Before discussing ways that you can help your child with homework, it is important to discuss why teachers assign homework and how it benefits your child.
Why Do Teachers Assign Homework?
Teachers assign homework for many reasons. Homework can help their students
- review and practice what they've covered in class;
- get ready for the next day's class;
- learn to use resources, such as libraries, reference materials and computer Web sites to find information about a subject;
- explore subjects more fully than classroom time permits;
- extend learning by applying skills they already have to new situations; and
- integrate their learning by applying many different skills to a single task, such as book reports or science projects.
Homework also can help students to develop good study habits and positive attitudes. It can
- teach them to work independently; and
- encourage self-discipline and responsibility (assignments provide some children with their first chance to manage time and to meet deadlines).
In addition, homework can help create greater understanding between families and teachers and provide opportunities for increased communication. Monitoring homework keeps families informed about what their children are learning and about the policies and programs of the teacher and the school.
