We all know what homework is. Typically, homework is an assignment that a teacher gives to students. It requires the student to complete the work at home. Some teachers also give what has been referred to as “parent homework”. Here are some ways to cope with it.
“Parent homework” is an assignment that a teacher gives – not to a student – but to the student’s parents. Not every teacher will do this. Those that do tend to be teachers of kindergarten or elementary school students. Here are some ways that parents can cope with the unexpected “parent homework.”
Just Do It
There are types of “parent homework” that both parents and their children can find to be enjoyable. Being asked to read to your child for five or ten minutes can be fun. Many kids like to be assigned homework that requires them to read to a parent.
Ask Questions
If the “parent homework” seems too time consuming, or prohibitively expensive, it may be time to ask the teacher some questions about it. A good one is: “What is the assignment expected to assess?” This requires the teacher to explain why they want parents to spend time and/or money doing the assignment.
Parents may learn that the task actually is a good way to assess a specific skill. The homework might be a fun way for a parent to help their child learn their colors, or to count to ten. This type of “parent homework” helps a parent to see what skills their child needs more help with.
Seek Clarification
Sometimes, asking the teacher for more clarification can make a difference. A parent might think the “parent homework” was more taxing than it was intended to be. You might have assumed making a costume for Dr. Seuss Day required a lot of sewing.
But, the teacher meant your child could wear a Dr. Seuss themed t-shirt, socks, or hat that day (if the child wanted to). That’s a lot easier to manage!
Related Articles on Families.com: