What's the benefit of homework?

[~clover~]

I haven't done, or read any studies, but I see the benifits, as much as it drives me up the wall when DD1 doesn't understand & won't accept my explanation, then has to ask her teacher anyway

DD1 is spelling a good year & a half above her year level. The benefits of reading every afternoon IMO. The rest of her schooling is at the level it should be, but with maths I think she'd be a bit behind if she didn't have some to do at home as well. At home they have more time to try to figure out & understand the questions. They can ask a thousand times without feeling silly.

There is also the responsibility & time management. Its their responsibility to get it done on time. DD2 still needs to be reminded, but DD1 knows & does it herself. She also has a diary & out of 5 days will choose the 4 days to do set tasks on, then has a days break. She put what she's doing on what days in there every week.

DD2 will get there. It'll be a bit more work for her, but one day she'll get there She also needs alot of extra help that they try their hardest with in the class room, but she still needs alot of help at home too.

DS has his sounds & started readers at the end of last year (4yo kindy). In the younger years I really don't see anything wrong with that little head start. Reading is the base to every aspect of learning, including maths. The best thing you can do for your child is get them involved in books & reading as early as possible.

Ausgirl - I think in the case you're talking about you're right. Its a lack of parental involvement. DD now usually goes off to her room to do her homework, but will ask if she needs help. If I can't help her I tell her to ask her teacher before school & she'll get that one on one help there. But DD is self motivated too. She wants to learn it & get it right. There's no way she'd put in an answer she knew was wrong. I've always been here to help though. She knows that.