I teach newcomer ELL students at the middle school. I do not have my parents formally involved with the homework process. However, when they ask during a conference or it comes up in conversation, I ask them to help their child with math flash cards (I give to the student or they make in class) or take them to the library to get a library card and check out books. I recommend picture books, books on tape/CD and educational/family videos. I encourage the parent to listen to their child read, even if they don’t understand the language, and partake in the books and such brought home from the library. I also discuss that their child can and should read to a younger sibling or ask that they encourage siblings to work together and study spelling words and math facts. I also let them know that I do assign homework every night so they should ask to check to make sure it is getting done.
The other big idea I talk to parents about is that their child should be reading every night. I talk about making sure the home language is used and practiced at home. If my student can read in their language I encourage this above all else. We had our first annual multilingual parent night last fall and if I remember correctly, much of this was addressed then, and I will make sure it is again this year.
Just to add, I view homework at this proficiency level as a way for students to become accustomed to school culture and norms, as well as to practice school-related responsibilities. The hw I assign is not such that needs parental support beyond monitoring and inquiring what their child is learning.
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I have the same issues at Reiche. I also assign homework and I know many of my parents are unavailable to help. So, my homework consists of skills the students can handle independently. I also rely on Safe and Smart, an after school program, to provide time for homework completion.My parents are supportive but are unable or unsure how to help. Quiet space for homework is also a problem.
I think that the quality and quantity of homework at my school (EECS in Portland) would change if we had after school programming. We don't right now because of transportation problems for the kids. I bet our homework experiences as a school would drastically improve if a program like Safe and Smart were in place though...
I never used to give out as much homework as I have this past year because I work in the after school program (Safe and Smart) that most of my students participate in. Sadly, funding has gone dry! Also new to our school this year was an academic support class. Knowing my students would get support each day IN school from me or another teacher, led to my hw changes. As an ELL team, we let each other know what students should be working on during academic support.
Teaching in a rather unique, small setting, I have the luxury of assigning homework on an individual basis. Some of my students recieve no homework, while others may recieve up to an hour and a half each night (depending on what the team decides). Often, the home environment and type of parental involvement play a huge role in this decision. It is a never-ending struggle trying to find creative strategies to promote the completion of homework. I am ALWAYS reverting back to the essential question regarding the necessity of homework, as I often work against the odds of a student who is cold or hungry, a student who might be terrified of "parental involvement" or not even have the option, a student who is responsible for four siblings (nevermind homework) etc. So, unfortunately, the setting in which I teach does not usually allow me to rely on a parents involvement and therefore I have tried to find ways not to need to do so. Although I do believe that this support and involvement can be priceless.
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