Homework and School Achievement By Elementary Counseling

Homework affects achievement in school. Research tells us that time spent doing homework directly affects a child's achievement. Students who consistently do homework perform academically better than those who do not do homework. By doing homework, students can improve academic achievement in all subjects. This occurs across all grade levels for both high and low achievers. Homework for the school-age child is an opportunity to learn valuable organizational skills for strong study habits. Parents can "get the most out of homework for their child" when they understand the purpose of it.

Seven Hidden Values of Homework

1. Responsibility:  Homework is your child's responsibility, If you are overly involved, the lesson gets done, but the real lessons don't get learned.
2. Independence:   This is the first time, someone other the parent is assigning tasks. Allow your child the opportunity to progress toward self-direction.
3. Perseverance:   Don't step in the minute your child feels challenged or frustrated. All them to struggle a little and learn to overcome difficulties.
4. Time Management:  Children need to be told when to finish homework, NOT when to start it. This way they learn to manage their time.
5. Initiative: Like a muscle, the ability to be a self-starter strengthens with exercise. Let you child learn to take initiative to start projects.
6. Self Reliance: Homework can affirm your child's feelings of competency. Mismanaged, it can deflate it. Unfortunately, there is no in between.
7. Resourcefulness: The ability to be inventive in the face of challenges is the very quality we seek. Homework provides a setting for your child to practice this.