3 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HOMEWORK
The purpose
Homework is provided for your child to practice and reinforce what they have learnt in the classroom. It can create an opportunity to develop time management skills and build self-responsibility. Additionally, homework gives you insight into what your child is learning, keeping you connected and helping you to better understand their progress.
What does it mean when homework is always a struggle?
If homework time consistently involves your child resisting, feeling distressed, taking an excessive amount of time, or repeatedly asking for clarification, it may be time to investigate further. These struggles can indicate gaps in their understanding, difficulty managing time, or challenges outside of the classroom. Sometimes, it signals that your child needs additional support with certain skills, concepts or personal challenges.
What can I do?
Talk with your child: Ask them what is specifically difficult or frustrating.
Create a routine and supportive space: Establish a regular time and place with minimal distractions (though complete distraction-free may be unrealistic at home). Help your child manage homework by breaking tasks into achievable parts, and offer encouragement and recognition.
Communicate with the teacher: Share your concerns, discuss ways to support your child’s learning and clarify homework exceptions.
Consider additional support: If the struggle continue, explore local resources such as the Teaching and Learning Facilitators at Macquarie Health Collective, who can provide individualised, targeted support.
Remember, homework is meant to reinforce your child’s learning, not to create stress in your home. Ensuring homework expectations are clear (so you’re not doing more than necessary) and working collaboratively with available support can make homework a more positive and manageable experience for your family.