Homework Struggles? Homework Help for Your Child Comes With Ongoing Communication by Pepi Silverman

Now that the start of the school year is in full swing, homework has begun. Understanding the intention of homework and creating lines of communication with teachers provides invaluable support to ensure that homework meets its intention of review, reinforcement and independent mastery.

All new concepts are a part of your child’s daily instruction. As students demonstrate their understanding, homework provides an opportunity to “practice” those new skills. If your child was unable to demonstrate that initial proficiency, it can be quite challenging to attempt independent performance later that day with a homework assignment. If you observe your child struggling to complete their homework, there may need to be reinforcement lessons provided. Here are some key questions to share to determine if additional help is needed: 

• What is the intended time for work completion? 
• Are there online review lessons that can be referenced? 
• Can you child be provided with completed work to reference? 
• Can the student e-mail the teacher for assistance?

By communicating when homework struggles occur, plans can be put in to support student abilities for independent completion.