Do I have to do my homework? Linking homework-focused parenting practices with student achievement

What the Research Says… In a review of over 300 studies investigating the relationship between home environments and educational and developmental outcomes for children, it was reported that there is a positive relationship between children’s academic learning and the following work habits of the family:  The degree of structure, sharing and punctuality in home activities including work and play, chores and an established routine in managing the home  An emphasis on regularity in the use of time and space, including a balance for sleep, meals, study, reading and play  A priority given to schoolwork, reading and other educational activities such as regular homework schedule, over television and other recreation. Kellaghan, Sloane, Alvarez, and Bloom

What the Research Says… Studies also show that high achieving students live in homes where  there is a regular family routine  priority is given to schoolwork (meaning there is adequate time for reading, studying, and completion of schoolwork) It has been reported that student grades are significantly and positively related to  parental monitoring of homework completion  parents keeping close track of students' performance in school  The structure provided by the home, especially a quiet place to study, discussion of schoolwork, and parental recognition of child progress Clark, 1983; Cooper, 1989; Fehrmann, Keith, & Reimers, 1987

What the Research Says… Make Education a priority:  Give priority to schoolwork and other educational activities over television and recreation.  Limit television viewing to no more than one hour per school night. (President Obama suggests no TV during the week)  Ensure that your child attends school each day.  Take time each day to ask your child about school. Don't just ask what they learned in school today, ask them to tell you 3 things that they learned or three things that were the highlights of the day. How can you put this into practice at home?

What the Research Says… Provide a routine:  Help your child understand the importance of completing homework and provide a structured time for learning.  Provide a block of uninterrupted time each day for homework and be there to provide guidance and/or support.  Create and reinforce a routine for daily events such as eating dinner together, completing homework and a reasonable bedtime. How can you put this into practice at home?

What the Research Says… Provide an environment of accountability:  Monitor your child’s school progress by communicating with your child’s teacher or reviewing grades online.  Help your child organize his/her work and to use his/her time efficiently. Sandra L. Christenson, Ph.D Cathryn Peterson, Teacher University of Minnesota, 2010 How can you put this into practice at home?

What Ironwood Teachers Say… Valuable types of homework:  Homework that practices/reinforces skills taught in class that day (especially in the primary grades)  Completion of work that your child did not complete in class that day or week that needs to be completed at home (especially in the intermediate grades)  Ongoing projects (especially in the intermediate grades)  Ongoing practice/memorization of math facts, sight words, spelling words, etc.  Daily reading (child reads to parent, parent reads to child or both read together)

What Ironwood Teachers Say… The value of homework  Homework allows parents to see what their child is working on and to be involved in their learning  It reinforces lessons from school  It provides an opportunity for parents and students to spend quality time together  It helps students gain a sense of security with new skills  It allows parents to give immediate feedback to their child (something that is not always possible in the classroom)

What Ironwood Teachers Say… Homework-focused Parenting Practice Tips  Parents should sit down and complete homework with their child or review the work with their child if the child can do it independently  Parents should ask and answer questions their child might have about their homework  Parents should take time to reinforce skills from the homework that may have been challenging  Parents should extend the homework activities for extra practice or to provide additional challenge problems for enrichment  Parents should keep open communication with their child’s teacher about homework (questions, comments or concerns)  Parents should set up a routine for homework with their children What time will it be completed? Where will it be completed?

What Ironwood Teachers Say… What parents can do in ADDITION to assigned homework to promote student success in school  Read to your child!  Read with your child!  Have your child read to you!  Visit the local library for books and upcoming library programs  Keep a writing journal with your child corresponding back and forth with your child  Visit websites for reinforcement of enrichment (see handout)