How to Help Students Be Successful With Homework

Homework can be a valuable tool, helping students practice what they learn in the classroom and teaching them responsibility, time management, and perseverance.But it can also be a source of anxiety and stress for students who participate in after-school activities, lack the needed resources at home to complete their work, or just want some time to relax with friends and family.

While some elementary schools have adopted no-homework policies, many still require students to complete some form of assignment after school.

Here are five ways teachers and paraeducators can help students of all ages achieve success with homework.

1. Follow school guidelines. Find out what your particular school district recommends for homework. Many districts follow the “10-minute rule,” which states students should not do more than 10 minutes of homework a night per grade level. For example, a second grader would have up to 20 minutes of homework, while a sixth grader could have an hour.
2. Be creative. Don’t just think outside the box when assigning homework. Think like there is no box. Homework doesn’t have to be a plain worksheet or online document. Encourage students to use creative expression on assignments (illustrations, decorations, hashtags), write a lesson plan as if they are the teacher, or even design their own homework assignments.
3. Be consistent. Establish a homework schedule early on—and stick to it! This is especially important for younger students, who are still learning time management skills. A homework calendar can help students (and parents) remember what is due and when.
4. Connect assignments to the real world. For older students, incorporate current events and trends into homework. Students often wonder, “Why does this matter?” Take this thought a step further and ask them, “What does this have to do with your life and the lives of your friends and loved ones?” Compare what they’re learning in the classroom to their everyday lives.
5. Provide additional resources. Offer students resources for completing assignments, including public library books or websites that specialize in subject areas. Many local libraries and schools also offer free homework clubs, where volunteers provide support and guidance on assignments. For middle and high school students, set up office hours when students can come to you for extra support before beginning homework.

Answering the Call to Education

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Walden University offers access to a complimentary self-paced test-preparation course to help you prepare for licensure exams. In addition, Walden will pay for your edTPA—a nationally used performance assessment that measures the skills you need as a new teacher.

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Licensure

Walden is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to offer a program leading to a Minnesota Tier 3 license in Elementary Education. All candidates must pass the required Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams (MTLEs) in order to complete the program. Candidates seeking licensure in Minnesota are responsible for completing any other Minnesota requirements beyond Walden’s state-approved program. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is solely responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses.

Individuals interested in licensure in states other than Minnesota may qualify by virtue of completing a state-approved educator preparation program; however, individuals must review their state’s regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to out-of-state program completers. Individuals who reside in certain states may be ineligible to enroll in this program. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide guidance on licensure questions; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure.

Prospective Alabama students: State authorization to provide a program related to the preparation of teachers or other P–12 school/ system personnel does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate. Applicants who complete an educator preparation program at a non-Alabama institution must apply for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate through the Alabama Certificate Reciprocity Approach. Current requirements may be found at alabamaachieves.org.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.