The completion of homework is an issue in many families with parents having difficulty getting their children to initiate and complete homework. However, before we endeavour to provide you with a parents guide to homework, there are some important issues to be aware of.
Homework ought to be a purposeful learning experience directly related to the work done in the classroom. It should be interesting and stimulating. Parents can act as a guide in the homework so kids can get the most out of it.
A guide for homework time
How much homework your little one is doing depends on their age. This time frame is just a guide and can change depending on class assignments and other curriculum based assessments.
Kindergarten: no structured homework
Years 1–2: up to 15 minutes, 3-4 nights per week
Years 3-4: up to 30 minutes, 3-4 nights per week
Years 5-6: up to 40 minutes, 3-4 nights per week
Years 7-9: up to 2 hours, 3-4 nights per week
Years 10-12: up to 3 hours, 4-5 nights per week and on weekends.
It is essential to remember that children work a long day at school and it is absolutely essential that they have time for free play.
An important goal of education is to instil in children a love of learning. Homework can negate this if children come to see it as a necessary evil.
A Helping with Homework
This is what you’ve come here for – the parent’s guide to homework – but remember that each child is different and you might need to make some changes to how you guide your child’s homework journey.
The Basics
- Take an interest in your child’s schoolwork and homework.
- Make yourself aware of your child’s homework requirements.
- Ensure your child has a quiet and comfortable place to work.
Getting Organised
- Encourage your child to use a diary to record homework tasks.
- Make sure materials such as pens, scissors, dictionary, etc. are at hand.
- Discuss with your child the regular evening routine and negotiate dinner time, homework time, television time, etc.
Study Time (for older students)
- Have a wall calendar with major assignments, tests, etc. on it.
- Work out a weekly study timetable around other family events (pin this on the wall too.)
- Daily work should come directly from the homework diary.
Procrastination and Time Wasters
- Avoid putting off starting by having a set starting time.
- Have your child schedule something easy and/or enjoyable for the beginning of the study session.
- Identify time wasters (e.g. television, internet, computer games, riding bike, phone calls, etc.) and negotiate with your child other times to do these things (revise timetable).
- Praise and reward your child for self discipline in getting started and doing homework.
- Beware – by constantly harassing the parent with questions and continually seeking assistance, a child can usually get the parent to almost do all the homework!
Learning Links is here to help
If our parent’s guide to home has still left you with questions, Learning Links runs a number of specialised tutoring services that will work in partnership with your child’s homework journey. Send us a message and we can start a conversation with your about our specialised tutoring.
