Homework

Homework is a word that few students like to hear.

Teachers give it for a number of reasons. They include such things as: reinforcing what's already been taught in class, finishing class work, allowing for independent study, and to ensure that students get what's being taught in class.

Many parents cringe at the thought of helping their children with school work. This is due in part because they feel unable or unequipped to help them.

A national survey on learning, released by the Canadian Council on Learning “reveals that almost two-thirds of Canadians feel parents don’t have enough knowledge to help their children with school work.”

Although 93% of Canadians surveyed believe that it “is an important part of schooling.”

All is not lost however. Parents can still play an important role in their child’s school work by making sure that work gets done and by providing a set time and place to do it.

“Research shows clearly that children are more likely to succeed in learning when their families actively support them. When family members read with their children, talk with their teachers, participate in school or other learning activities and help them with homework, they give children a tremendous advantage.” U.S. Department of Education

Parents sometimes feel that their children spend too much time at home on their assignments. The amount of time per night depends on the school, but on average it is suggested that students spend 10 minutes per grade.

For example, if your child is in grade 4, he or she will spend roughly 40 minutes per evening on school work.

Gifted children are not exempt from school work. They are often quick to say things like, “I have none, it’s boring anyways, do I have to do it if I know it?” and other reasons why they shouldn’t have to do any.

An issue that can come up occurs when a student is pulled out of a regular classroom for enrichment and is then expected to complete all the worked they missed in their regular class.

In this situation, the gifted child may indeed be doing work he already knows.

Some gifted students may not be well-organized, lack interest, or not have good study habits because they complete most assignments at school.

Parents can help out in these situations by making a schedule and helping their child stick to it.

Open communication between parent, child and teacher is essential if completing assignments at home is to be a stress free experience.

Homework can be what it’s supposed to be with the proper support from parents and teachers and by making the expectations clear.

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