Parent's Guide To Solving Homework Problems - Part 5

Identifying Homework Problems - SLOPPY/SPEEDY WORKERS

Sloppy, untidy work is not accepted by teachers and (most) parents. It is usually a clear indication that the creator has rushed and has little if any pride in his work.

If teachers and parents insist on an ‘acceptable level’  of neatness and quality, and insist it be redone until it is acceptable, it will soon become obvious to the speedy producer, that doing it right once is much quicker than having to redo the assignment two or three times.

Parents can encourage neatness and quality by:

1.       Monitoring the child’s homework at regular intervals (yes, dad, you have to do something!).

2.       Create check points e.g.: 30 Math examples – “Come to see me after completing ten.” (this is where you check the neatness and quality).

3.       Establish a homework time block with a set amount of time. If child completes all homework before the time is up, they must read until the time is up (this slows down the child rushing to move on to a more enjoyable activity).

4.       Of course TV, video games, internet, cell phones, devices, etc., etc.  are totally out of the picture until homework time is done.

At this point there may be some of you thinking that these homework ideas require a lot of work. Well…not to spoil your world…but yes this homework problem will require some work on your part…consider it your homework…live with it.

A Parent's Guide To Solving Homework Problems - Part 3

DETERMINING THE PROBLEM

One of the first things you need to establish is can your child handle the material.

Students can be experiencing difficulties with the level of the material and not tell you or the teacher. They feel vulnerable and afraid to admit to something they may see as a fault or weakness

You will need to do a little detective work: talk with your child and ask her what the problem is; phone the teacher and get her perspective; is it one subject or more?

If it is more than one subject that your child is experiencing difficulties with, then have the school assess your child…more on this later.

If you discover that your child is experiencing difficulties with a particular subject at school then you need to arrange a meeting with the teacher. 

Ask the teacher to summarize what, in her opinion, is the problem your child is having and how to fix it. Together you should come up with a plan to remedy the situation.

A tutor may also be in the cards to give your child the extra help she needs to get a solid grip of the material.

Part 4 to follow...

Parent's Guide To Solving Homework Problems - Part 2

IS THERE A HOMEWORK PROBLEM?

The first thing you need to determine is whether there is a problem with homework. 

If you and your child are tearing your hair out, yelling and screaming at each other over homework issues then it is an easy diagnosis.

There is a difference between occasional problems and regular problems. We all have an off day now and then.  Gentle reminders and prompts to do homework are also normal for most families. 

However, if the homework issue is pervasive, with regular excuses for homework not done and constant battles to get your child to complete homework then there obviously is a problem.

While this analysis might seem somewhat simplistic, there sometimes is a thin line between determining whether you and your child have a homework problem or not. In some instances it may be a demanding parent expecting perfection.

If there is even the slightest doubt in your mind, call your child’s teacher and get another perspective. If the teacher is noticing similar behaviours in class then that will help you to make a sound analysis.

If you have gotten this far and determined that there really is no problem, then...Congratulations!

If however, you know you and your child have a homework issue, then the next step is determining what is causing the homework problem?

Part 3 to follow...

A Parent's Guide To Solving Homework Problems - Part 1

Is your child unable to focus on homework? 

Does he forget to bring home his homework?

Does he speed through work, produce sloppy work, resist work, procrastinate or rely too heavily on your help?

Do you think your child is experiencing homework problems? Perhaps it would be more appropriate to say you and your child are experiencing homework problems?

 

Problems with homework can be very stressful to family life and in many cases result in parent-child relationship break-down.

As a teacher for many years, I have witnessed many families stressed, anxious, frustrated and angry as a result of homework problems at home.

If this is happening in your family, take heart. There are simple and effective ways to relieve and eliminate the stress and friction caused by homework problems.

Part 2 to follow

Solving Homework Problems - Is There A Problem?

IS THERE A PROBLEM?

The first thing you need to determine is whether there is a problem. If you and your child are tearing your hair out, yelling and screaming at each other over homework issues then it is an easy diagnosis.

There is a difference between occasional problems and regular problems. We all have an off day now and then.  Gentle reminders and prompts to do homework are also normal for most families.

However, if the homework issue is pervasive, with regular excuses for homework not done and constant battles to get your child to complete homework then there obviously is a problem.

While this analysis might seem somewhat simplistic, there sometimes is a thin line between determining whether you and your child have a homework problem or not. In some instances it may be a demanding parent expecting perfection.

If there is even the slightest doubt in your mind, call your child’s teacher and get another perspective. If the teacher is noticing similar behaviours in class then that will help you to make a sound analysis.

If you have gotten this far and determined that there really is no problem, then your worries are over.

If, however, you know you and your child have a homework issue, then the next step is determining what is causing the homework problem.