WHY HELPING YOUR KIDS WITH HOMEWORK COULD HINDER THEIR LEARNING
WITH MUM-OFTWO AND SOCIAL COMMENTATOR ANGELA MOLLARD
While most parents are glad their kids are heading back to school there’s one subject, more than any other, that has the potential to cause stress: homework.
The role a parent takes in homework is vital to a child’s success. According to new research there’s a right and wrong way to do this – and one approach could be detrimental to their learning.
Finnish researchers say there are two types of homework support: help, where the parent gives hands-on, concrete assistance; and autonomy granting, where the parent encourages the child to be more independent in attempting tasks.
Autonomy granting is the preferred approach, according to Associate Professor Jaana Viljaranta, because it encourages children to work independently and consequently feel a greater sense of satisfaction.
“By allowing your child to take responsibility for their own schoolwork, you communicate your trust in their abilities,” she says. “They then feel more competent, and therefore put in more effort and persistence.”
Parents who take over by helping their children with construction projects or writing speeches and essays for them, send a message to their kids that they lack competence.
This can lead to them becoming less persistent which can lead to poorer self-esteem. So how can you help
your child? HELP FORMULATE A HOMEWORK PLAN. When are they going to study? Where will they do it? How will they break it down into chunks? Set a time when they will finish studying so they don’t get overtired.
ENCOURAGE THEM TO CHECK THEIR OWN WORK. Talk to them about reading written work aloud so they can hear where punctuation is needed. They’ll learn more from spotting errors themselves. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE SCHOOL. If your child is finding the homework too hard or too easy, speak to the teacher. Also go through any corrections so you can see where your child is struggling.
STAY UP TO DATE. Some schools have evening sessions to teach parents new methods, particularly in maths. Or find out about PETAL paragraphs which form the basis of essays so you can discuss them with your child. DIRECT YOUR CHILD TO RESEARCH. Rather than just giving an answer, encourage them to use books or the internet. For historical work, it’s worth asking grandparents to get a more anecdotal view.
PRAISE THEIR EFFORTS. Some parents fall into the habit of congratulating the results but when we commend our kids for their effort they’re more motivated to keep trying.
“WHEN WE HAVE BREAKFAST, FOOD GETS ALL OVER THEIR HANDS. YOU CAN SAY A THOUSAND TIMES ‘DO NOT WIPE IT ON YOUR PANTS’, AND SURE ENOUGH THEY WIPE IT ON THEIR PANTS. MY HOUSE IS NOT A MUSEUM. YOU CAN SEE THAT CHILDREN LIVE THERE. IT’S THEIR HOUSE AS MUCH AS MINE.” Heidi Klum, model and mum of four.