Homework: chore, bore or challenge
Is homework a nightly chore, a dreadful bore or an essential educational experience?
In the never-enough-time Nineties, many parents hate the thought of homework even more than their children do. With so many parents at work all day and struggling with domestic chores at night - not to mention getting their children to a terrifying range of extra-curricular activities the main challenge represented by homework is finding time to do it.
Ironically, despite the difficulties it presents, a majority of parents become uncomfortable when schools do not set homework. They see it as good training for the study disciplines which will become essential at high school and beyond.
And they’re right. Studies have shown a child who does regular homework gets better results than a child who does not. It’s the type of homework which is causing problems between parents and primary school teachers. The sort of homework teachers see as being the most effective, such as reading aloud and doing personal projects, is anathema to parents. Mothers and fathers prefer to sit their children down to spelling lists and sums, rather than finding the time to hear reading, visit libraries or look for pictures.
Teachers, on the other hand, believe set homework of the sums and spelling variety will never suit all the children in a class - for some it’s a snap and for others a struggle.
Most states now leave the homework question to individual schools.
For homework to be effective, it must be supported by both parents and teachers. As a parent, the best thing you can do is:
• Show an interest and positive attitude.
• Provide your children with the time and suitable space to get it done.
• Keep them well away from the television.
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