The homework children bring home nowadays can be confusing for parents, especially if it’s in Spanish or even Valenciano! Here are some tips for helping your kids out with their homework.
Keep in touch with the teacher or teachers to be fully aware of the quantity and the quality of the homework turned in. If you don’t speak Spanish find someone who does to go along with you.
Set a schedule, including both a beginning and an ending time. Most kids need some time to unwind after school before they tackle their homework. Doing it too close to bedtime may make it difficult due to fatigue. Fridays are usually the best day for homework that must be completed over the weekend. Assignments are still fresh in their mind and last minute panic rushes are avoided.
Encourage your child to divide the homework assignment into "What I can do myself" and "What I need help with." You should help only with that part of the homework your child cannot do independently, such as using flashcards, practicing spelling tests, and clarifying assignments. This builds responsibility and independence in your child.
Provide a home study centre for your child with adequate light and few distractions. If your child concentrates better with "white noise" (music), provide that help. Also, a dictionary, paper, pens, and so on should be readily available.
Use direct praise for doing the homework and even more for accomplishment. "You've spelled 18 out of 20 words correctly - that's the best you've done.”
Be available when your child is doing homework, so that you can answer a question if there is confusion. If possible, it is better for you to be in another room, so you are easily accessible and yet not a distraction.
Look over the homework when it is completed. Do not correct it unless you have checked with the teacher. Seeing the pattern of errors is often helpful to a teacher.
Study groups are often a good strategy. Your child may benefit from studying with one or two classmates. However, make sure they are using the time to study.
Allow toilet, drink, and/or snack breaks, but insist on completion of tasks.