Homework Matters
Homework incorporates a wider definition than most students realize. Homework reinforces skills and concepts taught during class time, it helps students to develop self-discipline and self-motivation, it allows students to gain experience in research technique, it is a vehicle of communication between home and school. It includes:
• Completion of work not finished in class
• Completion of short term and long term assignments, research project
• Review of work covered that day; this review reinforces lessons taught
• Study for tests
Students who set aside time on a regular basis for homework, studying or reading have an advantage over those who don’t. Experience shows that the most common reason for difficulty is the inability to complete assignments as required. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and to take advantage of help offered by teachers, before, after, or during school hours. Missed assignments and homework are the responsibility of the student. Learning how to organize activities and plan ahead are lifelong skills.
Literacy and Numeracy Tips
Here are some tips to help your children in learning how to maximize their reading comprehension and math skills.
Homework Tips on Math
Ø Check with your child daily about his/her homework
Ø Engage in frequent communication with your child’s teacher (the student agenda is a good tool to use to ensure on-going communication)
Ø Use household chores as opportunities for reinforcing math learning such as cooking and repair activities
Homework Tips on Reading
When children are in the primary grades parents often take an active role in helping them learn how to read. As reading moves from acquiring basic skills to comprehension, parents find it more difficult to help children grow into strong and confident readers. However, there are many strategies that parents can use in order to remain involved in their children’s reading life. They include:
Ø Setting an example as a reader, e.g. parents should read at home themselves and model the joy of reading
Ø Talk with your children about what they are reading
Ø Allow children to choose their own reading material