When students enter middle school, parents may think that they no longer need their help with their nightly homework. After all, middle school is when kids are supposed to learn how to be independent and responsible, right?
Well, yes and no. Kids develop at different rates, and nothing magical happens during the summer between 5th and 6th grade that suddenly makes kids ready to be totally on their own as far as their homework goes. Ideally, this transition happens during the 6th grade year; for some it may happen relatively quickly, for others, they may need parental support throughout the year.
Parent Homework Support
“Helping” with homework at this level may look different from what many parents are used to. Certainly, sitting with kids while they slog through each and every math problem is not ideal, either for the parent or the student. At this level, good parental homework support is less about assisting with learning content than it is about helping kids master the process of homework.
There are five key ways parents can assist with homework at the middle school level:
Study Space and Materials
Parents should provide their child with the space and materials he needs to do a good job. A quiet space that is free from distractions is best. He will also need a comfortable chair, proper lighting, and plenty of room to spread materials out. Checking with teachers about what supplies are needed, and making sure they are obtained, can reduce stress and last minute trips to the store.
Time and Task Management
The student may need help structuring her time and other activities so she has plenty of time for her assignments. The assignment book she received from school can be used for this time and task management purposes. She may need some practice breaking assignments down into chunks and scheduling time for her homework and other responsibilities.
Assignment Book Review
Kids may also need help reviewing their work when it’s completed to make sure nothing has been forgotten. Kids often attempt to do their homework from memory and then wind up missing something. It’s good to give reminders to use an assignment book as a guide to confirm that everything is done and ready to be handed in.
Developing Organizational Skills
Middle schoolers should be encouraged to organize his binders, notebooks, and locker once every week or two to keep things orderly. If his belongings are neat, the student will have an easier time keeping track of what needs to be done, won’t lose things, and will feel more in control of his success.
Monitoring Grades
Parents should remind their child to check her grades frequently, so there aren’t any surprises at report card time. Knowing her grades also helps her take ownership of them; if she’s doing well, her confidence will be enhanced, and if she’s not, she can seek help before she gets too far behind.
As the year progresses, parents should find that their kids become more independent with these tasks. When that happens, parents can gradually reduce the amount of support they give. Parents should monitor grades as well, so they can jump back in if more help is needed.
With proper parent support, all students can make a smooth transition into middle school and shine academically.
 |
