homework

Why is Homework Important?

Do I have to do my Homework?

This is the common question that I here from children. I even remember hating homework. Although it is not normally fun, it is very important for a child’s brain! It actually helps improve a child’s thinking and memory. The more a child “practices” what he is learning at school, the more permanent his learning will be. Homework is like brain exercise where thinking is being trained and “worked-out.”

According to http://blog.eskool.ca/parenting/why-homework-is-important/ there are many important reasons why Homework is valuable:

  1. It helps develop positive study skills and habits are developed.
  2. It encourages good time management.
  3. It teaches children to work independently.
  4. Homework allows a child to take responsibility for his or her own work.
  5. It allows children to review and practice what has been covered in class.
  6. It helps your child to prepare their mind for the next day’s class.
  7. Homework helps a child learn to use resources, such as libraries, reference materials, and computer Web sites to find information.
  8. It encourages a child to explore subjects more fully than classroom time permits.
  9. It allows children to extend learning by applying skills to new situations.
  10. Howework helps parents learn more about what their child is learning in school.

So now, you are prepared with the proper answers to the question “Why do I have to do my homework?”

How much is too much homework?

“According to the National PTA and the National Education Association (NEA), the following amounts of homework are recommended:

  • From kindergarten to third grade, no more than 20 minutes per day.
  • From fourth to sixth grade, 20 to 40 minutes per day.
  • From seventh to twelfth grade, the recommended amount of time varies according to the type and number of subjects a student is taking. In general, college-bound students receive lengthier and more involved homework than students preparing to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.” (www.kidsource.com)

How can I encourage my child actually DO his homework?

  • Agree on and establish a special “homework time.” For example, right when your child gets home from school, or right after dinner time.
  • Monitor and limit t.v, computer and video games. Allow him to play only after his homework is complete.
  • Together, choose the best location for doing homework: a desk in his room, the kitchen table, etc… (on the couch in front of the t.v is not the best place)
  • Give him a mini-reward when he is finished with his homework. For example, more video game time or an ice-cream treat!
  • Be available to assist him, so that when he becomes frustrated he does not just give up.
  • Enlist an older sibling or family member to help –or- hire a homework tutor!
  • Allow your child to shop for some writing tools that are used only for homework, like colorful pencils, mechanical pencils. Then buy a special supply box to put them in.

All in all, having a child do his homework, teaches us as parents a great deal of responsibility as well. Together, we can tackle it!

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