Tuesday, August 5, 2008
parental involvement and HW
In the beginning of the year in the elementary grades I think that it is important for parents to assist their child, if they need it. As the year develops, the child should be getting more independent with their hw and shouldn't be needing as much help. Having a parent around for a sounding board is also helpful, for the child that still may just need a way to get started. I also think that a parent could be there to make a last check on the hw, if they are there to do so, just to see that the child put the effort they should into it. The older the child gets, the more independent they should become with the hw. I believe that the teacher should spell out to parents what the expectations are for them as parents, at the begtinning of the year. Many parents do not know how much or how little to intervene.
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2 comments:
I like the idea of "spelling out" or giving hints and guidelines for parents who choose to get involved in supporting their child's homework. My first assignment next fall will be for each of my students to take home a sheet with these guidelines, read through them with their parent/s, and return it signed by both the student and their parent/s.
I agree with your thoughts on homework! Parent expectations should be made clear at beg of year to avoid questions later such as, "Should I have him correct his spelling?" I usually talk to parents at Open House about how students will need their help with clarifying questions, providing a space and materials, and being the "coach" to be sure it gets done and brought back to school. As the year progresses I expect students to become more independent and need less guidance/reminders from either teacher or parent to complete homework. I try to to provide a variety of types of homework-- some are games or activities that require an adult's participation. I try to give students a few days to complete those in case the family is busy on the night it is assigned. Other homework might be review/practice sheet that child could do independently. Having a predictable homework schedule really seems to help both students and parents. I think the key is setting up a routine at home and at school. I also believe that some students will not get support at home. As teachers we need to be sensitive to that and may need to modify assignments while still trying to build in that practice time and responsibility piece.
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