suggestions and knowledge for projects;
• alert the teacher to any domestic or extra curricular activities which may need to be taken into consideration when homework is being set or marked.

Too much help, however, may make a child dependent and slow to mature. Parents must decide the limits of assistance so that children can develop personal responsibility for completing homework on their own.

The support and interest of parents will have a large influence on students' attitudes toward homework. If you have questions about the assignments your children are bringing home, don't hesitate to talk to your child's class teacher.

PLEASE REMEMBER

While homework is an important component of the teaching and learning process it is also important to recognise that children need time for play, leisure and physical activities outside of school.

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