Homework Is for Kids, Not Parents

Luke Lawson is a teacher and administrator in Vancouver, B.C.

Teachers often receive from their students homework that has been
partially or totally completed by a parent. While parents may think they
are performing a service for their child, they are actually helping to
foster a culture of dependency. Aimed primarily at parents of children
in kindergarten to Grade 5, this slender volume is designed to wean
parents off this practice or prevent them from establishing it in the
first place.

The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 offers practical advice for
setting up a successful homework environment: location in the house,
time, praise, parent/teacher communication, and giving the child space
when needed are among the factors discussed. Part 2 looks at what to do
once the homework system is in place. The authors describe stimulating
activities that will encourage children to do their own homework. They
cover, among other areas, math exercises, spelling games, reading
between the lines, and memory.

In addition to its main function, this handbook would serve as a great
activity book for the summer and weekends, especially on those rainy
days. An excellent list of resources for parents and children is
included.