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30
Be: Parenting
Homework
horrors
Dr Ali Black is a senior lecturer in the
School of Education at CQUniversity
Gladstone. She is also a former early
childhood teacher and a parent.
While families can sometimes come to loggerheads over the
homework table, there is still value to be found in meaningful
out-of-school learning, writes Ali Black
Homework is one of those activities that
can be a source of dread for parents as well
as children. It is also an activity that many
parents expect and want as proof of good
teaching and learning. However, how many of us have
good experiences with homework? I have heard too
many stories of people stressing for hours at the kitchen
table, trying to make sense of homework (and that’s
just the parents!). Recently, my 11-year-old was in tears
trying to make sense of a task sheet his teacher had
given him. It was work that was unfamiliar to him; he
had left it to the 11th hour to begin, discovered there was
a lot to do, and he was overwhelmed. After reading
the homework and finding out the due date – the next
morning – I was overwhelmed too.
We all have busy lives, children too. My view is
that we need to value childhood. It happens once.
Family interactions are also precious. A balanced view
is essential. If homework is repeatedly a time of stress
and struggle then it requires a rethink. We want our
kids to feel good about themselves and their learning,
and sometimes homework experiences challenge
those good feelings. Homework, especially at primary
school, doesn’t necessarily support higher achievement
levels. If there is too much, or it is too hard, and it
takes too long, it can get to be overwhelming and can
squeeze out those healthy childhood experiences such
as playtime, relaxation, hobbies and just hanging out
together.
However, homework works well when it is
meaningful and builds on what children are learning
in class and helps them practise and consolidate
knowledge and skills. It can also support the
development of planning, research and organisational
skills, and strategies for working to deadlines and
timelines. It also offers a space for parents to see what
children are learning and what they know, to discuss
ideas and concepts and to work on projects together.
Homework isn’t always easy, so teachers need
to ensure they offer strategies for children to use,
offering steps and explanations for how tasks might be
approached, or what needs to be done. Parents have a
role too. We can support the development of optimistic
dispositions and encourage our children as they work
through ideas and challenges.
Learning can be hard, and often is hard. We can be
a positive voice and help our children think positively
about themselves as learners, about problem solving
and about academic work. We can also find out more
about homework: how long it should take, what
concepts or skills the child should be focusing on, and
whether homework could build on children’s interests
or include some fun elements – like learning fractions
through a cooking activity or dividing up a pizza.
We can help our kids by identifying the best time
to do homework. Maybe that time is straight after
school, or it could be before school, or maybe there is
a need to play and relax first. We can help by creating
the right environment – a study space with good light,
enough space, the right resources (computer, paper,
pens, calculator) and few distractions. We can help by
focusing on our children’s efforts and acknowledging
their good strategies and ideas.
Share your homework concerns with
the Friends of Be Magazine group on
Facebook.
HOMEWORK
TIPS
Find out the
teacher’s view
on homework
If homework
equals tears and
stress then talk
to the teacher
about a solution
Be a positive
voice and
source of
encouragement
Take an interest
in your child’s
learning and
what they do for
homework
Find the
best time for
homework
Create a good
study space at
home
Break tasks
down into
manageable bits
ISSUE 13