1. It is a bridge between home and school.

2. It consolidates the work of the classroom.

3. It allows your child to develop independent learning skills.

4. It shows you what work your child is doing in school.

5. It helps you now if your child is having problems with the work.

Make sure that your child has

* A quiet place to work with good lighting
* A regular time for homework
* Turn off the television
* Basic supplies, such as paper, pencils, pens, markers and ruler.
* Aids to good organization, such as, an assignment calendar, book bag, and folders


Questions to ask your child

* What is your assignment today?
* Is the assignment clear? (If not suggest calling a classmate for clarification.)
* When is it due?
* Do you need any special resources? (e.g. a trip to the library or access to a computer).
* Do you need any special supplies? (e.g. graph paper or poster board)
* Have you started today's assignment?
* Which assignment have you finished?
* How long are you expecting it to take?
* Do you need to make a plan?
* Do you need any help planning the work

Other ways to help

* Do not do the work for your child! The teacher needs to see whether or not your child can do the work.
* Help your child with a few problems to make sure they understand their assignments, but do not do their work.
* Look over the homework but do not correct it. You may point out mistakes but it is up to your child to take the responsibility of correcting the work.
* When you meet the teacher ask about homework policy. Teachers have different approaches and expectations.
* Check with the teacher if your child says they have no homework.
* Contact the teacher if you have any concerns about how your child is doing the homework. Often teachers are not aware of problems until it is too late to correct them.
* Look at the teacher comments on completed homework and discuss them with your child.
* Praise your child for the hard work they are doing whatever their grades.

Homework is a bridge between home and school. When students, parents and teachers understand their roles homework becomes a way of cementing a child’s school learning.
The role of the student
Students must understand what work they have to do. If they are not sure they must ask the teacher for clarification. A well-kept agenda will help them remember their assignments.
They need to know how success will be measured. How will the teacher assess the work
The student needs to do the work to the best of his or her ability
The work needs to be completed and handed in on time.

The role of the teacher.
The homework should reflect the instruction in the class
The timeliness and expectations should be made clear to the students.
The skills required to complete the homework should have been taught

The role of the parent.
To find a time and a space for the child to complete the work
To provide any supplies the child may need – pencil, pen, paper, dictionary etc.
To check the agenda to see what work needs doing
To help the child plan homework time so it does not become burdensome
To provide the child with help by answering direct question
To contact the teacher if there are any concerns about the homework tasks.
To help the child do the work by asking the kind of questions which promote thinking.

Homework will be assigned on Monday and due on Thursday.