Homework is based on each student’s individual needs, interests, and abilities. It is encouraged for reinforcement and enrichment activities. Homework that has no specific educational purpose is not given. Parents are encouraged to establish a daily study time to complete homework or practice skills.
Studies show that student achievement rises when teachers regularly assign homework and students conscientiously do it. But homework is only useful when it is reviewed and returned promptly to the student and when it supplements what is learned in the class. In order to be effective, homework should be interesting, motivating, and rewarding so that children develop a sense of responsibility and a positive attitude toward learning. Parental interest in schoolwork shows they believe what the child is doing is important and that school is an important priority for the family.
PARENTAL GUIDELINES
1. Study time should be a part of a daily routine. Even when there is no homework, time should be spent on reading for pleasure or working on an upcoming assignment. This procedure needs to be made a regular practice that is observed on school nights.
2. Provide a specific time for homework, preferably when you or another responsible adult will be available to assist your child.
3. Provide a specific place for your child to do his homework. It may be in a bedroom or at the kitchen table. The area should be will lighted and equipped with whatever supplies are appropriate for completion of the work. Declare the area off-limits to interruptions and turn off the TV.
4. Use homework time to foster responsibility, not to punish the child. In this way you can lay the proper foundation for organizational skills and study habits.
5. Serve in the role of consultant to help your child learn to solve problems rather than solving them for him/her. 6. Show interest in your child's homework. "Children need encouragement and support from the people whose opinions they value most: their parents." (Homework Without Tears).
The teachers and administration of Stearley Heights Elementary School recognize the importance of the partnership that exists between the home and the school in the education of the child. The home is the most important educational resource in this partnership, and parents are the most influential teachers. Parents teach children to like or not like school and provide much of the out-of-school reinforcement for learning. Children must know how to learn, and must be able to learn continually throughout their lives if they are to cope successfully with the many changing demands of living in our complex world.
HELP is a partnership program whereby the teachers and administrators ask the parents to assist in reinforcement of school learning in the home. The following questions are a guide to assist you in providing an environment that is conducive to developing positive attitudes about learning:
- Do you provide a private place for your child to do homework?
- Do you schedule a time each day for homework? Is it a flexible schedule that allows for special events that are of benefit to your child?
- Do you read to your child or have your child read to you each day?
- Does your child have the supplies needed to complete assigned homework? Is there a special place to keep the supplies? Is there a place for your child to keep homework so it is not "lost" when it is time to go to school?
- Do you check your child's homework assignment before it is started and after it is completed?
- Do you ask your child's teacher to explain methods used to teach particular skills if the method differs from the way you were taught?
