One of the most important roles for homework is to form a connection between your family and your child’s teachers. When a new school year starts, attend back to school night to meet teachers. This is an opportunity to obtain an overview of how the teacher manages the class and what will be expected of your child. Listen carefully and ask questions. Use this meeting as an opportunity to understand how and when homework will be assigned, what it will involve and how you can best communicate with your child’s teachers.
We can not emphasize too strongly the importance of clear, timely communication in regard to homework. If your child has a history of struggling with learning or homework, we urge you to request a brief meeting with your child’s teacher, specifically to discuss homework. In addition to phone calls and emails, face-to-face meetings, though occurring less frequently, may be your most effective means of developing an efficient communication system. It is critical that these brief meetings are initiated early in the school year. When meetings are held be punctual and respect the teacher’s time limits. Keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Be prepared. Bring samples of your child’s homework you would like to discuss. Begin the conference with a positive comment.
- Be a good listener. Make sure you understand what is being said and take notes.
- Be honest. If you are struggling, say so. Do not blame anyone for homework problems. Focus on process and solutions.
- Ask questions and accept suggestions. Keep in mind that everyone wants what is best for your child.
In some situations a daily home note can be an effective means of communication concerning homework between school and home. Daily home notes, sometimes referred to as daily report cards can be effective for students experiencing homework problems. Such home notes provide an opportunity for parents to communicate with teachers and more closely monitor their child’s daily school progress. Home notes can vary in detail. Most teachers maintain a file of different types of notes that can be used for specific problems. Home notes can be easily modified to meet each child’s needs. To encourage your child to improve in school, it is important for you to emphasize to your child the role they play in bringing the note to and from school.
Although such notes can be quite helpful, they can also at times be harmful to the child. Nothing is more demeaning to a child struggling in school than to receive a negative note day after day. If a child can’t meet classroom expectations, perhaps a new goal needs to be set that is more in line with the child’s immediate ability.
We cannot over-emphasize the importance of communication between parents and teachers about student progress. If your child is struggling with homework, there is a good chance your child is also struggling with class work. It is your role as a parent to understand why your child may be having problems and what you and the school together can do to help.
