Homework matters
Homework and home learning can provide an excellent opportunity for parents to become actively involved in their children's learning, giving them a window on school work. Increasing recognition has been given to the role of parents as co-educators of their children and schools can do a great deal to help to involve parents in homework and home learning by:
- being aware of, and sensitive towards, children's home backgrounds and taking these into account in shaping both the nature of homework tasks and the resources that are required for their completion.
- providing a positive approach and constructive alternatives for pupils who need special help to enable them to work well.
To encourage, support and, where appropriate, help with their children's homework, there are things that parents need, and wish, to know.
Homework — What parents think
- One third of parents felt that their children did not do enough homework.
- Most parents said they checked the homework of their Year 7 children. By Year 10, the figure dropped to a minority of parents.
- Parents were generally unsure about the length or depth of effort required for pieces of homework
- 58% of Year 7 children had help with homework from family members at least once a year, but this dropped to 36% by Year 10
- Substantial numbers of parents felt that they lacked specific guidance or expertise about how to help with homework
- Parents indicated that they would support learning by providing resources at home in the form of books, visits, software, videos and games where possible
- Most parents believed that there is great potential in a homework journal if it is used properly by staff, parents and children.
Parents and Homework, Partnership with parents, Manchester LEA
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Getting the best out of homework
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Getting the best out of The ParentsCentre website offers advice for parents on how to support and help their children with school homework, as well as general information on how to take an active role in encouraging their child's learning.
