Principal Points - "Homework"

Past Principal Points

Homework Strategies

Homework is integral part of an effective education, and we have provided for a reasonable amount in our school policies. According to the parent surveys we have received so far, (and I have personally reviewed every one) the vast majority of students are completing their work within the guidelines we have set, so overall, we are on track. However, there are some students who are regularly exceeding these times, and I am contacting each family to resolve these concerns. In most cases, these are either students who have difficulty with their schoolwork in general and need additional time, or students who are overly conscientious and are choosing to give additional time.

Often, this second group doesn't complain, but the constant striving for top marks through studying long hours, handing assignments in early, and doing more than the teachers ask takes an emotional toll on the student and family. When homework displaces all time for play and relaxation, sports, music, family, and church; then something is clearly out of balance. Sometimes a parent needs to intervene to set limits for the sake of the student, even though they don't want them.

When homework, on a regular basis, begins to extend significantly beyond the standards we have set, then parents and students should consider implementing one or more of the following.

1) Parents! Set an maximum time limit for homework and don't allow them to do more.

a) Don't extend it except for unusual situations. Even then, you may want to negotiate a trade from the following night in order to maintain balance. You may decide on a time which is more than our standard, and that's OK if you feel it appropriate for your child. But then, don't let them go beyond that. This is critical in order to teach the remaining skills.

b) Help your child to see that there is a difference between doing one's "theoretical best" and one's "realistic best." There will always be more work to do, but life is more than homework! The question is not, Is this my best? but rather, Is this my best given the time and resources I have available? This is all God wants from us.

2) Prioritize each assignment, and do first things first.

a) What's due tomorrow? It needs to be attended to right away.

b) What's due later this week? Be sure to give some attention to it before the evening is over.

c) What's due later on. If there is no time left over, then this category can be ignored. If there is time, then these things should be last on the list.

3) Set a time allotment for each assignment and do the best you can within the time allowed.

a) Do NOT spend all the time on one assignment and then fail to turn another one in at all.

b) Better to have every assignment that must be done attended to somewhat than one done perfectly and another not at all.

4) Study time for tests can expand infinitely. (When is it ever enough? One can always do more.) So, set a time allotment for studying. Give it your best for 30-40 minutes and then let it go, and leave it with the Lord. You know, God still loves us, even if we get a 'B' instead of an 'A'.

5) Do homework where it is most productive.

a) Make sure that there is adequate space and light.

b) Keep the time free from distractions. (Doing homework with constant interruptions, or while watching TV or talking on the phone is a waste of time. Having background music, however, may be OK, depending on the child.)

One grade which is more prone to difficulties than any other is grade seven. This is due to a number of factors, not all school related. At school, the students now have more teachers with differing expectations. These teachers won't necessarily give time in their class to work on another subject. In addition, these students are now often involved in sports teams, and for the first time, they are attending their church youth group. So the pressures and opportunities from school, sports, and church all combine for the first time in grade seven. Students in this grade, especially, must learn to employ the strategies outlined above.

Other secondary students may also have a lot of homework, but this usually is a function of the electives they have chosen to take. Students taking a full load with advanced math and physics, for example, will have more homework than those who have spares and easier subjects. Subjects which are semestered will have double the homework of other subjects. The key issue is, How is it affecting your child and your family? If it is harmful, let me know, and we will work to make changes.

Brian Hazeltine, B.Ed., M.A.
Principal, Airdrie Koinonia Christian School