Students benefit from homework in the best of ways. In their own time and their own style they can review what was covered in class. Homework improves students’ understanding and retention of material covered earlier in the classroom. Study skills are developed: time management is learned. Through homework our students gain independence, initiative, responsibility and self-discipline.
Homework is a valuable teaching tool; teachers get feedback about student understanding and can use this information to identify and plan different levels of support for students individually.
Homework calls for support from parents. That has benefits too! Parents can see what their children are working on and they can help monitor their child’s progress and communicate more effectively with teachers about what is being studied in school.
Homework is directly connected to the Ontario Curriculum and therefore supports students’ achievement of provincial learning expectations in all subjects. Results of homework completion are reported in the provincial report card under the ‘Learning Skills’ section.
work out a regular homework schedule that might help avoid procrastination.
create a bright and quiet space free of distractions where your child can concentrate on schoolwork.
read a book or newspaper while your child completes his/her homework.
let your child know how important school is. The attitude you have about homework will have a big influence on your child’s attitude about homework.
Supply learning materials: make sure the materials your child needs (paper, pencils, calculator, dictionary etc.) are available.
ask your child to show you their school agenda regularly. Let them see you record deadlines and important events in a work or family calendar.
chat to your child about their school day and ask them to explain their homework assignments to you.
communicate with teachers about what your child is learning. Let them know if you have any questions or concerns and that they can call you if there is a problem.
if homework is meant to be done by your child alone, stay away. Too much parental involvement can take away from the positive effects of homework, such as developing independent work and study skills.
offer words of encouragement for successfully completing homework. This builds confidence.