November 18, 2024
One of the most frequent questions asked of our admission staff when families are first exploring our school is, “Tell me about homework” or “How much homework do students have at Mounds Park Academy?” MPA’s philosophy is that homework should always affirm and confirm what students have learned in class. In other words, homework should be about practice. When homework is designed this way, it leads to students taking responsibility for their assignments because they understand how to approach it. Our end goal is that students will find motivation within themselves to succeed. We also work to teach our students balance. We want them to be able to focus on their academic achievements, but also be in the musical, or play soccer, or participate in debate. It is important that students can handle the responsibility of homework without them drowning in it. Rigor at MPA is not the amount of homework you have or the number of hours you spend studying. Rigor at MPA is a deep and meaningful inquiry.
Very often that means a parent’s role is not working through the material with the student but encouraging the student’s independence and responsibility. But as parent you may ask, “How do I do that? What is my role?” We have some ideas on how you can support your student with their homework.
What’s my role in helping my students with homework?
- Create a homework space free from technology and interruption. Provide an environment that is conducive to doing homework (e.g., a quiet, consistent place).
- Cheer on kids to help motivate them. Kids of all ages appreciate encouragement. Compliment how focused they are, how proud you are of their accomplishments, and how hard they’re working. Believe in your student’s capability and resourcefulness.
- Leave the pen-to-paper to them. When you’re explaining a concept to your child, sometimes it’s just easier to use the pen and show them how to solve the problem–but, resist the urge to do that. Offer support to your student, but don’t do the actual homework for them. Children need to own their work and feel a sense of accomplishment from a job well done. The goal is for it to be more efficient to work independently than it is to get help.
- Set a good example. You may not have homework to do, but you can help model positive behaviors that help your child develop good homework habits. Limit your own screen time, develop healthy sleeping habits, read for pleasure, and manage your own distractions when there are tasks that you need to complete. Talk to your child about your own habits and share ideas that help you.
What’s my role in helping my Lower School student with homework?
In the early school years, there is typically not very much assigned homework, though daily reading is often expected. Some teachers have a reading log to track stories or minutes, others may have students keep a reading journal.
- Establish a consistent routine for homework. Many teachers and pediatricians recommend that students tackle their homework right after school while they’re still in “school mode.” But many kids need a break at the end of the day. Some kids have a chance to do their homework in an extended-day program. Regardless, try to establish a routine for when homework is completed so they know what to expect.
- Check your child’s backpack and the teacher’s emails. Parents need to keep up with the teacher’s communication. They should also check student folders every evening, read notices, and respond in a timely manner. Regular backpack clean-outs can be useful in helping students—and parents—stay organized.
- Foster a love of reading. Because reading is so critical to a child’s future academic success, encouraging a love of reading is paramount for parents. Kids should pick out their own books for their at-home reading and should read whatever interests them. Parents should continue to read to their child and with their child or select a book to read as a family, even after they learn to read on their own. Also, make sure that all parents are helping to model healthy habits by reading regularly for pleasure.
- Have your child take a break if frustrated. If a child is frustrated and angry about a problem or certain aspect of their homework, it often is best just to take a break. In the early school years, it’s important that children remain positive about homework, as it will only get more complex and harder to complete as the child progresses through school.
- Talk to the teacher if homework is an issue. Homework should not be a stressful time for families. If you find that homework is taking too long for your child to complete or if it’s creating stress for your child or family, talk to your child’s teacher.
- Ensure the child has playtime, downtime, and family time. We tend to overschedule ourselves and our children. But more important than yet another extracurricular activity is ensuring that every child has a chance to play, relax, and spend time with family: playtime, downtime, and family time.
What’s my role in helping my Middle School student with homework?
The transition from the Lower School to the Middle School homework level can be a challenge for some students. As the homework gets more complicated, it will obviously take longer to complete. It will also take organizational skills to keep it all straight.
- Don’t over-schedule your child; make time for homework. Middle School homework will take longer, and it’s important to leave time for that in the schedule. It’s hard to strike a balance between providing extracurricular opportunities for your children and ensuring that they can complete their schoolwork and maintain healthy habits. Let their success and mental health be your guide.
- Stay nearby during homework time. Middle school children should be more independent in tracking their own homework and making sure it’s completed on time. But, they still might need some help on specific questions and appreciate your being around to answer them. Let your child know you’re there if they have questions.
- Help develop a plan for tracking homework. Get your child into the habit of reviewing the assignments for the evening right when they get home. Or, even better, look ahead and make a plan for the week.
- Encourage your child to start bigger projects right away. Middle School students start to have longer-term, project-based assignments. Some kids (and adults!) wait until the last minute to look at an assignment, and then they won’t have the time or right materials to complete it. Encourage your child to at least review the assignment right away so they know what it entails and what they’ll need, and divide assignments into shorter, more manageable segments.
What’s my role in helping my Upper School student with homework?
By Upper School, your child has developed strong homework habits that have grown with them as the intensity and volume of homework have increased. As a parent, your role in Upper School homework really becomes like a coach: you’re there for encouragement, support, and some instruction, but they need to be internally motivated to succeed.
- Show interest in the assignments. Ask your child to explain the assignment, particularly bigger projects, and ask what their approach is going to be.
- Help create an enjoyable working space. Upper School students may have two to three hours of homework a night. Help your child create a space that they enjoy.
- Minimize the distractions. Given the prevalence of social media, it’s worth mentioning again how important it is to help your child understand the importance of removing distractions when doing homework. Teenagers might try to convince you that they need to have their friend’s help or they need to listen to music to do their homework. You know your child, so you will have the best understanding of their propensity for getting distracted.
As a parent, you are your child’s greatest advocate, cheerleader, and coach with respect to life and homework. Encourage your child as much as possible while ensuring they take responsibility for their work. The groundwork that you set in the early school years will pay off in the Middle and Upper School years as the work becomes more challenging and time-consuming. As important as homework is, however, nothing is more important than the mental, physical, and emotional health of your child.
