In this post, you will gain a sense of relief when you learn more about what the different types of homework are and I challenge you to consider shift in thinking about homework’s role in your and your child’s life.

#1        Know the purpose of your child’s homework.

There are at least 4 types of homework:

1.  Completion: any work assigned during the school day not completed in class;

2.  Practice: any work that reinforces skills and concepts taught in class;

3.  Preparation: any work that prepares students for upcoming lessons or classes;

4.  Extension: any work that explores and refines learning in new contexts or integrates and expands on classroom learning.

#2        Use homework as a communication tool.

I believe that homework can be an invaluable communication tool between home and school.  For example, if your child seems to be bringing home a lot of completion homework, you should ask the teacher, “What is getting in the way of my child completing his work during class time?”  If a pattern emerges, it is a good opportunity to explore different environmental and instructional accommodations for your child with your child’s teacher.

Other homework communication opportunities include:

If your child seems to be doing endless practice homework, could the same outcome be accomplished by doing 10 questions rather than 50?  If your child does not seem to be catching on to the concept being practiced, does he have the tools and prior learning experience under his belt in order to be successful?

Is your child’s preparation homework being accommodated appropriately?  For example, if he is required to read a chapter in his novel to prepare for tomorrow’s class discussion, has the novel been provided to him in a format that can be accessed by his text to voice assistive technology?

Is the extension homework he is receiving drawing on his learning strengths, talents and interests?

#3        You are the head of your household.

Remember, this is home work.  You get to decide when enough is enough, but, I encourage you to communicate with your child’s teacher if his homework did not get completed or if it was done differently than expected.

#4        Know your child’s school’s homework policy.

Is the amount of time your child is expected to work at home appropriate for his age? As a guideline, some schools expect about 10 minutes per grade level – that’s total, not for each subject – on school nights.  Do you know what your child’s school’s homework policy is?

By keeping track of how long it really takes your child to do his homework, you will have specific information to share with his teacher. If the amount of time is more than the school’s homework policy, I encourage you to meet with his teacher to discuss what accommodations might be put in place to help make the time it takes your child to complete his homework more reasonable.

Want a clear strategy to head off homework battles, build your child’s self esteem and successfully navigate the Ontario school system? Click here.