Homework. Is it a hassle or an opportunity? When homework is viewed as irrelevant or too time consuming, rather than as a valuable chance to extend learning, both educators and families are dissatisfied. How do we ensure all involved view homework as an important part of home learning, and home learning as an essential part of the educational experience? We come to that understanding by developing a sound partnership between home and school. The value of homework is realized when families and schools agree on the purposes for home learning, and see that homework and home learning serve the same purposes.They may reinforce important concepts; provide additional practice; and expand learning to other situations. What's more, they provide opportunities for parents and children to communicate about meaningful issues.
Communication is crucial. To achieve this, partners must reach out to discuss the benefits of home learning. Effective communication may include signing homework to indicate parent involvement and reaction; inviting parents to participate in policy decisions about homework; day or evening telephone calls or parent-teacher conferences; letters, notes sent home with students, e-mail or newsletters.
Environment is key. Families often seek guidance on creating an effective home learning environment. The box below lists some ideas for families to keep in mind about setting up a work space for students at home, but they must also remember that everyday activities often provide opportunities for creating a learning environment. Paying bills, reading the newspaper, even doing laundry or a discussing a favorite TV show can be used to point out real applications of educational subjects. Everyone can find or create fun games and activities. (See Resource Materials, back page). Communication styles should value learning by inviting questioning and discussion.
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Location: Workspace should be relatively quiet. A high traffic area where the dog and family run through probably isn’t the right spot. The area should be away from the tv, telephone and other activities; however, some students benefit from soft music to help them to concentrate.
Materials: If the child spends time each day on a scavenger hunt looking for pens, paper or his book bag, precious time is lost. Keep study supplies nearby in a specially designated, easily accessible place.
Study Position: No one seating style is right for all children. Seating should be comfortable while maintaining the child’s alertness and attention. Good lighting and a surface for writing are musts.
Scheduled Time: Fitting homework around sports, jobs and lessons is often a major cause of concern. It is helpful to develop a weekly schedule that maps out after-school activities and builds in study time each day. The key is to keep homework a top priority in the schedule.
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Schools and families must join together as partners to help students build learning skills. Home learning provides needed practice and confidence-boosting experiences. Because the most consistent connection of parents to school is often through homework, it is vitally important that parents feel engaged in their child’s learning. Home learning is an essential component of family life, and schools play an primary role in ensuring this.
Rosemary Tralli, educational consultant, Glastonbury, CT, works with local, state and national school teams on instructional approaches and strategies that enhance student learning. She spoke at our most recent networking meeting on homework and home learning issues.
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