Why Do Teachers Assign Homework?

Teachers assign homework for many reasons. Homework can help children

• review and practice what they've learned;
• get ready for the next day's class;
• learn to use resources, such as libraries, reference materials, and encyclopedias; and
• explore subjects more fully than time permits in the classroom.

Homework can also help children develop good habits and attitudes.

It can teach children to work independently; encourage self-discipline and responsibility (assignments provide some youngsters with their first chance to manage time and meet deadlines); and encourage a love of learning.

Homework can also bring parents and educators closer together. Parents who supervise homework and work with their children on assignments learn about their children's education and about the school.

Homework is meant to be a positive experience and to encourage children to learn. Assignments should not be used as punishment.
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Working with Homework.

Most parents find it difficult to help their children with homework, don't you think? We could help the neighbor's child without getting so impatient and emotionally invested in the seemingly simple process of helping a child study for a test, or figure out how to spell digging with two "g's". Hey, that's an idea, we could set up a kid-sharing with the neighbors for homework time. Oh well, you know my imagination gets carried away sometimes. So, if you're stuck with helping your own child with homework, a publishing company called Free Spirit has some resources to help. 

Tips from How to Help Your Child with Homework 

•Set goals with not for your child. Then focus on one at a time.

•Make your child aware of his or her improvement. Reward achievement.

•Direct praise to the task at hand.

•Try not to show disappointment if your child doesn't do as well as you'd like. 

•Be enthusiastic. Show humor. 

•Be prepared to teach as well as help. 

•Use concrete, hands-on materials whenever possible, especially with younger children. 

•Help your child build associations between what she knows and what she is learning. 

•Provide adequate practice to facilitate overlearning. 

•Provide variety. Switch from one subject to another and take breaks to keep up attention. 

•Encourage creative thinking. This is an opportunity your child may not be getting at school. 

•Encourage independence. 

•Take every opportunity to build your child's self-esteem. 

•Show a positive attitude toward your child's school and teacher. Work with the teacher not against her.

Teaching without Purpose

Motivating Children to Read, Think and Learn Over the Christmas break

Every January, educators see a learning loss from over the break. It is easy for teachers to see who has not been ‘thinking or learning’ during this time.  The first few weeks after break  are spent on review.

School provides a routine in children’s lives to learn, study and think. Vacations interrupts this routine. So it is important for families to establish routines where the children not only read, but think, over the break.

The most important message that parents can give children is that they value reading and that they choose to read themselves. A good education is key to success in life and reading is the foundation for all learning – so it is important that children develop strong reading skills. Being able to read well allows people to participate fully in society – as workers, as parents, as students, as citizens. Being fully literate allows for more opportunities and more choice in life.

Parents and caregivers can provide their children with opportunities, resources and encouragement to read over the break. For example:

• Most importantly, provide access to books for your children. Think about what interests your children (start with their hobbies and interests). Don’t just have books in your home. Have other reading materials, newspapers, magazines on hand as well.
• Visit the library. Ask the librarian for suggestions.
• See the movie, read the book!
• Post a map on the fridge and see what learning and discussion evolves.
• Read the newspaper. Read about news events (sports, world, local) and discuss them with your child.
• Continue your bedtime routine of reading together or allow your children to read past their normal bedtime.
• Read what they are reading – talk about it, think about it, discuss it!
• Encourage older children to read to younger children. Both develop their reading skills through this experience.
• Play word games.
• Read aloud to your child – even if s/he can read independently. It is important for children to hear fluent readers read.
• Extend your child’s reading experiences – read about dinosaurs, visit the museum.
• Always have a book with you – when you are out and about – books can help ease the boredom between activities.

Help your kids find the time to read. Help them figure out when it works best for them. And relax. It is not important that they read a certain number of pages every day or read for a certain length of time. Your message should be one of encouragement and good role modeling. Lead by example. Reading is fun and enjoyable and something that you do, not because you have to, but because you choose to.

http://www.frontiercollege.ca/english/learn/motivating.html