Written by Philip Gustafson

As a 7th-8th grade teacher, I’m often asked by parents what their role should be at home when it comes to homework. This is not always an easy question to answer since all children are unique. So what do you say to parents who are looking for advice on homework support at home?

Homework is a complex issue. The research shows that homework can have a positive effect on student achievement. One study looked at 35 independent studies on homework and found that 27 showed a positive correlation between homework and student achievement. The average correlation was +.24 (Cooper et al., 2006). While this seems to prove the benefits of homework, there are so many variables when it comes to homework research. Each home environment is different, and we need to make sure parents know how to help.

With such a complex issue, it is essential that parents and teachers work together as partners. While this is true in almost every aspect of our WELS schools, it is even more so for homework. First, schools and parents need to be on the same page when it comes to how much homework students should have and what the purpose of that homework is. An excellent book to read and discuss as a faculty is “Rethinking Homework” by Cathy Vatterott. Parents also need to feel comfortable communicating with the school when issues arise. This partnership is key to homework helping students learn.

When talking with parents about their role at home, teachers and schools are in a unique position to help parents out with parenting. Here are the “Top 10” tips teachers can give parents when it comes to homework help, taken from the book sources below:

1. Set a family “quiet time” each night. This may look different each night of the week with busy schedules, but kids need quiet time away from devices and other distractions to get homework done. Encourage parents to set rules for work time, which may look different in each house.
2. Allow each child to study in the way she learn best. God has made us unique. What works for one child might not work for the next. Encourage parents to be open to differences and to talk to their kids about how they learn best. Some of the book resources below have tips on helping parents with this.
3. Be available for your children, but do not sit next to them . . . unless they ask. Most students, as they get older, are more independent and do not need this kind of support. Encourage parents to be aware of what their children are working on. And parents should not let kids work on homework in their room with the door closed if they have an electronic device.
4. Show an interest in what they are learning. Students will have a better attitude toward work and school in general if parents show a positive attitude. We can help parents out by keeping them updated on what topics we are teaching.
5. Not too early, not too late. Children may need a break after school before studying. They also should not work late on homework. I know I do not do my best work right when I get home or late at night after a long day at school.
6. Stay calm. Parents should not overreact to a bad grade. Encourage parents to stay calm and work with you as the teacher on solutions.
7. Don’t let your own negative experiences get in the way. Encourage parents not to make the comment, “Don’t worry. I wasn’t good at math, either.” This automatically tells the child they will not be good at math, and there is no point in trying.
8. When in doubt . . . read. If children have no homework, encourage parents to have reading time at home. Reading is so important to learning.
9. Don’t do too much teaching or helping. Students need to take ownership. If too much teaching takes place, it can have a negative impact. Encourage parents to communicate with you if their child commonly does not know how to do the work. This will also help teachers understand how well students are mastering a particular topic.
10. Communicate with the school. This is the key point. Parents and teachers are on the same team. We work together to educate children. Both parents and teachers need to have a relationship where they can share what is going on.

Homework is a complex issue. Every child is unique. The best way to handle homework issues is to work on the relationship between teacher and parent. A strong partnership will result in a robust educational program where students can learn and grow in their faith each day.

Philip Gustafson (MLC ’09, MS Ed-Instruction ’16, MS Ed Admin-Principal ’19) serves at St Mark-Eau Claire WI.

References
Cooper, Harris, et al. (2006) Does homework improve academic achievement? A synthesis of research, 1987–2003. Review of Educational Research, (76)1. pp. 1–62., doi:10.3102/00346543076001001.

Cooper, Harris M. (2015) The battle over homework: Common ground for administrators, teachers, and parents. Carrel Books.

McNerney, Neil. (2011) Homework: a parent’s guide to helping out without freaking out. Integrated Publishing.

Nichols, Marylisa. (2013) The parent backpack for kindergarten through grade 5: How to support your child’s education, end homework meltdowns, and build parent-teacher connections. Ten Speed Press.

Vatterott, Cathy. (2018) Rethinking homework: Best practices that support diverse needs. ASCD.