Author Thinks All Homework Should Be Abolished

When it comes to homework, parents often think their kids have too much to do on a daily basis. Of course, probably just as many parents feel that their kids don’t have enough. Alfie Kohn, author of the book, The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of A Bad Thing, says that homework is unnecessary and may cause students to become less interested in learning. In the December 2006 issue of Parent and Child, Kohn says that it’s hard for anyone to justify why homework is necessary. He says there is no evidence to support the belief that … Continue reading

When it Gets Too Hard to Help With Homework

I’m an educated woman, I have a college degree, but I’m here to tell you that unless my teenagers are reading “The Scarlet Letter” or doing anything that an old English major/aging cheerleader/columnist for the high school newspaper might be able to help with–I’m pretty darn lame. Somewhere around mid-middle school, my eyes glazed over and it became apparent to everyone that if it had to do with science, math, languages (I took German and no one else in this house is taking that), and more than basic traveler’s geography–I was so not the woman for the job. That’s not … Continue reading

Homework Clubs

Guys, have you heard about homework clubs? Homework clubs are a way for kids to get together and do their homework while being supervised by parents or teachers. Some kids find it more productive working in such an environment as opposed to working home alone. Some clubs are sponsored by schools, libraries or private tutoring companies. If you’re interested in having your child attend one, just check around in your community or consider starting one of your own. If you decide to start your own, here are a few things to keep in mind: The location should be one that … Continue reading

Tips for Getting Homework Done

Homework – the very word most children dread hearing. While some kids seem to do well in school without even trying, other children study for hours and find homework difficult. If your child falls into the latter category of struggling with homework, then you understand the anxiety and frustration that has become a nightly ritual. Learning should be a good experience for children, not one filled with despair. The good news is that you can help your child with homework by breaking each task down into simple terms. As an example, try using visuals as a learning tool. If your … Continue reading

Seven Ways to Get the REAL Scoop on Your Child’s Homework

Children with learning disabilities and other special needs require a lot of parental involvement when it comes to homework. It may be difficult for these kids to keep track of assignments and deadlines, and they may be fearful to ask their teachers questions for clarification. And even when there really isn’t any tangible homework, there might be tests or quizzes scheduled for which your child should be preparing. Here are seven ways you can keep tabs on your child’s homework while still giving your son or daughter a feeling of independence and accomplishment. Meet with your child’s teacher(s) early in … Continue reading

“Mom, it’s time for your homework.”

Alright, so maybe I’m just getting a little tired. But I have six children in school, and I’m starting to feel like I have more homework than they do. Every weekday my children bound in the door, unload their backpacks, and the paperwork starts piling up. “Mom, I need a consent form for internet use.” “Mom, I need you to sign my field trip permission slip.” “Mom, you need to initial my day planner.” “You’re supposed to read this note from the principal.” “It’s picture day tomorrow and I need a check.” “Mom, I’ve got a ten dollar lab fee … Continue reading

The Raccoon Ate My Homework

Okay, here’s one to share with your school age children. Forget about the proverbial excuse: “The dog ate my homework.” (I think teachers have caught on to that one-wink, wink.) Rather, let’s take our lead from a Florida teen who used a raccoon as an excuse for a late assignment. According to local newspapers, Stephanie King told her music teacher that a raccoon was to blame for her missing homework. “I explained that the raccoon fell from the ceiling in my bathroom and it ran into my bedroom,” the 13-year-old seventh grader told the St. Petersburg Times. “Animal control came … Continue reading

Home and Family: Homework Help

These days it seems like teachers send home as much work for parents as they do for kids. Some even ask you to correct your child’s papers. Let me tell you, with four kids and no answer key in sight, those kinds of tasks can eat up an entire evening quickly. I’m an involved parent, and I don’t mind helping the teacher out a bit, but I don’t have time to work each problem in every subject for all four kids to come up with the correct answers. My girls have extra curricular activities, Awana, and we do have to … Continue reading

Teach Your Child to LOVE Reading in One Easy Step

There’s a simple way that you can encourage, promote and improve your child’s reading skills. It’s enjoyable, it’s a little selfish, and it really works. It requires just a bit of skill and some self-indulgence. Huh? What could it be? Simply this: Do it yourself. That’s right, read. Read, and let your child see you reading. And if you’re ready to strangle me, thinking, “Yeah, right…when do I have time?” I’ll make a suggestion: Read while your child does her homework. Children in the public school system are supposed to be reading for certain periods of time each day. My … Continue reading

Homework Help: Fact Monster

Homework season is just around the corner. I can remember when research for homework consisted of sitting in the school library for hours looking for an answer to a particular question in books, immediately followed by getting your parents to drive you to the city library so you could continue your search through their books as well. Recognized as the Best Kids Site in July 2001 by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, Fact Monster is designed to help kids research their homework and look up information on a variety of different topics. The site is divided up … Continue reading