How to Help Kids with Homework in Secondary School
Helping kids with homework in elementary school is usually pretty easy for most parents. But when your child reaches secondary school, the coursework becomes more advanced and, like many parents, you may feel that you just aren't equipped to help with homework. You may not be able to actually work the calculus problems or write the English essay, but there are still some ways you can help your kids with homework in secondary school.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Have regular conversations with your teen about his homework. Even though you may not be able to actually do the homework assignment, you can ask probing questions and guide him in thinking through any trouble spots. Just verbalizing his thoughts to you may help clarify things for him.
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2
Establish a routine for doing homework. Most students perform better when they have regular routines. Find what works best for you and your teen. Let your child know that you will be available to her while doing homework. But also let her know early on that if you aren't able to help her, you'll find the help she needs elsewhere. Sometimes the best way to help secondary students with homework is to know where to find the help they need.
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3
Accept that you probably won't be able to help with the actual course work for some subjects when your child reaches secondary school. Many parents feel guilty when they aren't able to provide the help their child needs, but they shouldn't. It's rare for a parent to have expertise in all subjects at the secondary level, so concentrate on finding outside sources of help.
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Ask the teacher for suggestions on how you can help with homework. Teachers can sometimes offer techniques and strategies for helping with the homework for their particular class. For instance, a geometry teacher might suggest that, even though you aren't expected to be able to solve the exercises, you can help learn definitions and rules.
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Consider hiring a tutor if your teen has trouble on a regular basis with a particular subject. Many times, a little extra one-on-one explanation and guidance can make all the difference in the world in a student's success. Options to consider for a tutor include another student who does well in the subject, a retired teacher in the community or a nearby college student. There are also online tutoring services available that offer help 24 hours a day.
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Tips & Warnings
Suggest to your teen that he form a study group with other students. This can be a very productive way for students to learn.
