Recently I was talking with another parent about how much is asked of us at home in relation to our children's education. There are times I find this hard. There are the nights when my 7-year-old son is just too tired, or his little brother is distracting, or we have swimming lessons... and the list goes on.
Overall, though, I actually enjoy sitting down to help my son with his homework and see what he is learning. I have realized that it is actually good I am "forced" to do this, because otherwise maybe I would not take the time to see what he knows. I have recently been amazed at how well he is doing subtraction, for example. More and more, he is able to take the lead on homework, and that is nice to see.
He also is required to read to me for 20 minutes nearly every night. Again, if this were not mandatory for school, I may not take the time to do it as much as we should. It has been really exciting watching him go from very short beginning readers to chapter books. The best part of all is the look of pride on his face when he does this.
Sometimes the assignments can lead to conversations about his school day. He tells me things during homework that he doesn't seem to reveal at other times. Like most parents, I crave details of what goes on when I am not around, and I appreciate any glimpse I get into my son's little world.
Homework is really essential for making the school and home connection a success.
Debbie Akers, a northeast Phoenix mom of two young sons, is a member of the Arizona Republic's Parent Advisory Panel.
Debbie Akers, a northeast Phoenix mom of three young sons, is a member of the Arizona Republic's Parent Advisory Panel.
Hi, my name is Erica and I
Hi, my name is Erica and I came across your blog today and really enjoyed reading this entry. It is an interesting take on the usefulness of homework - perhaps one that is too often overlooked.
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