Although there has been recent publicity suggesting a backlash concerning the need and importance of homework, the truth is the underlying rationale for homework is to facilitate learning. By establishing a family routine of talking about the value of learning of which homework is one means of accomplishing this goal, the meaning of homework shifts from just a boring task requiring repetitive effort to a valuable system for learning. Remember, homework activities help children develop essential skills for independent learning.
A simple way of valuing learning is to discuss learning at the dinner table. Your children will then understand that education and learning are valued. For example, each child can take turns talking about what was learned that day at school. You can talk about work experiences or current events. These discussions might also involve problems or conflicts that were encountered at school or work, solutions that were chosen and questions that remain. Such discussions communicate that effort, interests and even making mistakes are vital in the process of learning and growing.
The encouragement of interests will be significant in moving your child towards independence – and can be more important in the long term than the specific grades your child receives.
Additional ideas to emphasize the value of learning might include trips to museums, family vacations that involve learning (e.g., a trip to Washington, DC), taking a class with your child (e.g., arts and crafts, sports, etc.). One way you can assess your children’s interests is to have them put together a scrap book or collage related to an interest, collection, preferred foods or activities. When your children perceive homework as another aspect of the learning process they will take a more active, responsible role in homework as well as in all school activities.
