Courtesy of Sylvan Learning - Michigan
Jessica Rollins
As parents, we constantly seek ways to guide our children through their educational journeys, especially when it comes to homework. And while we want to do everything in our power to encourage their success, deep down we understand that it's a delicate balance between providing support and fostering independence. This task has taken on even more relevance as we strive to address the learning gaps and emotional stresses brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are some of the strategies families can utilize to better navigate homework as a team, ensuring it becomes a beneficial, not burdensome, part of their children’s education.
Understanding the Homework Challenge
Discerning whether a child's homework difficulties are specific to a particular class or indicative of broader academic challenges is critical. Struggles in a single subject may stem from a lack of specific skills or engagement, for example, while wider issues often involve foundational gaps in essential skills like reading or math. Additionally, ineffective study habits or emotional factors such as stress and low self-esteem can significantly impede a student's ability to tackle homework effectively.
For subject-specific issues, targeted tutoring or finding ways to make the subject more engaging can be effective. Broader difficulties, however, may require addressing foundational gaps or improving study habits. Recognizing and supporting children with learning disabilities is also crucial, as is managing stress and building self-confidence. In all cases, a tailored approach that considers the unique needs and circumstances of the student is vital.
In general, active parental involvement, through regular review of homework and providing support, plays a key role. It's essential to foster a supportive and patient environment, encouraging children to develop the skills and confidence needed for their academic journey.
Parental Involvement and Fostering Independence
One of the most common questions parents have in regard to their child’s education is how involved they should be in the homework process. While each child is different, there are some tips that can help ensure a healthy balance.
For example, encouraging children to start their homework independently and reach out with specific questions promotes autonomy and self-advocacy. That way, they don’t simply ask for help out of habit. This approach also helps parents gradually reduce their involvement in the child’s overall academic journey.
The advent of online grading systems has also increased parental involvement in their children’s education — report cards were previously only available once a quarter, but technology has changed that. While these systems are beneficial, there's a thin line between being supportive and overstepping. Checking a child’s grades every day can be like going back to school yourself.
Parents should review these portals alongside their children, not for them. This approach helps in identifying trends like low homework grades or test scores and enables families to devise improvement strategies together.
Parental involvement should also shift as students grow older. In the early years, for example, parents might check online grades twice a week, tapering to once a week in middle and high school. By 10th or 11th grade, students should be more self-reliant, indicating readiness for post-secondary education.
Accommodating Learning Styles and Educational Challenges
Every child is unique, with distinct learning styles and needs. For instance, one of my children thrives in a quiet space, being a visual learner, while the other is more kinesthetic and requires an active space to engage effectively with the material. Parents should trust their instincts about the best study environment for their child. Your innate understanding of your child's needs is a vital tool in nurturing their educational journey.
Starting early, even in elementary school, is key to understanding your child's learning preferences. Simply engaging them in conversations like, “What type of learner are you?” and, “Do you prefer completing homework before free time?” helps in recognizing their needs.
This approach is particularly important for children with learning disabilities, such as ADHD, for whom transitioning back to academics after free time can be challenging. Breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, such as reading a certain number of pages daily for a monthly book report, can be effective. Additionally, using visual tools like a calendar on the fridge to track deadlines can be incredibly beneficial in keeping them organized and on track.
The Role of External Support
As parents, we are emotionally attached to our child’s academic success, as we should be. But this can often cloud our judgment. Sometimes, external support can provide a fresh perspective. Both of my children have benefitted from Sylvan's insights, not because I couldn't support them, but because the unbiased, third-party perspective is invaluable in guiding a child's educational journey.
Each local Sylvan Learning center offers a diverse array of programs, beginning with an initial evaluation to identify each student's specific challenges and craft personalized learning plans. Whether it's content-specific support or developing study habits, our goal is to build confident, independent learners. At Sylvan, we aim to identify the root causes of homework issues — we believe in not just getting through one assignment but in building skills for long-term success.
In order to do this, we collaborate directly with families to devise a tailored solution. Some students might require short-term assistance on particular subjects they're struggling with, while others benefit from broader support in developing study habits. Sylvan Learning’s Study Skill Program, for example, is a great option for students who understand the content of the homework, but are struggling to turn in assignments on time or are still seeing poor grades.
Overall, if parents sense a gap in their child's readiness for college or future challenges, I encourage them to reach out for an assessment to understand where their child stands academically. Seeking help isn't an admission of failure — it's a proactive step towards success and signifies a commitment to focusing on the right aspects of raising competent individuals.
For free educational resources or to learn more about Sylvan Learning, visit sylvanlearning.com/sylvan-nation.
Jessica Rollins is the proud owner and executive director of six Sylvan Learning Centers in Michigan. She has been with Sylvan for more than 20 years, educating children and fostering a community of learning. Rollins graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and obtained her Masters of Arts in Educational Psychology from Eastern Michigan University.