By now you probably have done at least some back-to-school shopping purchasing some new footwear, a backpack and lunch box, and some basic classroom supplies. This is usually the first step in helping to build excitement about the upcoming school year. Students can't wait to wear the new outfits and pack the backpack with all the shiny new tools! While your child is excited find small moments to talk to them about the expectations of the upcoming year. As they pack the backpack, discuss where the backpack and other items should be placed everynight to avoid the morning panic of "Where did I leave it?" One important step that is often overlooked is teaching your child to place completed homework into the backpack, and the idea that homework is not finished until it is placed there.
Purchase a few extra school supplies to keep at home and set up a homework station and decide on a standard homework time. Depending on your child's needs this may be an area right at the kitchen counter where they can work independently, but still have access to mom or dad for a quick question while dinner is being prepared. Other (more self-sufficient) students may prefer a more secluded area such as in his or her bedroom. Each homework station should fit the needs of the individual student, and must consider possible distractions such as a TV, video games, or younger siblings. Do you need multiple stations for more than one school-age child? Can they work side by side, or will they require space apart from one another? Does your child require a computer? Art supplies? Allow your child to have some input on this decision, and if after a few weeks you see that the station isn't working out, discuss the issues with your child and work together to solve the problem. This may need to be done several times throughout the year as schedules and needs change. The one thing that should not change is the expectation for your child to complete a quality homework assignment as independently as possible.
This brings up another issue about homework and how much is too much help? Parents need to keep in mind that all homework is intended for one of four purposes; practice of a new skill, review of an established skill, research, or unfinished classwork. Knowing the purpose of the assignment is the first step in answering the above question. It is understandable that an assignment that includes research will likely require more support than the others. This support could be anything from a trip to the library, to locating relevant information on the Internet, to narrowing a long reading passage down to a few important ideas.
The next type of assignment that may require more support is review, particularly if the review is in preparation for an upcoming test or quiz. In this case, parents would do well to allow their child to work independently for some time before sitting with him and checking over the material. Usually some simple questioning will give parents an idea of which skills their child is proficient with, and which ones require more practice. Spending a few minutes of focus time on those less proficient skills over several nights will make the most of the preparation time. However, avoid spending hours and hours reviewing skills and let the teacher know if your child is not progressing. Avoiding such frustrations will go a long way in helping your child maintain a positive attitude about school. This would be an appropriate time to jot a note to the teacher just to let him or her know what your experience was like as you worked with your child. Very often, the teacher may already be aware of this struggle, and will want to address this with your child in a small group or individual meeting.
The types of homework assignments that should require the least support are unfinished classwork and practice of a new skill. In these situations teachers are often using these assignments as a gauge on how to progress future lessons, and not as a measure to assess and grade the individual student. If students are getting too much support on these types of assignments teachers may presume a student has achieved proficiency on a skill with which he or she really needs more classroom support. In this scenario a student is less likely to get that support.
Keeping track of how long your child is spending engaged in homework will be good information to share with the teacher during conferences. In fourth grade, nightly homework should (ideally) be under an hour, including a reading time of at least 20 minutes. If your child is consistently spending more than this and is working diligently, parents will want to bring this to the teacher's attention. On the other hand, if your child is spending two hours on homework, but is doing more playing or daydreaming than work, a discussion about expectations, a change in the homework station, or a reward system for timely (quality) completion may be necessary.
It is most important for parents to keep in mind that struggles are a normal part of the learning process and some struggling is to be expected. Avoid giving answers and let your child think and persist. If they aren't successful on that particular night, this is important information for the teacher. And one more thing....Never, ever, ever do your child's homework for them. Never. Make sure you know what is required of your child and be vigilant in supporting him or her to meet those requirements. Most teachers either have students complete an assignment pad or put homework on a class web site. Knowing the teacher's homework policies and intentions is vital in order for parents to support their child and help keep a positive outlook on both school and the homework that comes along with it!
Now, pack that backpack and be off to a fabulous fourth grade year!
To read more about the Back to School transition:
