"Are You Done with Your Homework?"

by Kelly Knowlden

When you ask this question of your child, you can be pretty sure that they are thinking only about the actual ‘physical’ work that needs to be done—like answering questions, doing their workbooks, or writing an assigned composition. It is a rare child that includes into that equation studying. That means studying spelling words, vocabulary [yes, high school students have a vocabulary test weekly], or even notes for a specific subject, all are not considered “homework.”

So when the question above is asked, they can respond with clear conscience that “Yes, indeed! I am finished with my homework.” Of course they are flummoxed when they fail their next science test or don’t do well in their elements quiz because they didn’t study.... After all, it wasn’t “assigned.”

Obviously, we need to be on top of their schedule at least enough to ask if they studied the definitions and terms for math. We need to quiz them on their vocabulary definitions. We need to interact with them on their reading assignments, book reports and poetry memorization. All of this takes time, but then it will save a lot of time and headache over students who may be failing when they simply need to study.

So, when you ask the question above, be specific: “Did you study your terms for math class?” You will be helping them to be successful.