by Ann Hinds

Created on: September 05, 2010   Last Updated: September 10, 2010

Homework in elementary school is sent home everyday. It is generally one page or two that reinforces what they learned in class. It is a review of the spelling words and vocabulary words they are to know by the end of the week. The math homework goes over the concepts and formulas taught that week. If you do nothing else with your child but go over and review their homework, you have a good start on making sure your student maintains good grades.

While it might be an exaggeration, it seems that what they learned in class flies out of their heads on the way home. When they sit down to do their homework, they have no memory of doing the same skills in class. This is where parents make the biggest difference. Parents have the chance to reinforce concepts learned in class. The children also have the opportunity to ask questions that they may not have had time to ask in class.

Sit down with your children. If possible, have them do the homework in the same room. Any questions can be immediately addressed. If they are unclear on the concept, discuss ways to resolve it. If they are required to read for 30 minutes, let them read to you.

Elementary school homework should not take more than an hour to complete. If it is taking longer, it could be that the child is not learning the concepts in class. Sitting with the children gives parents an opportunity to see first-hand what might be needed.  This also makes it possible to discuss issues with the teacher before it gets out of hand. This is the best way to insure that elementary school students maintain good grades.

However, there are other things that parents can do. Part of maintain good grades is writing and speaking correctly. It doesn't matter what the child is studying, know where to go for help. If the children are covering grammar rules, teach them the tricks. “Me and Fred are going to the show”. If you get tired of saying “Fred and I”, teach them to try the sentence with “Me is going to the show”. Ask them if it sounds right. Is “I am going to the show” better? For help, try Tips, Tricks and Explanations for Complicated Grammar Rules. This site provides many different links to help deal with grammar issues.  For math and other subjects, check the Internet for other sites. AOL has a comprehensive site called Homework Help and it covers many areas.

As a parent, you cannot make them pay attention in class or make them learn. The best way to help them maintain good grades is to be involved in the process. Monitoring the homework and offering help when it is needed should only take an hour a day. That time investment is the smartest way parents can make sure that their student maintains good grades and is involved in their education.

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