By National PTA & National Education Association

Many students try to avoid it, but teaching and learning research indicates that children who spend more time on regularly assigned, meaningful homework, on average, do better in school.

This article answers questions many people have about homework. It gives specific advice for helping your children. Here are some quick hints to help your child get the most out of homework.

Homework Hints

• Assume that your children will have studying to do every night.
   

• Ask your children if they understand their homework. If they do not, work a few examples together.
   

• Ask your children to show you their homework after the teacher returns it, to learn where they're having trouble and where they're doing well. See if your children did the work correctly.
   

• Stay in touch with your children's teachers. Ask about their classes and what they are studying. Ask their teachers how you can support what they are studying (flash cards, spelling, etc.).
   

• Remember, you and their teachers want the same thing—to help your children learn.
   

• Don't be afraid to get in touch with the teacher if you and your child don't understand an assignment or if your child is having a great deal of trouble. Almost all parents run into these problems, and teachers are glad to help.
   

• Don't do your children's work for them. Help them learn how to do it themselves.
   

• Show your children that you think homework is important. If you are at work during homework time, ask to see their work when you get home.
   

• Praise your children for doing well. Make praise a habit.
   

• Maintain a portfolio of "best pieces."
   

• Ask your school about tips or guides for helping your children develop good study habits.
   

• Help older students organize their assignments by recording them on calendars or planners, along with due dates, dates turned in, etc.