On average Year 7 students at Kurunjang Secondary College are expected to complete approximately one hour of homework per day.  At times it is difficult to know just how much to help your child. This is very likely to occur when you see glaring errors of expression, punctuation and spelling. It can also happen when your child complains that a class text is too difficult to read or understand. The question then arises - how do you help, but at the same time make sure that they have improved their own knowledge and understanding?

As a parent, you can offer invaluable one to one assistance to your child.

WHAT IS MOST HELPFUL

BulletAs far as possible, encourage a regular time for homework (for example, 5 - 6pm every weeknight) and make it as quiet as possible. 

BulletBegin by encouraging your child to try at first to do the task without assistance

BulletAsk questions about the work which will help them recall class information 

BulletPrompt rather than give the full answer

BulletGive examples of information which will help understanding

BulletEncourage own proofreading to begin with Read, discuss and rephrase and difficult questions

BulletDiscuss with your child the areas of difficulty and how to request teacher assistance with these areas

BulletIf the difficulties persist, phone the subject teacher and discuss strategies which would be helpful in that subject 

BulletIf you suspect your child is having difficulty reading a class text, do read aloud with them; either listening to your child read aloud to you or reading together

BulletHelp your child with the pronunciation of words which are not familiar to him/her

BulletWhen information is being obtained from a text, encourage your child to select what is important and rewrite it in their own words


WHAT IS NOT HELPFUL

BulletDon't rewrite your child's sentences for them

BulletDon't immediately correct errors of spelling and expression

BulletDon't redraft the work for your child

BulletDon't allow your child to copy work that has been previously completed by an older brother or sister

BulletMost importantly, don't ignore continual protestations that there is "NO HOMEWORK"

BulletMany students experience some difficulty with reading. As a parent, you can help your child so much in this area. Listening to your child read is the most important activity in helping them to become a good reader.Most children who have experienced reading failure over a number of years become discouraged in their ability to actually read

BulletEncouragement is the process where, as a parent, you focus on the assets and strengths of your child to build their self-esteem and self-confidence

BulletEncouragement helps children believe in themselves and their abilities

BulletReinforce the fact that with practice and perseverance, your child will be a competent reader

BulletSome students (often boys) perceive reading as "boring". Texts like newspapers, comics and skate/car/sport magazines are all fine. What are your child's interests? Providing material on what your child is actually interested is very useful

BulletShow an interest in what your child is reading.

© Kurunjang Secondary College English Key Learning Area