Need Answers to Common
Homework Questions? Read On!!

My objective on this page is to answer some of the common homework questions that I have been asked by both my students and their parents throughout my many years of teaching.

Does Homework Help?

The homework debate about the benefits of homework between teachers, students and parents seems like its been with us forever. Depending upon who you ask you'll get a variety of answers.

Some students crave it, but most students will respond with "I hate homework" and will tell you why homework is bad with comments like, "its too hard", "it takes too long" or "homework should be banned". To them its a 2 x 4 letter dirty word!

In my opinion, students must understand why homework is important and what the homework benefits are. Homework is good because:

* It reinforces the lessons that have been taught by providing an opportunity to practice.

* It teaches responsibility and discipline.

* As a prerequisite, to prepare students for a topic that will be taught in the next day or two.

* It prepares students for the next step; i.e high school for elementary students and university for high school students where a large amount of work is given and must be done independently as homework.

As you can see, it's important to develop homework skills and strategies early on in elementary school, even if it's reading silently for 20 minutes each night (which is always in my students' agenda every day).

Homework Strategies

A few things to keep in mind:

* Students are in school for 5 hours doing the work you have assigned.

* Whatever homework questions you do assign, YOU have to mark the next day to ensure that your students understood the homework topic and to provide them with your feedback.

* "Always finish your homework and bring it back the next morning" was one of my classroom rules. (and of course it was written in their student agenda the night before).

* Make homework practice and homework questions realistic and don't overdo it, for example don't assign 50 math problems around the same concept when 10 will do just as well in having the student understand the concept.

* Make sure to explain the purpose and give your students a valid reason for doing a homework assignment, particularly if and when they ask why they have to do it.

* Try to motivate students by making homework questions as interesting as possible by associating it to real world situations.

* Provide students with some choices - for example, "Answer any 5 of 10 homework questions" or "Choose a partner to work with", etc.

In addition to homework questions that reinforce concepts taught during the day, homework also consists of assignments, book reports, projects, etc. that are due on a certain date. In this case I would give my students time to work on them in school, so that I could assist where necessary. (Don't forget to write the assignments,etc. in their student agenda and include the due date.)

Homework Tips for Parents

Some parents demand that their child have homework. I recommend certain books or activity sheets that they can do together (related to what I am teaching at that time) - so parents are accountable.

I encouraged students and parents that the student have a break when they come home from school - relax, have a snack, watch TV or play outside for a while - it's healthy for the mind and the soul - then begin the homework.

During parent teacher conferences I suggested some homework strategies which I hoped parents would implement and maintain with their child. It's a win-win situation:

* Make homework a top priority at home (believe me when I tell you that some parents don't care if their child is not doing their homework and don't encourage them to complete it) - now there's a challenge!

* Provide a quiet environment (no TV, IPOD or radio), a specific time to do homework, and necessary supplies - pencils,markers,eraser,ruler,desk/table & chair.

* Be around to help your child or check in on them occasionally.

* If there was an issue with the homework let me (the teacher) know about it the next day in the student agenda, so the student doesn't become stressed and become unsure of their abilities.

* Believe it or not, there have been parents that have written nasty notes in their child's agenda stating " My child worked on their homework for 2 hours last night. Is it because you're an inexperienced teacher and don't know what you're doing?" So be prepared!

Homework Tutor

Depending on the child, students can feel homework stress. Homework help for kids from outside sources may be very useful and necessary.

Some students just don't get it or need a better understanding of the concept. Parents may not understand or be able to explain the homework questions or even have the time.

In those cases I recommend a homework tutor. It can be an older high school student, an adult or another professional teacher.

I encourage parents to check reference and explain to the students and their parents there is no shame in getting a tutor. "You want your child to do the best they can and if it means from an outside source, then go for it!" ( I tell them that my own kids have had homework tutors and that reassures them.)

Homework Excuses

I have heard many creative excuses for not doing homework: "I lost it", "My mother threw it out","My dog ate my homework", I had a hockey game" - the list goes on.

Whatever the homework excuse, students still have to do it! (except if there's a death in the family). I always photocopied extra seatwork sheets of the homework questions that I had distributed. Students stayed in during recess or completed their homework before starting on that day's work.

Homework Issues

The homework debate continues. A common question among teachers, "Am I giving the too much homework? Should I give less homework?"

There is a standard limit set per grade. I have expressed my views on why homework is important. Some teachers don't assign homework over week-ends and over holiday times.

You know your students, you know yourself. You know the limits. Be smart!

Your job is to motivate your students. You don't want them to hate homework!

Following my homework strategies and of course adding your own, will make your students well-rounded and they will thank you years later. Believe me, they do and what a wonderful feeling that will give you!

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