Although it may be hard to believe, you can actually help your child enjoy doing homework. When you provide the necessary support and encouragement, most children will rise to the occasion and do their best on their assignments.

What do children need from parents?

• Encouragement – Give your child praise for efforts and for completing assignments.
   
• Availability – Encourage your child to do the work independently, but be available for assistance.
   
• Scheduling – Establish a set time to do homework each day. You may want to use a calendar to keep track of assignments and due dates.
   
• Space - Provide a space for homework, stocked with necessary supplies, such as pencils, pens, paper, dictionaries, a computer, and other reference materials.
   
• Discipline – Help your child focus on homework by removing distractions, such as television, radio, telephone, and interruptions from siblings and friends.
   
• Modeling - Consider doing some of your work, such as paying bills or writing letters, during your child's homework time.
   
• Support – Talk to your child about difficulties with homework. Be willing to talk to your child's teacher to resolve problems in a positive manner.
   
• Involvement – Familiarize yourself with the CPS Homework Policy. Make sure that you and your child understand the teacher's expectations. At the beginning of the year, you may want to ask your child's teacher:
   
• What kinds of assignments will you give?
• How often do you give homework?
• How much time are the students expected to spend on them?
• What type of involvement do you expect from parents?

What are the benefits of homework to children?

• Responsibility – Doing homework every day at the same time helps develop responsibility and prepares children for responsibilities they will face as adults.
   
• Reinforcement – Homework helps children understand that learning doesn't stop when the school bell rings.
   
• Self-esteem - Children learn self-esteem by doing estimable things—completing homework assignments is estimable.
   
• Accomplishment – Taking pride in homework assignments helps children experience the satisfaction of a job well done.
   

Homework Links

FUSD Parent Engagement Center - "How to Help Your Child With Homework." This is a one hour class to show parents practical ways to partner with the school in educating their child no matter what the parent's abilities or their background are.

My Virtual Reference Desk - Visit the virtual reference desk to find help with homework and a variety of other subjects.