You may have seen the news of the 5th grader who reached out to the Police for emergency help with her homework. Although the Marion Police officer incorrect advice, it’s the thought that counts, right?
Yes, it’s amazing when our kids get help with their homework, particularly with representatives in the community, but the information must be accurate. So, how do you get accurate and timely homework help?
- School: The most obvious starting point in searching for homework help is with your child’s teacher and school. If you (and/or) your child asks the teacher for help, he/she may be able to offer tips, suggest additional resources, and even offer more help.
- Additional Help: If you feel that your child is still not getting “it,” and every effort to further understanding has not been successful, you may want to explore what areas of difficulty your child is experiencing. Some schools offer afterschool “homework help” programs.
- Tutor: If at first you don’t succeed, try-try again… It may see clichéd, but the reality is that if you’re not able to get help for your child via “regular” school-based methods, you may want to consider hiring a tutor to work one-on-one.
- Medical Consult: A difficulty with school and homework can sometimes point to other medical concerns. Glasses or hearing aids may help. Based on tests and the doctor’s recommendation, you may also find that counseling, medication, and/or other special-needs considerations may be needed.
- Special Education: Sometimes homework help is not enough. Based on educational need, it may be necessary to adapt content, use other teaching methodology and/or change the way your child receives instruction.
The idea of completing homework sounds easy, right? It’s just a matter of finishing the tasks that have been assigned by the teacher, but when your child is not able to accomplish the work, you must start looking for help, which may mean that you reach out to the school, or a private tutor, or your pediatrician, or other local resources. It’s just important not to give up until they get the help they need.