LeapFrog, a child developmental company, and the National Education Association have teamed up to develop a guide to better homework for parents and kids. It makes sense that these two educational systems would join forces to help kids, doesn’t it? After all, one company offers great educational games and software for learners and the other offers great advice for parents and teachers. It seems like quite a team to me.
That said, in their combined efforts to make homework a little easier for both parents and students, the two offer some advice on how to go about doing this:
-As a parent, you must be prepared for your child to have homework every night. Just assume he will and plan for it regardless. Assist your child at a designated time in a place that is free from distractions.
-Understand the teacher’s policies and expectations. Many parents don’t always know what their child’s teacher expects with homework. If you don’t know, call and ask. Encourage your child to see the teacher before or after school for assistance should he need it. The point here is: both parents and students need to keep in contact with the teacher.
-Be there for your child when he is doing his homework. Check in on him throughout his studying time. Talk to him about his feelings on the work and make sure you coach him through any frustration he may have if the work is too difficult.
-Discuss other resources. If your child is struggling, or even if he is not, feel free to talk to your child about other homework ideas. Perhaps he would like to have a study buddy help him with his math homework or maybe he needs some computer-based tools to aid him in his studying. Look for alternatives beside yourself to assist him. Don’t forget though, that a parent simply being present and available is one of the best homework tools out there!
-Find activities outside of school that go along with his interests in school. If you can find things that your child loves to do in school, and maintain some fun activities utilizing those skills outside of school, you may just foster a love of learning in your child that lasts forever. For example, if your child absolutely loves to read, why not find a book club that you and he can join together? This way, you foster your child’s love of reading outside of school and get to spend time with him to boot!
Kids who succeed in school often do so because they have a supportive parent behind them. Using these tips from LeapFrog and the National Education Association can help parents make that homework time just a bit better for all involved!