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Enhancing your child's success in school: homework help

Helping your child without hurting your child

By Alan Haskvitz

One topic I consistently get asked about is homework. Not everyone is an expert, and nothing makes a parent lose credibility faster than helping a child only to find out the work was done incorrectly. Note there is a fine, but distinct, line between helping a child with homework and doing the work for them. I recommend you download or order the free government booklet listed below to help make good choices about homework and ethics and to learn how much homework to expect.

In my classroom, students are assigned daily homework for two reasons. First, it builds good time-management skills. Secondly, it adds depth to the lessons and provides students an opportunity to learn at their own rate. Always contact the teacher directly if you have a question about homework. A note is best, so you can be specific in your request and the teacher can respond as time permits. For example, don't say Johnnie is having trouble with his homework; explain exactly what he is struggling with.

My final tip about homework is do not allow students to work in their room with the door closed. The student must understand you can drop in anytime to check progress on the assignment. This is especially true if the student is on a computer connected to the Internet. Once the child finishes the homework, ask him or her to explain the assignment and what they learned to you. Without this final step, the homework might not be done properly or with enough depth.

As an aside, when a student leaves a computer, you should have them tell you. By clicking on the history button, you can review all the sites they visited. When they know you do this, it eliminates a lot of problems. And if the history has been erased, something is amiss, and the Internet connection should be taken away immediately.

The following sites can provide additional homework help. The first seven sites listed are the most important for parents. They give advice about how to help students with homework, understanding assignments, and using the Internet. They are free, as are all my resources.

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Sites for Parents and Teachers

Helping Your Child with Homework
For Parents of Elementary and Junior High School-Aged Children, By Nancy Paulu
This is another good place to start.

Helping Your Students With Homework -- A Guide for Teachers

Homework: Some Guidance for Parents
You should visit this site.

Let's Do Homework!

My Child's Academic Success: Helping Your Child with Homework
This government booklet tells how parents can assist their children with homework, and it includes a checklist.

My Child's Academic Success: How to Help: Provide Guidance -- Helping Your Child With Homework

Parents, Homework, & Computers

Tips for Parents - Tips for Parents on Internet Use

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Sites for students

The following Internet sites offer good homework help.

Biographical Dictionary
"This dictionary covers more than 28,000 notable men and women who have shaped our world from ancient times to the present day."

B.J. Pinchbeck's Homework Helper
Done by a student for students

Freeality.com -- Online Homework Helpers

HomeworkSpot.com
Homework help, science fair project ideas and more

Homework - How Parents Can Help
From King County Library

Homework/Study Tips

Infoplease.com Homework Center

The Kids on the Web: Homework Tools

Kids Info Homework Help

Montnomah County Library Homework Center: Social Issues

National Geographic Homework Help

refdesk.com Homework Helper

Research Sites for Students - Elementary, Higher Ed Homework Help