How can I get my child to do homework?

It is unfortunate that we must “get my child to do homework” after working in school all day. I understand the possible benefit of a review or reinforcement of material yet, if effective instruction is inspiring a student with relevance to the curricular content in the classroom, there would be no need for homework or to “get a child to do homework”. Having said that, the best way to encourage a child to complete homework would be to create a situation in which the child feels emotionally safe doing it. A student that is stressed in the classroom will be stressed with homework for fear that the information is not understood accurately. The first step would be to see if your child is bored with the work or if your child does not fully understand it. Lack of understanding will create more stress in attempting to do the work without the ability for clarification. Once a brain is stressed, it is difficult to think, and subsequently, it is difficult to complete the work. A student who has trouble reading at grade school level, may be dyslexic or have another learning difference making it difficult to complete homework. Should this be the situation, seek outside help to assess the learning difference. Dyslexia is a learning difference in approximately 20% of the population. Inevitably, one in every 5 students are dyslexic. If your teacher or school is not addressing this issue with a reading program (Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or Barton reading program) you must look for outside help and intervention. I understand that my concern about homework will not be solved in today’s educational system however, I feel responsible to state – How would or do you feel, after a long day at work, having to continue work for another hour or more at home? As adults, we would not be happy. Our children are not happy as well. Let’s advocate for our teachers to teach according to the way every unique brain learns best, and the frustration of completing homework will be an issue of the past and a more effective classroom for the students and teachers.