Headlines

Homework

In every child and parent’s life, the issue of homework comes forward at one time or another. For some, it is a continuous issue, for others, sporadic. Debates have long argued the value and importance of homework, and, if the tales of school heads are true, a little more is left undone each year.

For parents, I feel it is essential to understand and support the need for homework. From my many years of working in schools, I have concluded that homework is an essential part of the school experience, and one that prepares young people for the future in ways beyond simply reinforcing taught skills.

Remember, homework is more than simply getting specific assignments done for the next day. Homework includes studying for tests (even if the teacher did not specifically “assign” that activity), working ahead on longterm projects, reviewing material, reading for pleasure, and other items that may not make it into the assignment book. The review of notes, concepts, vocabulary covered in class on a daytoday basis is also an understood, if unstated, homework expectation. It is not enough for the student just to answer the questions, solve the problems, and read over a section or chapter and say, "I'm done!"

In middle school especially, longrange assignments such as essays, research projects, and extended readings are frequently given. These require learning to budget time and to organize materials beyond the scope of the daily work. When in need of help or direction, students should be encouraged to seek help from parents or subject area teachers at a time convenient for them.

Homework is not given simply for the practice of skills or the comprehension of reading material, although that is enough to make it highly valuable. Homework also carries with it the lessons of responsibility, preparation, and setting high standards for oneself, all of which lead eventually to a solid level of achievement in high school, college, and life itself.

Success and achievement do not come easily in the adult world, as we all know. It takes skills, knowledge, discipline, focus, sacrifice, and making choices among a number of activities and opportunities. Such qualities have made you a successful adult, the kind of adult you would like to see your child become in the future.

In the elementary and middle school years, teachers know their role in expecting students to be prepared for each class; they also understand the importance of delivering consequences when the mark is missed.
Students need to know that their parents understand and value the need for homework; that their parents will help them when necessary to see that it is done, and done well; that reasonable time is set aside for its completion, and that other, more entertaining or pleasurable activities hold a clear second place to fulfilling the responsibilities of school.

The rewards of being prepared for class are manifold: a sense of being in control and better able to participate in class; positive comments from teachers and parents; higher grades; and most importantly better skills and understanding. Additionally, it fosters a sense of being responsible and doing one’s best.

Naturally, some children never have a problem with homework completion, while others resist homework with impressive fortitude. And this can vary within any one child over the course of years. But, if schools and parents stick consistently to this common goal, with understanding and support, yet firm insistence, you will be pleased and the school can do its job even better. The area of homework is one in which the school and home can work very effectively together to build the futures of our children.

There are times when homework becomes a central theme in a child’s relationships with parents. The parents insist upon its completion, the child refuses, or does quick, sloppy work, or denies the existence of assigned homework. Even with the use of assignment books, a determined child can simply leave the space blank.

The underlying dynamic in this situation can simply be a manifestation of a child’s natural wish to be independent and do what the child wants and not feel pushed around by adults. In such situations, it is important to speak with the child’s teacher and ask that the homework issue be handled with teacherdelivered consequences, rather than ones delivered by parents. This defuses the homework issue and hopefully keeps academic growth moving forward while the parents and child work out issues of control and independence in other arenas.

Additionally, when children do not produce homework, do it poorly, complain that it is dumb, boring, unfair, stupid and a total waste of time, this is usually a sign that a child is actually having difficulty with a subject area or two. A teacher conference is recommended to determine the best way to provide some extra help or remediation for that struggling youngster.

David M. Lowry, Ph. D.

alternate spelling:
Elizabeth Morrow School