A Parent’s Guide to Homework Help
What to Do When You Don’t Know the Answer
There is a very good chance that sometime during high school your child will come to you with a problem that even you cannot solve. What can you do to help when you don’t know the answer? Here is a list of constructive ways to assist your child.
Be positive.
While it is acceptable to briefly empathize with your frustrated child, try to respond hopefully so the child knows that there is a solution and you will help him or her find it. Don't put down your child’s struggle; all students have problems at some point. There is nothing wrong with struggling to understand something.
Listen to your child.
Ask your child to explain exactly what it is that he or she doesn’t understand. If it is a textbook-related question, have your child show you where it is found in the book.
Get the whole picture.
Ask your child if the teacher provided any extra materials such as handouts or Web resources, which might help. If it is an assignment that takes several days or weeks to complete, have your child check with the teacher to be sure he or she has everything.
Re-read the question or homework task.
Once you have all the material, re-read the question or problem together. Break down the problem into smaller parts if possible. Take a simple, step-by-step approach and work through the steps together. It is acceptable to guide your child through the steps, but beware of completing the work for him or her. Your child will not learn the material and will ultimately have more difficulties.
Use the textbook as a resource.
Textbooks are usually filled with examples and supplementary materials that help relate concepts to the real world. Check the textbook’s Web site, if there is one. Sites such as glencoe.com offer a wide array of text-related materials, including illustrations, Web links, and games that help students learn in a fun and interactive environment.
Call for help.
You can get homework help over the phone by calling Dial-A-Teacher at 212-777-3380 Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.
On the Internet.
There is a very good chance that sometime during high school your child will come to you with a problem that even you cannot solve. What can you do to help when you don’t know the answer? Here is a list of constructive ways to assist your child.
Be positive.
While it is acceptable to briefly empathize with your frustrated child, try to respond hopefully so the child knows that there is a solution and you will help him or her find it. Don't put down your child’s struggle; all students have problems at some point. There is nothing wrong with struggling to understand something.
Listen to your child.
Ask your child to explain exactly what it is that he or she doesn’t understand. If it is a textbook-related question, have your child show you where it is found in the book.
Get the whole picture.
Ask your child if the teacher provided any extra materials such as handouts or Web resources, which might help. If it is an assignment that takes several days or weeks to complete, have your child check with the teacher to be sure he or she has everything.
Re-read the question or homework task.
Once you have all the material, re-read the question or problem together. Break down the problem into smaller parts if possible. Take a simple, step-by-step approach and work through the steps together. It is acceptable to guide your child through the steps, but beware of completing the work for him or her. Your child will not learn the material and will ultimately have more difficulties.
Use the textbook as a resource.
Textbooks are usually filled with examples and supplementary materials that help relate concepts to the real world. Check the textbook’s Web site, if there is one. Sites such as glencoe.com offer a wide array of text-related materials, including illustrations, Web links, and games that help students learn in a fun and interactive environment.
Call for help.
You can get homework help over the phone by calling Dial-A-Teacher at 212-777-3380 Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.
On the Internet.
- www.homeworkNYC.org - if your child has questions or needs help, this Web site of the New York City Public Library is available 24/7 (at no cost).
- www.regentsprep.org - Regents prep and practice
- www.discoveryeducation.com/students/index.cfm - homework help from Discovery Education
- www.infoplease.com/homework/ - the homework center at infoplease.com
- www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/ - Kid Space at the Internet Public Library
- owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/677/01/ - The Owl at Purdue – great site for writing and grammar help
