Hi everyone, I can almost feel the excitement in the air with the Christmas holidays approaching! Last week I had the privilege to go into my son’s kindergarten class to help out. Despite being a teacher for many years, I have never really had the chance to see first hand what it would be like to be in with so many five and six year-olds. What an experience! The level of literacy skills expected in the first year of compulsory schooling is very different to my own experience in these formative years. Although I have been active in my son’s homework, it reminded me of the need to be active in his education.
Numerous studies around the globe have reinforced the importance of parents being active in their children’s education. The benefits of doing so are pronounced: higher motivation and engagement; increased time management skills; and greater overall achievement. Obviously there is a line that can be crossed between helping and ‘doing’: I see time and time again outstanding research projects handed in by children that are obviously completed by parents. However, there is no mistaking the fact that a demonstrated interest by parents in children’s homework makes a tremendous difference to the child.
Often parents are reluctant to assist because they are unsure how they can help. This is particularly common as children start to move into high school and the work becomes more difficult. Nobody wants to be seen to not know the answer to that tricky algebra question!
Fortunately there are a number of excellent strategies that parents can use that will not only assist their children to complete homework better, but will empower them to take control of their own learning in the long-term. I have created an acronym that will help parents manage and aid with homework across all age groups. It is simply known as CAPTIVATES: Communicate, Agenda, Place, Time, Intention, Variety, Available, Tools, Evaluate, Support
Some of these areas deal with the physical layout and structure of homework time. Others provide parents with examples on what they can actually do and say to help their children. For example, communicating your expectations to your child is essential. At the beginning of the school year, let your children know what you expect from them with their homework. Also, make an effort to communicate regularly with teachers. If necessary, parents should ask teachers to clarify their expectations. It is also a good idea to find out ahead of time what kinds of resources are available to students if they need help.
More detailed information about helping with homework is discussed in detail in a learning guide found at
www.learningguardian.com. This site also contains a variety of tools that have proven to be effective in assisting parents help their children at school. Some of these include study planners, assignment checklists and graphic organisers.
If you would like any further information on helping with homework, please don’t hesitate to contact me at shane@learningguardian.com.
Happy holidays!
Shane