The involvement of parents in their children’s schooling, including homework, is incredibly important. However, for many families, homework can bring its own set of difficulties. Many parents face the challenge of motivating their kids to do their homework regularly and to not rush through it. Here are a few tips to help you support these parents and give them the tools they need.
Collaboration and open, constant communication with parents is a key element in fostering student success. At the first parent-teacher meeting, or even if you send them an email beforehand, it’s important to lay out how homework will work in your class. Be sure to indicate:
Where homework will be recorded (e.g., the student agenda)
Whether homework is mandatory or not
Whether homework has to be signed by the parents
School policies on homework, if there are any
The frequency and length of assignments
The day(s) of the week homework has to be submitted
Overall expectations
How you mark and assess completion
Whether they should expect a message from you when homework isn’t done
The best way to communicate with you
Etc.
This list can help you prepare a short FAQ that you can distribute by email or in person during the first parent-teacher meeting. If you want, you can even liven up the discussion at the meeting by turning it into a game of True or False.
Perceptions of homework can vary from one parent to another. If homework is a source of anxiety for their child, parents may also feel helpless, creating a vicious cycle. If a student is struggling with their homework, talking with their parents will help you gain a better understanding of the situation. You might be able to shed some light on the issues your student is facing and their particular learning style, and ultimately get to the root of the problem and suggest ways parents can help their child along. Here are just a few examples:
Help them develop their homework routine
Let them make their own choices and decide how they will complete tasks
Give them tools to help them organize their time
Motivate them with small weekly challenges and rewards
Use the Alloprof Motivational Timer to keep on schedule
Adapt homework for learning disabilities
Show interest in the assignment in question and provide support and guidance appropriate for the child’s level of autonomy. The more a parent is involved in their child’s learning, the less homework will be perceived as a chore
Consider finding a tutor
Alloprof strives to help parents make the most of homework time with their child. Don’t hesitate to share our collection of homework-related articles and tools. Here are our top picks for articles, blog posts, and tools that all parents can use, not just those whose kids are struggling with their homework:
Together with parents, you can set up a system to monitor homework. This can be done using a chart, an agenda, or a notebook. You can also review the system after a while if it doesn’t seem to be working as expected.
The student will certainly have their say, too. By involving them in planning their homework routine and taking their suggestions and preferences into account, they are more likely to enjoy and take pride in their work.
In the classroom, it might be good to have a chat with students about the kind of homework they would like to do. You can even turn it into a creative workshop where students create and decorate their own homework planning tools.