Homework Tips

Have a Homework Spot.
Set up an area with access to all the necessary tools your child will need to complete their homework. Younger children will work better if placed in an area where an adult will be present. As children become more independent some prefer to do their homework in their bedroom.

Turn off the TV set.
Make a house rule, depending on the location of the set, that when it is study time, it is "no TV" time. A television set that is on will draw youngsters like bees to honey.

Regularity is a key factor in academic success.
Try to organize the household so that supper is served at a standard time, and once it and family discussions are over, it's time to crack the books. If the student doesn't have other commitments and gets home reasonably early from school, some homework can be done before supper.

During a homework session, watch for signs of frustration.
No learning can take place and little can be accomplished if the child is angry or upset over an assignment that is too long or too difficult. At such times the parent may have to step in and simply halt the homework for that night, offering to write a note to the teacher explaining the situation and perhaps requesting a conference to discuss the quality and length of homework assignments.

Should parents help with homework?
Yes - if it is clearly productive to do so, such as calling out spelling words or checking a math problem that won't prove.
No - if it is something the child can clearly handle himself and learn from the process. And help and support should always be calmly and cheerfully given. Grudging help is worse than no help at all!

Read directions, or check over math problems after your child has completed the work. Remember to make positive comments - you don't want your child to associate homework with fights at home.

Model research skills by involving your child in planning a family trip. Help your child locate your destination on a map or atlas. Use traditional encyclopedia or a CD-ROM to find information about the place you will visit; try the Internet or books in the library.

Enfield Public Schools Homework Policy

It is the policy of the Enfield Board of Education to have some directed homework beyond the regular school day. All homework assignments should have a sound educational purpose.

Homework shall be properly designed, carefully planned and geared to the development of the individual student. Homework is assigned to help the student become more self-reliant, learn to work independently, improve the skills that have been taught, and complete certain projects such as the reading of worthwhile books and the preparation of research papers. Home study assignments also afford a way for parents to acquaint themselves with the school program and their own children’s educational progress. A quiet time and place should be provided at home for the student to do homework.

Homework is a learning activity which should increase in complexity with the maturity of the pupil. It should be a gradual, progressive, and indispensable experience for all pupils. The student should spend the average amount of time shown below on homework at home.

Grade:         K*  1     2     3     4     5     6
Minutes/Day:    15   20   25   30   45   60

* Home-School Activities:
These activities may be sent home to reinforce content skills delivered through the Kindergarten curriculum. Parents are encouraged to support students’ learning on a regular basis.
Class work which was not completed in school, and must be completed at home, should not be considered part of a student’s homework assignments. Teachers are encouraged to minimize homework over weekends and/or school vacations.