How Important Is Your Child’s Homework?
There has been a recent backlash against homework by the parents of elementary
schoolchildren. Some believe that children should not be spending so much time on
schoolwork outside of school while others believe that it takes time away from
extracurricular activities. Still others dislike the nightly hassle and struggle regular
homework assignments bring into the home. However, homework is an essential part of
your child’s education and is a proven way to improve achievement and build important
life skills.
First and foremost, homework allows children to review and retain information learned
during the school day. Developing basic skills, such as reading, writing, and analytical
thinking, take practice and homework offers children an opportunity to hone their skills
outside of school.
Secondly, homework allows students to work on long-term projects that cannot be
completed during a regular school day. Children can take their time and work at their
own pace while writing a story or essay, assembling a science project, or preparing for an
in-class report.
Homework also gives parents a chance to participate in their children’s educations. While
parents should not be completing their children’s homework assignments, they should be
taking part in the homework process. Parents can give their children different
perspectives on what they are learning in school, help them understand concepts that they
did not grasp in class, and offer their general support and guidance. Participating in
homework activities with your children also makes certain that you know what your child
is learning, whether your child is engaged, and if your child has special gifts or special
needs.
Finally, regularly completing homework assignments also builds responsibility,
confidence, independence, and other positive characteristics. While children are usually
led through activities in school, homework gives children the opportunity to take their
time, explore a subject, solve problems on their own, and work through distractions and
obstacles. Learning independent study skills allow children to achieve in college and
beyond.
There is such a thing as assigning too much homework, especially during the elementary
school years. You might talk with your child’s teacher if your child has been staying up
late completing assignments, feeling stress about homework, or spending all of his or her
time at home working. However, most studies show that today’s children are doing the
same amount of homework as in past decades. While homework has increased for
children K-2, from no homework to about 20 minutes per day – that increase is based on
research showing the benefits of homework at that age range.