Homework question

Something I'm curious about -- I often read in various posts that parents are spending a lot of time helping their kids with homework, and that it causes an issue if twins are split into different classrooms, because they may have different homework, etc.

First off -- why are kids being assigned homework that they can't do themselves? Is homework *supposed* to be something that parents do with their kids?

I had very strict parents that expected a lot of me academically, but I can't remember a single time that they got involved in my homework, until I got to junior year and struggled with Trig. Otherwise, I was told that I couldn't play outside or watch TV until my homework was done -- but that was it. They never once asked to check it, sat down with me to do it, etc.

I was expected to do it, turn it in, and keep my grades up without any interference on their part.

Has this changed? Is homework a family activity now? If so, why?

I hope this doesn't sound snotty -- it's an honest question. My oldest is going to K in the fall, so I have no experience with this yet.

 

As I sit and type this my twins are playing nicely in the playroom and my 2 month old is asleep in his bouncer and my oldest ds (who is in 3rd grade) just came home from school and is sitting at the kitchen table doing his math homework. Homework in our house is a family affair.. It all started in K and we developed our homework routine. Yes I say "our".. He gets homework every night and most nights he can do it all by himself, however I check everything. If he missed something then we work on it. Also his hand writing is awful so he does a lot of re-writing! I do feel that it is my responsibility to make sure that he does his homework correctly and entirely. He also has to read every night... I read what he does and ask him questions about what he's reading... He's also making a model of the Earth for school right now and for the past couple nights we've been constructing the Earth... tonight he's painting it blue then tomorrow he'll do the rest.
This is a very normal thing for us, not sure if it's common or not. This is just how we've always done things and I plan on doing the same with all the rest of our little ones.
I remember my mom helping me when I was young but not so much when I got older. I'm curious to see how other families do it. Great questions!

 

Becca, I am right with you. Everyday the boys come home from school, sit at the table and do their homework. Unless it is something they have to read to me and I have to sign off on, they do it independantly. I do help as needed, but it really isn't an issue with them being in different classes. Actually, it is easier, since they usually have to read to me on different days. When they both do have to read, one reads, while the other does math, and then they switch.

Unless a child is really struggling or has a special need, I don't think the parent should sit with them while they do their homework. I use homework as an independance building skill. Yes, I do check their work, but I only look once it is complete.

 

I was wondering the exact same thing. My parent's help with homework consisted of driving me to the library when I needed to get books about something.

Marissa

 

I imagine almost every teacher out there would love all parents to take as active a role as possible in supervising their young children (even some of their older kids!) homework routines. Certainly not situations where the parents do the homework or even be right there as the kids are working on it, but as simple as reminding them to do it to checking the work to see it's legible and your children are following instructions properly. We're like some of the others here; my wife will check their work and let our boys know if they've done something incorrectly. I let her do it as I think she really enjoys that aspect of parenting and I get enough working with children at school daily so I personally don't check their homework as much unless she asks me for help (some of the 2nd grade homework starts getting more involved! You won't see anything complicated for at least the first two years of school...)

My approach in the classroom and with homework is to ask open-ended questions to let the kids think for themselves how to find the answers, solve the problems, reason out solutions. Why did you write that answer? How did you come up with that answer? Is there another way you can approach that problem? Tell me about that story you just read...

Watching your young chlldren work on their homework is one of the most rewarding moments of being a parent in my opinion.

 

My parents did not get involved in my homework, but I never had homework in the really early grades. I think I must've been in 4th or 5th grade by the time I got homework, and of course I did not need any help by then.

I do supervise (from a distance) mine when they do homework, because they're 6 and the organizational skills at 6 don't run to remembering to sit down and do homework and then put it right back into the backpack, etc, when someone is only 6. So, I check it over once done, and I make sure people remember to do it in the first place. As they get older I expect to be less involved.

I have helped DS1 with math if requested, and I'll take people to the library, order supplies and stuff like that, but my teens function autonomously with regard to homework, and unless I see a dip in grades (or they specifically ask for help) I never see it at all.

 

QUOTE
without any interference on their part.


Much of my children's homework right now is spelling and fact powers. I don't consider me asking them their spelling words or holding up the fact power cards as interfering. On a good week I verbally 'test' them each night. Now, this week has not been soo great because sports has started and our schedule has been a little thrown off so last night getting ready for bed one of my children reminded me that I hadn't asked them their words etc. I took the pages into their bedroom and did it then. They receive their homework packet on Monday and it is due Friday so they do a little each night.

How do you suggest they review their spelling/fact powers without interference?

 

My kids have spelling, vocabulary and math nightly (1st grade). I give them a nightly spelling test which I then check for accuracy. Any word that they missed they write 3 times. I hold up the vocabulary words and make them read it to me and give me a definition. Math they can do on their own.

Some of the issue is that earlier in the year when they were still emergent readers the directions on the worksheets were way to complicated for a 1st grader to read. They also had word problems to solve before they were reading well so I had to read them the question.

As a teacher I wish my high school parents were more involved in homework. Just asking to see what they did would improve the amount of work I am getting back. I wish parents would help quiz their students or have their students teach them a concept. It would greatly improve comprehension.

 

Every day, I sort through the papers the kids bring home, go over graded homework with them to be sure they understand what they got wrong, etc. There are also spelling words to review. Just those things take a decent amount of time.

Aside from that, it all depends on the kid, the grade level, and the teacher.

When Jackson had an assignment of making a president's head in 3rd grade (Nixon, to be precise. He chose Nixon! ), it was quite obvious that this was NOT a child-only project. He also had to make a wigwam -- where is a third-grader going to begin with that on his own? Since 2nd grade, he's had several long-term projects (research reports, speeches and classroom presentations, etc.) that have required time and effort from me and DH. I don't do it for him, obviously, but I do try to supplement what he's learning in class, especially about how to get himself organized, how to document sources, and how to write an effective paragraph. I don't think big projects are of any benefit to a child if he's just left to sink or swim. It should be a learning process along the way -- otherwise, he could just end up with a C- and still not know how to do it next time, either.

Oh, and don't forget all the trips to Walgreens and the fabric store for posterboard, rickrack, buttons, stencil letters, etc.

This year, thankfully, I've only had to help Jackson when he asks for it. He generally wants help getting his thoughts together for book reports, and while he writes them, I do guide him with a few questions to make sure he gives enough detail. My first-graders have very little homework, although they have gotten a few assignments that have specifically said, "This is considered a family activity -- we hope you'll have fun doing it with your child."

 

Part of the fun about helping my boys with their homework is if there is something I feel I can do that gets them excited about the assignment but lets them do the majority of the work. I'm off to post something in PC now about a new homework assignment I see they brought home today...

 

Thank you, all, for your thoughtful responses. I guess I wasn't thinking of special projects and things like that (my parents did help with science projects and major reports if I needed it) -- I was more thinking of "read the chapter and answer the questions at the end" type of homework, or math problems, etc.

I also don't remember having homework at age 6 -- that must be a new thing? I don't recall homework at all until about third grade, so not being able to read directions wasn't an issue by that point.

I guess it depends on the kid, too -- perhaps some are better at working independently. Or maybe I was that kid, or my parents were just standoffish, LOL. I don't remember being quizzed by my parents on spelling words, although we had the standard Friday spelling tests...but I'm not *opposed* to it.

Now that I think back, they did drill me on times tables, and what's more, they made me learn them through 30 instead of just 12, because that's standard in India. Oy, I hated those. Do kids still learn times tables?

In any case, thanks again! Craig, now I'm curious, I'll go look for your post in PC.

 

QUOTE(Becca34 @ Apr 30 2009, 10:05 PM) [snapback]1295893[/snapback]
Do kids still learn times tables?


Although not a parent, a student. Yes we still learn times tables, although I'm not sure of the American school system.

My parents never helped me with my homework, I started getting "Homework" in year 4 or 5 and my parents never helped me they thought it was best that I did it myself, but I did have a sister who had the same homework so we worked together if one got confused. Now in year 12 my parents still dont help me, but some of the social science subjects I do my parents have no idea what I'm even talking about, because they finished school 22 years ago the system has changed so much!

A girl in my Community and Family class, her major for the HSC in that class her mum done it for her pretty much, then realised she had pretty much done it all so told the girl to do it herself and she would "help" the girl never got it done.. There went 25% of her marks for that class!!

I actually rather doing work by myself because I can work at my own speed, I have homework, assessments and have to study every night, most of which is done on my laptop as it all has to be typed to meet the schools standards, my parents I know are there if I need help but doing homework myself for the last 8 or so years has given me a sense of inderpendance which is great since Im thinking of applying for early entrance for University!

Sorry I thought a students view may be helpful.

 

Yes, kids do learn times tables--around here it is in 3rd grade. At our school, they start timed addition/subtraction tests in second grade. Reading this thread yesterday reminded me that I had forgotten to go over science with my boys before their science tests yesterday--fortunately, they both knew it all

At this point, I really don't even study spelling words with the boys. Both have missed a total of one spelling word on a test this entire year, and unless they ask for help, I know they know it. But, both of their teachers do a lot of work with the words in class on a daily basis.

 

DS2 actually was not drilled properly in his multiplication tables, and I found this out much later. I then drilled him every day as we were driving home until he knew them. Spelling was not really an issue with my boys (DS2 was actually school champion in 7th and 8th grades). Visual learners are good spellers and so I didn't really have to drill them, although those are the sorts of drills I would/will do if necessary. So far I think only DS2 has had one of those "build a this" projects. Luckily, he is also a very good builder, and since they had free choice of materials he built an Egyptian riverside community out of legos and toothpicks. All I did was take a picture of it when he was done. I expect my girls would need more help with something like that. I'm hoping the girls get the spelling thing from me, too.

 

QUOTE(rubyturquoise @ May 1 2009, 05:54 AM) [snapback]1296026[/snapback]
DS2 actually was not drilled properly in his multiplication tables, and I found this out much later. I then drilled him every day as we were driving home until he knew them. Spelling was not really an issue with my boys (DS2 was actually school champion in 7th and 8th grades). Visual learners are good spellers and so I didn't really have to drill them, although those are the sorts of drills I would/will do if necessary. So far I think only DS2 has had one of those "build a this" projects. Luckily, he is also a very good builder, and since they had free choice of materials he built an Egyptian riverside community out of legos and toothpicks. All I did was take a picture of it when he was done. I expect my girls would need more help with something like that. I'm hoping the girls get the spelling thing from me, too.



I noticed in ur sign that you have a son the same age as me, does that mean he is in the 12 "grade"?? what sort of things do students learn in the US for that grade?
Just wondering the differences

Thanks

 

I've noticed that there are differences between Connor & Maddie's teachers. Connor's teacher has been at the school for almost 20 years and this is the first year for Maddie's teacher. Connor has had much more homework than Maddie has this year. If Connor comes home with homework, I will print out worksheets for Maddie to do so that the tv isn't on as a distraction for Connor while I start dinner. There are standard items they have both had- Topic Talks, sight words and reading that they do by themselves or with me. The topic talks have driven me CRAZY! LOL Maddie is a much more proficient reader so she can read her book, pick out the facts she wants to use and read the info from the note cards. Connor needs more help because while he can read, he doesn't want to. I have had to draw pictures on his cards for him to know what the facts are he is reading. Plus Connor's class has had a lot more practice handwriting/ letter recognition work than Maddie has.

I'm hoping that first grade will go as smoothly as Kindergarten has, but I do think a lot of it depends on the teachers also.

 

It's good to be reminded that homework can be viewed as an independence building activity. I always kind of assumed that they made it too hard for the kids to do themselves on purpose, so that it would "force" the parents to take a more active role in their children's education. My boys can just now read all the instructions themselves, so I don't have to be there at the table with them reading every question. Of course, just this week the teachers upped the ante and assigned a 3-week project that requires a whole lot of my time and attention to finish (driving to the tide pools, library, art supply store).

 

Funny that you say that, Ellen. I was talking to Marcus' teacher yesterday, and I was commenting on the diaoramas in a 2nd grade room. She told me that they used to do them with the 1st graders, but realized that the parents were doing the project for the kids, so they stopped assigning it.

 

Last year, DS started 4th grade. I remember thinking, "ok, 4th grade, Academically Talented class, I shouldn't have to nag and nag for him to remember to do his homework, I shouldn't have to see what he has, and I REALLY shouldn't have to check it after he's done!"
Well, I very wrong.
On ALL those points. He's still a kid -- needs reminded to do "work", needs help in knowing that half-hearted work isn't acceptable, etc.
I had just started a new job, and was busy. He was quiet in school and at home. When he needed help on a project, I or DH was there. I thought I had this parenting a pre-teen stuff down!
Thank goodness he LOVES his teacher this year. He started out the year as a quiet, not really sticking out, but not completely part of the group, loner. I thought that was his personality. But, thanks to his teacher, he's a big part of the class. He's even told me how much more he likes this year than last year. And he's so proud of himself for being on the ACE (all homework done) team each quarter.
Apparently, him doing his homework all the time last year was hit-or-miss. I've wondered why his teacher never said anything then, but I guess he knows how to stay under the radar.
So, it's not that the parents are doing the homework for kids. Watching kids do homework is ONE of the ways for parents to encourage kids in school. Sometimes you just need to stay in the same room with them, like you scrubbing pots while they do homework or something.
But there are lots of ways to encourage your kids. My parents NEVER did all my homework with me, but my mom would always quiz me before a test and my dad (an engineer) would always OVER-explain math problems to me and confuse me more than anything.

 

I know what you mean. . . I think! LOL!
Our school seems to give work children CAN'T do on their own pretty often.
1st graders doing reports on obscure animals that need a lot of research along w/ a bag full of props and a tri-fold board decorated. . . .
I make Berkley do her daily work alone and ask me if she needs help and I always check it. But I have friends w/ kids older than Berkley{2nd grade} and they say that their 5th graders easily have 3 hours of homework every night and it's NOT work a child can complete on his/her own.

 

QUOTE(sharongl @ May 2 2009, 07:05 PM) [snapback]1297539[/snapback]
Funny that you say that, Ellen. I was talking to Marcus' teacher yesterday, and I was commenting on the diaoramas in a 2nd grade room. She told me that they used to do them with the 1st graders, but realized that the parents were doing the project for the kids, so they stopped assigning it.

How did you know it involved a diorama!!? :laughing:

 

My boys are in K & they do have homework every night of the week. The first part of the year we did sight words every night. They learned how to read this year & are doing pretty good. With that being said they do have trouble reading the directions. I make them try to read it themselves, but most of them are 3 part questions. They forget to do 2 of the questions because they are focusing on only 1. Jason is now required to read full books as part of his homework. He reads the book to me 2 nights a week & does an answer sheet on the book. If I wasn't listening to him read then how would he know if he got the words wrong? I do sit with them everyday after school. I don't do the homework, but I help them with directions. It is hard & time consuming as my boys are in different classes. We have Justin go first on odd days of the week & Jason on the even days. Hopefully next year they can start to work at the same time.
My husband & I were talking & neither of us had homework till we were in at least 5th grade & by then we didn't need the help of our parents.

 

QUOTE(Code @ May 1 2009, 06:11 AM) [snapback]1296039[/snapback]
I noticed in ur sign that you have a son the same age as me, does that mean he is in the 12 "grade"?? what sort of things do students learn in the US for that grade?
Just wondering the differences

Thanks


He's in 11th grade. He takes honors gym for one class (he wants to be a personal trainer), so he doesn't have homework in that class, although he takes martial arts, gymnastics and crossfit training courses outside of school. He takes math (Trig, I think), English, a computer tech course (I told him to take that one because computer skills are so useful), Anatomy & Physiology and History. He chose A&P for his science class because it ties in with his desire to be a personal trainer or possibly work toward sports medicine. At the beginning of the year he did his homework in the room with me because he had lived with his dad for a while and was not in the habit of actually doing his homework. I didn't do it for him, I just watched to make sure he did it. Now that he is in the habit of doing it (he was amazed the difference doing his homework made in his grades) he does it in his room.

DS2 is much more nerdy and has always worked almost entirely without supervision. His grades reflect this.

My girls are only in K. I have to be sure they don't get distracted, so they work with me in the room.

 

QUOTE(rubyturquoise @ May 3 2009, 07:27 AM) [snapback]1298216[/snapback]
He's in 11th grade. He takes honors gym for one class (he wants to be a personal trainer), so he doesn't have homework in that class, although he takes martial arts, gymnastics and crossfit training courses outside of school. He takes math (Trig, I think), English, a computer tech course (I told him to take that one because computer skills are so useful), Anatomy & Physiology and History. He chose A&P for his science class because it ties in with his desire to be a personal trainer or possibly work toward sports medicine. At the beginning of the year he did his homework in the room with me because he had lived with his dad for a while and was not in the habit of actually doing his homework. I didn't do it for him, I just watched to make sure he did it. Now that he is in the habit of doing it (he was amazed the difference doing his homework made in his grades) he does it in his room.

DS2 is much more nerdy and has always worked almost entirely without supervision. His grades reflect this.

My girls are only in K. I have to be sure they don't get distracted, so they work with me in the room.


The school system in the US seems so different to Australia, in the senior years (11 and 12) we dont do any gym unless you pick it, maths is a option if you want to take it, the only class we are forced to take is english! There is a range of about 20 subjects we could have picked from to do. We have 6 classes in year 11 which is 12 units the minimum amount that you can take then in year 12 you can drop one class and go down to 10 units.

Homework really isnt the issue in year 12 its more the assessments that go towards your HSC that matter as homework and classwork although I find important, doesnt matter to the school system, its not graded. In year 11 and 12 its your CHOICE to be there if you want to do well, do the work, if not then they are fools for being there as they drag everyone elses marks down (scaling towards hsc depends on everyone in the year that takes each class!)

Personally I take social science subjects such as "society and culture" and "community and family studies" really never any homework, studying and assessments take most of my time!


That was like when my twin and I were younger we sat at the table just so mum could see we were doing work, not playing with toys in our bedroom or getting into trouble! But we never got h/w til like in year 4? and then it was only easy.

 

My girls are in SK (Ontario has Junior Kindergarten age 4, and Senior Kindergarten age 5) so no homework yet, but they are also in French Immersion (an option for children in Canada). There is a lot of support at our school for parents of children in the FI stream. Part of the orientation at the beginning of SK when they start FI is regarding homework. Most parents are not French speakers so there are many questions about how to help with homework.

All the books that the girls will use in FI are also available in English so that aspect of parental help was discussed. Of course, math concepts are the same and phonics are similar although a little different, but a lot of what we were told was that most of the children's homework SHOULD be done independently by the child, and I agree.

The "philosophy" of homework was also discussed, and the presenters (yes, these individuals were teachers) recommended that we read "The Homework Myth" (link): http://astore.amazon.com/israelkalman-20/detail/0738211117

So my perspective on homework really changed since the sessions I attended. I am far less worried about it and I am more committed to come up with creative ways to practice concepts than sit down with them and slog through their homework.

 

The girls mostly do their homework on their own. We have a routine. They come home and do their homework before going outside to play. After coming home, they sit right down and start. Usually they do it at the island in the kitchen, so I am right close by either unloading dishwasher or starting dinner. If they have questions, they will ask me. Usually, they do it on their own though and I will look it over. If I see something wrong, I ask them to make sure their work is correct by looking it back over. Now, big projects, they still ask for my help on some things. Sometimes they ask for helping wording something properly, or help them with an idea on what they should make for their insect project. Things like that. The final decision is always theirs, but am glad to assist if they need a hand.

I did want to say that both the girls have 2 very different homework habits though. When they were in K, Brooke had a lot of homework and Morgan had none. In 1st grade, Brooke still had more homework, and Morgan very little. Now in 2nd, their homework amount is comparable, BUT because Morgan didn't have a lot the previous years, she is harder to settle down and get in the groove. Brooke, on the other hand, sits right down, and finishes her work in 15 minutes usually. The homework habit she established early on in K, really serves her well. I kind of wish Morgan was the one who had more homework at first, because her personality tends to agitate more easy. So if she has a lot, she explodes and breaks down if she runs into a problem. Brooke is more disciplined in general and would do well in either situation.

 

My 2nd graders have to read for 20 minutes each night plus they have math homework 2x a week and spelling 2x a week. They have a calendar they bring home every day that has listed any behavior problems or missing homework. I have to sign this every night. With only a 15minute recess every day my son needs physical activity before he can settle down to do homework. My daughter needs to do it right after school or she forgets. I decided to use homework as a lesson in responsibility. They are required to do their homework each day. I don't oversee nor remind them (although I do help if they need it and they ask politely) If the calendar shows a missed homework assignment they are grounded the next day. Two in one week and they are grounded for the weekend. I have only had to ground each twin a couple of times all year.

I do find it interesting though that my twins bring home more homework than their 7th grade sister. Also the teachers at the middle school have made it a policy to do major projects in class because they want the students to do them.