Homework Heroes: Empowering Parents to Assist with Schoolwork

Homework is an essential part of reinforcing what's been taught in class. For many parents, guiding their children through homework can be daunting, especially when juggling work, household responsibilities, and even multiple kids with different assignments.

So, how can we empower parents to become homework heroes? Here are some strategies to make homework time less stressful and more successful.

Building a Bridge Between School and Home

Parents often feel disconnected from their children's education. Regular communication can make a big difference. Send a weekly or bi-weekly email with updates on what's covered in class and any upcoming assignments. It's a simple way to keep parents informed. Include tips on how they can support their child's learning at home, such as suggesting specific questions they can ask or pointing them toward helpful resources.

Encouraging parents to establish a routine at home is another way to bridge the gap between school and home. Like a schedule in the classroom, parents can create a consistent homework time and place. A quiet, well-lit space free from distractions is the ideal setting.

Make Homework a Team Effort

Parents don't need all the answers. They just need to be part of the process. Encourage them to be involved in their child's homework without taking over. Promote a "guide, don't solve" approach. For instance, if a child struggles with a math problem, parents can ask guiding questions like, "What do you think you should do next?" or "Can you explain this problem to me?" This reinforces the child's understanding and boosts their confidence.

Provide parents with basic strategies for different subjects. For example, when discussing reading assignments with their child, parents can ask about the characters, plot, and favorite parts. For math, they can practice skills in everyday situations like cooking or shopping. These activities reinforce what's learned in class and show kids that learning is all around them.

Tools and Resources for Success

Parents need the right tools to feel confident in helping with homework. Recommend user-friendly and easy-to-access resources. Websites like Khan Academy offer excellent educational content that can supplement your teaching. Share links to these types of sites in your communications with parents.

Create a "homework help" section on your class website or in your emails. This could include video tutorials, step-by-step guides, or a list of commonly asked questions and answers. The goal is to give parents a go-to resource when they feel stuck. Remind them that it's okay to reach out if they need help with an assignment. Being approachable as a teacher can alleviate anxiety during homework time.

Remember to mention that if a child and parent struggle with a particular problem or assignment, it's okay not to complete the assigned homework.

Encourage a Growth Mindset at Home

One of the most powerful things parents can do is foster a growth mindset. When kids see homework as an opportunity to grow rather than a chore, the whole dynamic can change. Encourage parents to praise effort over correctness. For instance, if a child makes a mistake, instead of focusing on what went wrong, parents can say something like, "I'm proud of you for trying. Let's figure out what happened and learn from it."

Parents can also model a growth mindset by sharing their own experiences with learning. If they're taking on a new project at work or learning a new skill, they can talk about the challenges they face and how they're overcoming them. This helps children see that learning is a lifelong process and that it's okay to struggle and make mistakes.

Activities and Aids for Teaching

Parents can turn learning into a game. Flashcards, educational apps, or turning spelling words into a fun quiz show can make a big difference for younger kids. For middle schoolers, parents can help create study guides, practice quizzes, or use mind maps to organize ideas for a writing assignment.

Another idea is to incorporate visual aids. If a child is struggling with a particular concept, like fractions, parents can use household items like pizza slices or measuring cups to demonstrate the idea visually. The more interactive the learning experience, the more likely it is to stick.

A Collaborative Effort

Empowering parents with the right tools, strategies, and support can make homework a positive experience that reinforces what's learned in the classroom. Encourage your student's parents to become homework heroes, and watch as their confidence—and their children's success—soar.

Written by Brooke Lektorich

Education World Contributor

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