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Experts: Beginning of school year the best time for parents to implement household rules for getting homework done
PRISM offers tips to help parents foster success for their children
ATLANTA, August 17, 2007 – Swim trunks and snow cones are out; books, pencils, and homework are in. As families return to school-year routines, it is important for parents to establish groundwork early for how their children will complete homework, according to Georgia’s Partnership for Reform in Science and Mathematics (PRISM). While it’s widely agreed that parents should not do their children’s homework for them, experts say parents should play a role in ensuring their children do their best in completing homework assignments.
“Research shows parents are the most influential people in the academic success of their children – ahead of teachers, coaches and religious leaders,” said Rosalind Barnes Fowler, PRISM’s Public Awareness Director. PRISM, a five-year, $35-million educational initiative aimed at improving student achievement in science and math among K-16 students, has put considerable effort into helping Georgia parents better facilitate their children’s education.
According to PRISM, when it comes to helping their children improve performance in completing homework, parents should:
- Check in promptly about homework assignments when their children return home from school
- Help their children set aside a regular place to do homework that is free from distractions like TV or loud music
- Help children allocate enough time to complete homework while still allowing for down-time before bed
- Put appropriate homework and study time ahead of extra-curricular activities or time for TV, computers and electronic games
- Make sure their children thoroughly review the correct chapter of books from which assignments are made
- Be available, in person or by phone, to offer limited homework support, such as referrals to specific textbook sections or web sites
- Review completed homework nightly, positively reinforcing neatness and completion of the assignment over answering questions correctly, which is the teacher’s role.
“Parents needn’t be experts in math and science to support their children’s learning in those subjects,” said Barnes Fowler. “Parents should encourage the mindset that it’s okay if a subject is difficult. This helps children to accept challenges rather than developing the habit of seeking easy answers.”
The role parents play in their children’s learning has become even more important with the state’s implementation of the new Georgia Performance Standards (GPS), a tougher curriculum in math, science, social sciences and reading. Recognizing this fact, PRISM has assembled a clearinghouse of resources and tips aimed at addressing specific challenges parents face in their role as facilitators of their children’s education. The resources are organized by school grades under the “Parents” menu at PRISM’s Website, www.mathsciencesuccess.org. Some key tips for parents include:
Create Hands-on Learning Experiences
It is especially important for parents to get elementary school children excited about math and science. Parents can institute “Family Game Nights,” using board games such as Monopoly or Yahtzee to teach math skills. Another strategy: integrating mathematical and scientific concepts into everyday activities, including cooking and shopping. Even video games can become teaching tools if parents encourage children to articulate game strategy, which usually involves probability and other math components.
Continually Communicate with Children and Teachers
Parents should check in with teachers regularly to make sure their children are keeping up with schoolwork and remain on track. Some teachers if asked will provide weekly progress reports. Additional attention and encouragement from parents is especially important beginning in Middle School, when math and science become more difficult.
Encourage Good Study Habits
Parents should monitor their children’s studying each night to ensure students complete homework and prepare for tests. Most middle and high schools require that students keep planners, which parents should routinely review. Parents of elementary school children can help students plan ahead for tests by obtaining test dates from teachers and planning for them using a notebook or calendar. Parents of all students should encourage children to obtain syllabi, course outlines and information about test format and content. Many teachers, if asked, will send students and parents e-mails a week or so before a test.
Encourage Educational Extracurricular Activities
Math- and science-related extracurricular activities, such as Math Club and Astronomy Club, can bolster enthusiasm, provide an opportunity for additional review of subjects and impress colleges and future employers.
Be Resourceful
Helping children become resourceful prepares them for the greater levels of independence they’ll encounter as they move up in school. Parents can begin instilling resourcefulness by teaching children where to find information and assistance, including the local library, the Internet and school or community organizations. If asked, teachers often will supply parents with links to web sites and other resources.
About PRISM
Partnership for Reform in Science and Mathematics (PRISM) is a five-year initiative funded by the National Science Foundation and administered by the University System of Georgia with the primary purpose of improving student achievement in science and mathematics at all levels of education throughout Georgia. PRISM is working actively in four diverse regions of the state with partners at the university and P-12 level in each region. For more information about PRISM, visit www.gaprism.org.
This press release is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Cooperative Agreement Number: EHR-0314953. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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