RESPONSIBLE LEARNERS ARE SELF DISCIPLINED.

The mention of homework often brings a mixed reaction from both stu-dents and parents. While some readily accept its value as an important part of the total educational program, others may think of it as simply busywork. The many demands on the time of both adults and children make it vital that homework be understood by all as meaningful activity.

Teachers assign homework for a variety of reasons. The work may be in-tended to review and reinforce a concept presented in class, or it may be a way for the teacher to check on the student’s un-derstanding and determine the need for further explanation. Sometimes the pur-pose of homework is to challenge the stu-dent’s interest and encourage individual exploration of a topic. Independent learn-ing builds self-esteem as young people discover that they can solve problems. Some assignments emphasize the relation-ship of a class activity to the real world. All assignments offer you, the parent, a glimpse into our classroom activities.

Let’s be clear that homework is your child’s work, not yours. The respon-sibility is his or hers. You can offer a quiet place to study. You can negotiate with your child to select an appropriate time to eliminate TV and other distractions. You can offer encouragement and praise. Let your attitude be that homework comple-tion is an obligation, not a choice, and don’t be drawn into any argument about it.

Homework’s contribution to teaching young people to organize time and materials sometimes goes unrecog-nized. But success in keeping track of as-signments and completing them on time, provides personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement. Students who manage this are likely to grow into responsible adults. If you have questions about the difficulty or length of assignments, please talk with your child’s teacher. Working together, we can determine how we can best fulfill your child’s needs.