How to help your child with homework?

It is estimated that parents spend an average of six hours a week on helping their children with homework. If you show interest and give support early on, it will encourage your child to develop positive attitudes to learning, in and out of school.

You will benefit, too. You'll get to know your child's particular strengths and difficulties and you will also find out what he's studying. Your child's school will also gain by having motivated pupils and well-informed parents who are fully involved with their children's education.

As your child gets older, of course, he needs to become more independent. Helping your child to get organized, providing equipment and a quiet place to work and offering lots of encouragement will get him off to the right start.

Most schools also issue a homework diary where children write down what they have been set and when it is due. You should check it every week (and sign it if the school asks you to).

* Make sure you are familiar with any school guidelines on homework.
* Ask the school for copies of any leaflets about supporting children at home.
* Watch out for school newsletters advertising parents' subject sessions. These are really useful for learning about modern teaching methods.
* Nominate somewhere at home as a homework area. It needs a flat surface, a good light source and resources such as pens, pencils, rulers, scissors, glue, dictionary and notebook to hand.
* Set up a daily routine. Plan a homework timetable so you both know what your child needs to do and when. If your child is at secondary school he will probably be told which subject teacher will set homework on each day.
* It's a good idea if your child has a break and something to eat before starting on homework.
* Ask your child to explain the homework task and how it follows on from what he was studying at school.
* Be interested and be on hand to talk to your child about what he has learnt so far.
* Help your child to become an independent learner. Explain how to look up information or find a word in a dictionary rather than simply giving an answer in order to get the task finished.
* Don't be tempted to teach your child methods you used at school.
* Turn off the television while homework is underway but do let your child listen to music if he finds it helpful.
* Use home/school books to note how your child tackles the task, what is done well and where he has difficulties. (Remember, your child is probably one of 30 so keep your comments brief!) Read carefully any comments that your child's teacher makes in return.
* Discourage your child from copying when he's asked to do research tasks. Talk about the information together, work out the key facts and help your child to write these down as brief notes.
* Be positive about your child's attempts. If you have concerns about his progress, make an appointment with the school.
* Don't let homework become a chore. Make it a special time that you both look forward to.

A word of warning: Schools are extremely keen that parents become fully involved in their children's education but please don't be tempted to correct homework and make your child copy it out. Schools need to know how much your child understands and can do independently.

Homework clubs - If you feel your child needs more help than you are able to give, do contact the school. Many schools offer an after-school homework club staffed by teachers or learning support assistants.