As a kid growing up, I disliked doing homework. I always wondered, ‘What’s the point? Why do I have to take time away from playing with my Barbies or playing outside with my friends to do homework? Homework is boring.’ Sound familiar? Next time, you hear one these questions or statements from your child, let them know one of the many benefits of doing their homework from the list below:
- Prepares children for skills they will utilize in the working world. Some of these skills include: time management, self-discipline, and responsibility. For example, let’s say your child gets home from school at 3:00 PM, wants to eat a snack, and watch their favorite T.V. show that starts at 5:00 PM but they have homework to do before they can turn on the T.V. In order to make sure they have their homework done before 5:00 PM, they will manage their time wisely and be disciplined with staying on task. Homework also gives children the opportunity to take responsibility for their work. They are assigned work by their boss (a.k.a. teacher), are given a deadline to complete it, and receive a paycheck (a.k.a. credit/grade) when it’s due.
- Practice and review what was taught in class: If your child struggled with understanding the new material taught during class, they can improve their level of skill by practicing with homework. Homework also helps improve thinking and memory.
- Positive correlation between homework and student achievement: According to a 2006 meta-analysis by Duke University psychology professor Harris Cooper, evidence was found of a positive correlation between homework and student achievement, meaning students who did homework performed better in school.
- Develops positive study skills and habits
- Parent engagement in the learning process: Homework gives parents insight into what their child is learning at school. If your child is struggling or falling behind in class, you can help by doing homework together with them or seek a private tutor to further assist them. Kids appreciate their parents being actively engaged in their academic journey.
