Here's the scoop. As your children progresses through the elementary and secondary grades, their homework assignments will increase. Assignments on language arts, science, and social studies, will appear nearly every night. Of course, your children will also bring home math homework assignments, as well. Math homework needs to be addressed in another article.
Now, take a deep breath, gather your wits, and relax, now learn how you can help.
1. Above all else, help your child develop organizational skills.
It's simple! The "Notebook Method" - a messy folder of papers is stressful. Buy a three-ring binder and create sections for each subject. Train your child to keep their assignments in each section.
2. Down to Business
Get comfortable, sit down with your child, and together complete assignments-be involved, even if that means you have to do the reading.*
3. How to Help
First, preview the entire text, chapters or passages assigned. Talk about the sub heading or sub-section (usually in bold letters). Discuss together what you both are going to be reading about. Also, build background knowledge before you begin reading. Parents need to share what they already know about the topic, that is, if they have any previous knowledge, while asking your their child what they already know.
Secondly, read the questions your child will need to answer prior to reading. This SETS A PURPOSE for reading! Next, if necessary, read the text aloud to your child. Make sure your child is following along with you. That is, they hear and see the words as you read. They should be engaged. Because, concurrently your child is working on his or her reading skills; those necessary to read expository materials while also increasing their site word vocabulary, i.e. the, it, was, here, almost et.cetera.
Thirdly, IMPORTANT! As you read the assignment, periodically see if any of the questions, have been answered so far. Have your child write the answer down, and then proceed reading again.
Why am I blathering on about how to read textbook passages? BECAUSE! Children are taught how to read using narrative texts, that means stories. Then, all the sudden, we present them with expository, or rather text passages the expose information. Then, we ask them to read and understand it. BLAM! They run into trouble. Don't worry they'll catch on and will succeed.
The procedure or rather, the steps I've provided here are not new. Research in reading has explored the best way to teach children how to read expository text, over and over. This is one of the many ways parents can help their children read, comprehend and complete textbook assignments.
Make the effort every night to help your children succeed in school remember, and it sounds trite, parents are their children's first teachers. Parents, don't worry, you are not cheating by reading for your children. The assignment is about what they have learned. Not whether they could read the assignment.