Homework Help: Monitoring Assignments

Helping your child with his or her homework does not mean doing their homework for them! But, as we discussed in last week's Chalk-Talk, it is essential to show your child that you believe homework is important. One key to imparting that belief is maintaining "a watchful eye."

Children are more likely to complete assignments successfully when parents monitor homework. How closely you need to monitor depends upon the age of your child, how independent he or she is, and how well he or she does in school. Whatever the age of your child, if assignments are not getting done satisfactorily, more supervision is needed. Here are some good ways to monitor assignments:

Ask about the school's homework policy. At the start of the school year, ask the teacher:

• What kinds of assignments will be given?
• How long are children expected to take to complete them?
• How does the teacher want you to be involved?

Teachers' expectations vary. Ask your child's teacher what you should do. Should you just check to make sure the assignment is done, or should you do something more? Some teachers want parents to go over the homework and point out errors, while others ask parents to simply check to make sure the assignment is completed. It's also a good idea to ask the teacher to call you if any problems with homework come up.

Be available. Elementary school students often like to have someone in the same room when working on assignments in case they have questions. If your child will be cared for by someone else, talk to that person about what you expect regarding homework. For an older child, if no one will be around, let the child know you want him to begin work before you get home and call to remind him if necessary.

Look over completed assignments. It's usually a good idea to check to see that your elementary school child has finished her assignments. If your junior high school student is having trouble finishing assignments, check his too. If you're not there when an assignment is finished, look it over when you get home. After the teacher returns completed homework, read the comments to see if your child has done the assignments satisfactorily.

Monitor television viewing. American children on average spend far more time watching television than they do completing homework. In many homes, more homework gets done when television time is limited. Once you and your child have worked out a homework schedule, take time to discuss how much television and what programs she can watch. It's worth noting that television can be a learning tool. Look for programs that relate to what your child is studying in school, such as programs on history or science or dramatizations of children's literature. When you can, watch shows with your child, discuss them, and encourage follow-up activities such as reading or a trip to the museum.

Helping your child with homework is an opportunity to improve your child's chances of doing well in school and life. Parents are in a unique position to help their child make connections between school work and the "real world," and thereby bring meaning and some fun to that child's homework experience. What's most important is that you, as a parent, are willing to take the time and make the effort to be involved in your child's education.