MENTAL HEALTH MINUTE

December 15, 2011

Topic: Homework Tips

Educational research has shown that homework increases student achievement. Assigning homework at the elementary level helps students form good study habits and move toward mastery of skills. Homework is also an avenue for parents to know what their child is being taught in the classroom.

Research-based information indicates that to reach 80% mastery of a skill, more than 30 practice sessions over a span of days or weeks is necessary. Homework is a portion of these sessions. One site with this research is

For homework to be effective, teachers must consider certain criteria:

  • 10 minutes multiplied by the grade level of the child is considered a reasonable amount of time for homework. For example, a 3rd grader could be expected to do 30 minutes per night of homework.
  • Students must receive timely feedback (within hours or a day) on their homework, with teacher instructive comments rather than just a grade on their paper.
  • Homework should match student skill level.If students get stuck, the homework was too difficult or the concept was not clearly introduced during class.
  • Teachers should provide positive recognition for completion of homework and appropriate consequences for lack of completion.
  • For variety, some skill practice can be timed; other practice can include memorizationor an assignment to expand understanding of the skill or subject.

Homeworkopoly is a game board that was designed as a positive incentive for students to turn homework in regularly. Each child that turns in homework gets to move their game piece on the game board. See or go to and pull down “Manage,” then its subcategory “Classroom-décor” and then “Get work done…” to access the game description, rules, and ano-cost download of the game board and Chance cards. You can even add your own choice of street names.

Parents can assist with homework by providing a quiet place away from television and away from play of siblings. Parents can set regular hours for completion of homework, which communicates to their child the value of learning, persistence, and planning. Two web sites that have many topics for parents, including homework tips and success in school, are .

Research-based information and tips for teachersabout homework can be found at: and