letter about homework to parents

Homework Letter to Parents | Email Templates

As a teacher, communicating with parents about the homework expectations for their children is crucial for fostering a successful learning environment. Crafting a homework letter that is both informative and engaging can be a challenging task. That’s why we’ve created a list of homework letter-to-parents templates that you can use to effectively communicate with parents about the assignments, expectations, and goals for their child’s homework. In this article, we’ll go over the key elements of a successful homework letter, and provide you with a customizable template that you can use for your classroom.

The key elements of an effective homework letter to parents include

• A clear introduction that establishes your purpose and goals for the homework,
• A detailed explanation of the assignments, expectations, and grading policies,
• A schedule outlining when homework is due, and a section dedicated to answering frequently asked questions or addressing concerns.
• Additionally, adding information or resources about how parents can support their child’s learning at home and providing resources for additional support can also be helpful.

These elements will help ensure that parents are well-informed about their child’s homework and can effectively support their child’s academic success.

Example of detailed Homework letter to parents

I hope this email finds you, your child, and in good health. I wanted to take the time to talk about the value of homework and how it may aid in your child’s development as we begin the new school year. I’ve designed a template for a homework letter to parents that I’ll be using this year to assist keep you informed about your child’s homework requirements.

The homework template was created to give you succinct, clear information about the homework assignments, goals, and expectations for your child. It will also include a schedule explaining when homework is due, as well as a part devoted to addressing any worries you might have or frequently asked questions.

I’ll explain how the assignment helps your child learn in the introduction, as well as its purpose and goals. You can have a clear grasp of what is expected of your child by reading the thorough explanation section. This section defines the assignments, expectations, and grading guidelines. You may assist your child manage their time by giving them the due dates as per the timetable area.

I have also included some resources to help your child’s learning at home. You can learn how to support your child’s academic success.

I am aware that parents and students alike may find the topic of homework to be difficult, which is why I am providing this homework letter. I hope that this template will make it easier for you to support your child’s learning by having a clear understanding of the homework expectations.

If you have any questions or concerns about the homework letter to parents template, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am always available to discuss your child’s academic progress and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education.

Homework letter to parents templates

• Dear parent, This is a reminder that it is your child’s responsibility to bring their homework assignments home. We encourage you to make sure your child has their work ready with them each day so we all spend less time on this task and more time on teaching. Missing homework assignments may result in a lower grade for the assignment or even being taken out points from the report card altogether. Please see attached a list of missing homework assignments from your child’s class.
• Dear Parent, We are writing to inform you that we have not received homework from your child for the following subjects [list]. If we do not receive this assignment by 2024, your child will receive a zero grade on all assignments until the missing homework is submitted. We thank you in advance and appreciate your help with this matter.
• Dear parent, we noticed that your child did not hand in his/her homework. We will do our best to ensure your child does not miss out on learning from this lesson. Please ensure that your child brings home their homework next week. Thank you for your time and cooperation.
• Dear Parent, It is important that your child complete their homework on time each night. Please help them by discussing the importance of homework completion and encouraging it to be done every night. Thank you.
• Dear Parent, It has been brought to our attention that your child has been missing homework. We are asking that you remind your child of the importance of homework. Please ensure it is being completed daily, as this greatly helps your child in the classroom. Thank you for your time and cooperation.
• Dear parents, Please see below a list of your child’s missing homework assignments. Please check if there are any questions you may have and then sign the form at the end. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank You,
• Dear Parent, Your student has not turned in the homework assignment. Please see that they bring it with them tomorrow. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at [number]. Thank you for your time. Sincerely,
• Dear parent, this is our weekly homework reminder. We would appreciate it if you could check and make sure that your children have their homework completed. That way, they will be capable of focusing on school work instead of struggling to complete missing assignments in class. Thank you for your help.
• Dear Parent, your child has been marked absent for missing homework. Please see the attached document for more information.
• Dear Parent, I am sending this email to notify parents that the assignment [name] was not turned in. I hope that the assignment will be returned soon.
• Dear Parent, We noticed that you missed the lesson titled [name] on Monday. This lesson was designed to help your child develop a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure, which are crucial skills to learn as they grow into successful adults. To access this lesson again and complete the homework assignment please visit the link. If you have any questions or concerns during this process please do not hesitate to contact me. 

More Simplestic Templates: 

• Email to parents about academic concerns
• Positive Email to Parents from Teacher: 15 Example Emails

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Sample Letter Hub

Weekly Homework Letter To Parents

By Mubashir

June 7, 2024

Weekly Homework Letter To Parents is a letter that is sent to parents on a weekly basis. It provides parents with information about their child’s homework assignments for the week. The purpose of this letter is to keep parents informed about their child’s academic progress and to help them support their child’s learning at home.

In this blog article, we will share some templates, examples, and samples of Weekly Homework Letter To Parents. These letters can be used as a starting point for parents who are looking to create their own letters. We will also provide some tips on how to write an effective Weekly Homework Letter To Parents.

Weekly Homework Letter to Parents

Dear Parents,

We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to provide you with an update on your child’s homework assignments for the upcoming week.

In Math, students will be working on multiplication and division. They will be practicing their times tables and solving word problems. In English, students will be reading a short story and writing a summary. They will also be working on their grammar and spelling skills.

In Science, students will be learning about the solar system. They will be identifying the planets and their characteristics. In Social Studies, students will be studying the history of the United States. They will be learning about the American Revolution and the founding fathers.

We encourage you to review your child’s homework assignments with them each night. This will help them to stay on track and to understand the concepts that they are learning in class.

We also encourage you to talk to your child about their school day. Ask them about what they learned and what they enjoyed. This will help them to feel connected to their education and to develop a love of learning.

Thank you for your support. We look forward to working with you to help your child succeed in school.

The [Teacher’s Name]

How to Write Weekly Homework Letter To Parents

Writing a weekly homework letter to parents is an important way to keep them informed about their child’s progress in school. It can also help parents to support their child’s learning at home.

What to Include in a Weekly Homework Letter

Your weekly homework letter should include the following information:

• A list of the homework assignments for the week
• The due dates for each assignment
• Any special instructions for completing the assignments
• A reminder of upcoming tests or quizzes
• A note about the child’s progress in class
• Any concerns or questions you have about the child’s learning

How to Write a Weekly Homework Letter

When writing a weekly homework letter, it is important to be clear and concise. Use simple language that parents can easily understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms. You should also be positive and encouraging in your tone. Parents want to know that their child is doing well in school, so focus on the child’s strengths and areas of improvement.

Tips for Writing a Weekly Homework Letter

• Keep your letters brief and to the point.
• Use a consistent format for your letters.
• Proofread your letters carefully before sending them home.
• Send your letters home on a regular schedule.
• Be responsive to parents’ questions and concerns.

Benefits of Writing a Weekly Homework Letter

There are many benefits to writing a weekly homework letter to parents. These benefits include:

• Improved communication between teachers and parents
• Increased parental involvement in their child’s education
• Improved student achievement
• A more positive and supportive learning environment

Writing a weekly homework letter to parents is a valuable way to keep them informed about their child’s progress in school and to support their child’s learning at home. By following the tips in this article, you can write effective homework letters that will help parents to be more involved in their child’s education.

FAQs about Weekly Homework Letter To Parents

What is the purpose of a weekly homework letter to parents.

A weekly homework letter to parents is a communication tool that teachers use to inform parents about their child’s homework assignments and any other important information related to the child’s education.

What should be included in a weekly homework letter to parents?

A weekly homework letter to parents should include the following information:

• The due dates for the assignments
• Any specific instructions or resources that students will need to complete the assignments
• Any upcoming events or announcements related to the child’s education

How often should a weekly homework letter to parents be sent?

A weekly homework letter to parents should be sent on a regular basis, typically once a week. This will help parents stay informed about their child’s homework and any other important information related to their child’s education.

What are the benefits of sending a weekly homework letter to parents?

There are many benefits to sending a weekly homework letter to parents, including:

• It helps parents stay informed about their child’s homework and any other important information related to their child’s education.
• It helps parents support their child’s learning by providing them with the information they need to help their child complete their homework assignments.
• It helps build communication between teachers and parents, which can lead to a more positive and productive relationship.

How can I make a weekly homework letter to parents more effective?

There are a few things you can do to make a weekly homework letter to parents more effective, including:

• Keep it brief and to the point.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Highlight important information.
• Proofread the letter before sending it home.

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Weekly Homework Letter to Parents

Weekly homework letters to parents are an essential tool for keeping parents informed about their child’s progress and assignments. They provide a clear and concise overview of what students have been working on in class, what they need to complete at home, and when assignments are due. By sending out weekly homework letters, teachers can help parents stay engaged in their child’s education and ensure that students are completing their assignments on time.

In this blog post, we will share some strategies for writing effective weekly homework letters to parents. We will discuss what information to include, how to format the letter, and how to make the letter engaging and easy to read. We will also provide some sample letters that you can use as a starting point.

I have been a writer for over 10 years, and I have written hundreds of weekly homework letters to parents. I have learned a lot about what makes an effective letter, and I am excited to share my knowledge with you. I hope that this blog post will help you to write better homework letters that will keep parents informed and engaged in their child’s education.

Sample of a Weekly Homework Letter to Parents

[Your Name] [Your Position] [School/Institution Name] [Address Line 1] [Address Line 2] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

Dear Parents,

I hope this letter finds you well. As we enter another exciting week of learning, I want to keep you informed about your child’s homework and upcoming activities. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect this week.

Homework Assignments

Math: Please ensure your child completes pages 45-48 in the workbook. This week’s focus is on multiplication and division. Encourage them to review the concepts covered in class and practice the exercises.

Reading: Students are assigned to read Chapter 5 of their reading book. A brief summary and key points should be written in their reading journals. This will help reinforce comprehension skills.

Science: The science project on plant growth is due next Monday. Students should prepare a short report and a presentation. Please assist your child with gathering the necessary materials.

Spelling: The spelling list for this week includes 10 new words. A spelling test will be held on Friday. Encourage your child to practice daily and use the words in sentences.

Upcoming Events

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday. If you haven’t signed up yet, please contact the school office to book a slot.

Field Trip: Our class will visit the local science museum on Friday. Please ensure your child brings a packed lunch and wears comfortable shoes.

Additional Notes

Homework Completion: Please check that homework is completed and returned on time. This helps your child stay on track and reinforces their learning.

Support: If you have any questions about the assignments or need further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to support both you and your child.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Let’s work together to make this week productive and enjoyable for our students.

Warm regards,

[Your Name] [Your Position] [School/Institution Name]

How to Write a Weekly Homework Letter to Parents

Effective communication between teachers and parents is crucial for student success. A well-written weekly homework letter not only informs but also engages parents in their child’s academic journey. Here’s a guide to crafting a compelling and informative letter each week.

1. Begin with a Warm Greeting

Start your letter with a friendly and welcoming tone. A simple greeting such as, “Dear Parents,” sets a positive atmosphere. It establishes a connection and prepares the reader for the information that follows. An inviting opening encourages parents to read further and engage with the content.

2. Clearly Outline Homework Assignments

Detail the homework assignments in a clear and organized manner. List each subject separately and specify the tasks to be completed. For instance, “In Math, students should complete exercises on pages 20-23 of the workbook.” Providing specific instructions helps parents understand exactly what is required and how they can support their child.

3. Highlight Key Dates and Deadlines

Include important dates and deadlines to ensure parents are aware of upcoming events. For example, “Please note that the science project is due next Friday.” This prevents last-minute surprises and allows parents to plan accordingly. Clear deadlines keep students on track and reduce last-minute stress.

4. Offer Guidance and Tips for Success

Provide practical tips to help students complete their homework effectively. Suggestions like, “Encourage your child to review their notes before starting their reading assignment,” can be very useful. Offering strategies empowers parents to assist their children more effectively and reinforces learning.

5. Address Upcoming Events and Activities

Mention any upcoming school events or activities that might be relevant. This could include field trips, parent-teacher conferences, or special class projects. For example, “Our class will be visiting the museum on Thursday, so please ensure your child brings a packed lunch.” Keeping parents informed about these events helps them prepare their children appropriately.

6. Encourage Open Communication

Invite parents to reach out if they have questions or need clarification. Statements like, “If you have any questions about the homework or need further assistance, please contact me,” foster an open line of communication. Encouraging dialogue ensures that parents feel supported and involved.

7. Conclude with Appreciation

Finish your letter by thanking parents for their ongoing support. A closing line such as, “Thank you for your cooperation and support. Together, we can make this a successful week for our students,” expresses gratitude and reinforces the partnership between home and school.

A weekly homework letter to parents is more than just a list of assignments. It is a vital tool for communication and engagement. By clearly outlining tasks, providing guidance, and maintaining open lines of communication, you can effectively support your students’ academic progress and strengthen the connection between school and home.

FAQs about a Weekly Homework Letter to Parents

When sending out a weekly homework letter to parents, several common questions often arise. Addressing these questions helps ensure the letter is effective and meets its intended purpose.

What should be included in a weekly homework letter to parents?

A weekly homework letter should include a clear outline of the homework assignments for each subject, important deadlines, any upcoming events or activities, and tips for parents to help their children. It should also provide contact information for any questions or concerns.

How can the letter help parents support their child’s learning?

The letter provides parents with a detailed view of their child’s weekly tasks, which allows them to assist with assignments, monitor progress, and reinforce learning at home. It also includes tips and strategies to help parents support their child’s academic efforts effectively.

What is the best way to organize the information in the letter?

The information should be organized by subject, with each homework assignment listed separately. Important dates and deadlines should be clearly highlighted. Including a section for upcoming events and additional notes at the end ensures that all relevant information is easily accessible.

How often should the homework letter be sent to parents?

The homework letter should be sent weekly, ideally at the beginning of each week. This allows parents to plan and prepare for the upcoming week’s assignments and activities. Consistent timing helps establish a routine and ensures timely communication.

How can teachers make the letter engaging for parents?

To make the letter engaging, use a friendly and conversational tone. Include clear and concise information, avoid jargon, and highlight key points. Personalizing the letter with specific details about the student’s progress or achievements can also make it more engaging and relevant.

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Letter 2: Sample letter to parents for establishing a new homework routine

Whether you’re new to a school, a class or indeed, the role you’ll need to decide on what the main objectives are for homework or/and the skills development of the pupils. Then, you will need to explain your intentions in detail to the parents so that they know what’s going on and why you’re setting the homework/making a particular request of them.

This letter will help you explain things clearly and further develop communication methods and it will help you develop better relationships as they remain informed. This is a sample letter for a scheme I used during my CLASS hours. Add formalities, letter header, date, school address etc if necessary as per your school culture.

New Homework Routine

Dear parents, Thank you for your continued support at …. X N.S.

This week we will begin a ……………………….. for X Class to help them (state the objective). (grow, develop, revise, create, learn how to..) (Setting differentiated homework/relevant homework) Inside this folder, you will find some tasks that are specific to the needs of your child.

(Explaining how things will work) As I mentioned before, each pack has - 2 reading books (read book 1 on Wednesday and Thursday and book 2 on Monday and Tuesday perhaps). - A reading record booklet - A handwriting worksheet - Some words to practice each night and some flashcards. You can play some games with them like Go Fish, Snap, Put the word into a sentence etc. (Giving them initial ideas). In collaboration with (name teachers), we aim to (explain the details of the project - use a bulleted list if possible) It's very important that X and Y happen. (eg. the folders are in school on those days so that I can change the books and assign new words if necessary.). Do a little every night (e.g. the handwriting worksheet does not have to be completed in whole on Wednesday night. It's better to encourage accuracy than rush through the tasks). (Setting Expectations) If you have any questions at all, please write a note and put it in the homework folder or ring the school on Wednesday and Thursday and I will be happy to answer your queries. If your child is absent, please continue to (Further setting expectations) follow this format each week (1 page of handwriting, reading and flashcards) each evening if possible and we will endeavour to make the most of the extra support for these next few weeks. I look forward to working with you, (list of teachers)and your child,

Best regards, ....... O. Dempsey

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Letter to Parents from Teacher about progress

A letter to parents is written by a teacher to parent to give comprehensive detail about the welfare of the child in school in terms of academic/education. It also explains the need for parent’s cooperation and child’s cooperation towards achieving the best from the child. The format is always formal.

This letter gives detailed information about the activities in school. The important thing is to make sure that you do not leave out any information. Most of the times, this letter details information about upcoming activities and these are activities involved in a whole year. This may make it look a bit difficult on the best way to write it. Using a sample letter will make it simple for you when writing.

What to include in a letter to parents about progress

Introduction.

This is done in the first paragraph whereby the teacher gets to introduce him or herself and describe the expertise and the experience in this specific area.

Describe your goal

The goal should be explained in the second paragraph. This goal should focus on showing your concern about the welfare of the child in both academic and behavioral growth.

Summary about curriculum units

This is in the third paragraph. Give a summary of a curriculum that is sustainable through the year. It is important because the parent and the student will be able to focus on what should be done and when it should be done.

Details on items needed

The fourth paragraph should identify in details all the materials that will be needed for every subject in order to help the parent plan on how to get the materials.

Grading system

In the fifth paragraph, explain in detail the grading system in order to help the parent and the student understand how the grades are attained.

Disciplinary action plan

This may or may not be included. In case there is such a plan it should be stated in the second page where both the student and parent sign.

Sample Letter/Email to Parents

Dear Parent(s)/ Guardian(s)

I take this opportunity to welcome you to 9th grade. My name is teacher Regina. I have been a teacher in roots academy for the last 8 years. In all the years I have been teaching science. I am delighted to help your child excel and reach his full potential in science.

My main goal is to guide your child towards achieving the best in academics as well as in other skills that will help him become a responsible adult. I am committed to doing my best in making sure that I keep in touch with you concerning the performance of your child. This includes all the areas that he may not be performing well in both academic and discipline.

Your cooperation is very important in helping the child achieve his full potential. Feel free to contact me at the school number or through my email grade9science.com. The best time to reach me is___________

In this year, we will be working on these curriculum units___________. The texts we will use are__________. There are some textbooks that will remain in the classroom. This will therefore require your child will be required to keep the notebook containing the notes with him in order to help him prepare for homework and exams. There will be weekly tests which require you to help your child prepare for the exams. We will be conducting labs twice a week. Please sign all the assessments sent at home.

To help achieve better learning, please help your child purchase a notebook or a binder, erasers, pencil, crayons, glue and ruler. The notebook will be divided in two sections. One section is for classwork and the other one for homework. Please check your child’s notebook and sign it at the end of every week.

The grading system will be as follows:

20% open response

20% binder or notebook test

20% class work

20% homework

Note that the home work will be given each day. Please make sure that your child is able to complete the homework. There is a diary where the parent is supposed to sign after checking on the homework. I will contact you in case your child performance is below C. I look forward to meeting your child with all the required learning materials.

Student signature

______________________

Parent signature

________________________

Tips for writing students reports

• Make it easy for the parent to understand – Use an easy way to make the parent understand how the child is doing. For example, if you need the child to give answers in a different way from the way they have been doing it, explain it in a clear way.
• Be straight forward – Do not include unnecessary information. Inform the parent on the only relevant matters concerning the child performance in school to avoid causing confusion to the parent.
• Avoid professional terms – Do not use the terms within the professionalism of teaching. Remember the parent is not a teacher and will only understand a report that is detailed in clear terms.
• Give report on level of achievement – This is what most parents will be looking at in a report. When giving this report, make sure that it is very clear and indicated in relation to the expected levels of achievement. Make sure that you clearly indicate on areas that your child needs to improve on.
• Report on the child’s ongoing performance – Do not just provide a general evaluation but rather include a report on the progressive performance. Make sure you indicate where the child needs to improve and what according to your opinion can be done to improve the performance of the child.
• Support your comments with evidence – The parent will believe in your comments about the child only when it has evidence. Do not leave a room for questions in this. Refer to samples of students work when giving comments as well as when indicating on areas where improvement is needed. This will help the parent to see and understand about the child.
• Keep records throughout the school year – The records of a child’s performance throughout the year will make it so easy for you to give a report about the performance. You will be able to see how their progress has been in each and every day. Keeping this record will also provide you with samples of daily works from the student making it so easy to give a well-supported report.
• Use a checklist – A checklist will help you not to write too much. It will also help you not to leave out any important detail that is needed in the report.
• Prepare the parent – Every parent has expectation of their child even before receiving the report that the teacher may be aware of. If the child did not meet these expectations, it is important for the teacher to prepare the parent maybe through an interview about the child, best way to do this is to contact the parent and inform them about this and discuss on what you think is could be the problem as well as best way to help the child improve.
• Involve the student – Help the student to set personal goals. These goals will help you and the student to discuss on what went wrong in case they under-perform. It will also help the student to be determined in keeping these goals which will help them to have progressive success.

Types of Letter to Parent

Introduction letter to parent from teacher, letter to parents from teacher about progress, letter to parent from teacher about behavior, letter to parent for school activity, how did our templates helped you today, opps what went wrong, related posts.

Block Letter Format: Rules (with Examples)

Statement of Purpose Examples

Restaurant Apology Letter to Customers

Proof of Residency (Tennessee)

California Proof of Residency (CA)

Proof of Residency Texas

Proof of Residency Ohio

Proof of Residency VA (Virginia)

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Teachers, You Must Send This Letter Home on the First Day of School!

I wish I could take credit for this teaching gem that I am about to share with you. My sister (who started teaching five years before I did) shared this letter with me before my first year of teaching. For the next 12 years, I made sure to send it home on the very first day of school.

This letter serves many purposes, but perhaps the most important reason to send it home is to let parents know (from the very first day of school) that you value their input. Parents need to feel “heard” and that their “voice” is welcome. When you send this letter home, you are giving them this great opportunity to communicate with you in an appropriate way. It also offers parents a sense of relief to fill you in on the details of their child; just knowing that they have shared this with you will prevent future communication issues.

Aside from establishing a positive relationship with parents, this letter really helps you to get to know your students better. There have been years where I had 36 students in my class!!! When I read these letters (many are sent back within the first few days of school), I get to know my students so much faster. BONUS: You get to learn a lot about the parents as well, which is helpful for future communication.

This letter also establishes communication boundaries. It lets the parents know that these letters will be read and addressed during conferences. There is no need for you to follow up until that time.

If you are not sending something like this home on the first day of school, I really urge you to! You will find that this simple act will not only inform you about your students, but it will also set the stage for positive home-communication for the rest of the school year! Click HERE for an editable version of this letter.

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Spelling/ Word Work Letter to Parents

by Lynn Hahn | Aug 21, 2017 |

                                                                                                       August 21, 2017

Dear Parents,

Your child brought home their first Words Their Way spelling words. The Words Their Way program teaches students the importance of word study through phonics, vocabulary and the study of word patterns and their meaning.  The main benefit of Words Their Way is that it differentiates instruction, allowing each child to work at their appropriate instructional level.

Your student will been given an initial spelling inventory to help guide us in placing them into a group of words.  Students will begin working with a different group of words each week.  Word work will include sorting their words into categories, and noticing similarities and differences between words that sound alike. They will also write sentences.

Students will continue to have weekly spelling homework, and spelling tests.   Spelling tests will be on Fridays.  For each spelling test, we will ask students to spell a random group of 10 of their words for the week.  The main purpose of these spelling tests will be to help guide each student’s instruction, versus memorization of the words.

Words Their Way focuses less on memorization and more on allowing students to have a more hands-on approach to their learning. The Words Their Way program encourages family support at home.  Weekly homework expectations is below this letter.

I am excited about the opportunity to work with your child using Words Their Way .  If you have any questions about Words Their Way , please feel free to contact me.

Each night of the week your child is expected to do a different activity to ensure that the words on their list and the word pattern of the week is mastered. These activities have been modeled and practiced in school, so your child can teach you how to do them.  One sentence per word is due on Friday.  The sentences should be written in the word work journal.

– Your child will sort their words into categories like the ones we did in school. Your child should read each word aloud during this activity. Ask your child to explain to you why the words are sorted in a particular way; what does the sort reveal about spelling in general? Ask the student to sort them again as fast as possible. You may want to time them.

– Do a “Write Sort”

– Your child should lay down the header (bolded) words or letters to help distinguish each rule.

– Child reads the word out loud and puts into the correct category.

-Adult will check to see if the word is in the correct category.  

– Child will write down the sort in the word work journal.

– Do a “Blind Sort” with your child.

        -Lay down the header (bolded) words to help distinguish each rule.

        -Adult will read the word aloud and the child will point to the category it belongs to. Adult will put down the word after the child has pointed to the correct category and the child will move the word under the appropriate heading.

        -If your child makes an error without seeing the word, show the word and have them sort it, but then try the blind sort again with words that they miss with their initial try.

-Do a “ blind write sort”.

        -Use the list of spelling words from Monday.

        -As you call out the words in a random order, students should write them in      categories, identifying the similarities between the words.

        -Call out any words your child misspells a second or even a third time.

-Do a “Speed Sort” 3 times

– Lay out the headings

– Students sort the words as fast as they can three times

– Write down how long each sort took

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Dear Parents: Please Stop Asking Teachers To Give Your Kids Homework

If your kid’s teacher isn’t assigning homework, it’s for a good reason.

If I could change one thing about my past teaching, it would be homework. As in, I would never assign it. I’m just not convinced that the positives outweigh the negatives, and I’m not alone. Many teachers (even entire districts) are getting on the no homework train. Not everyone agrees, and some of the most vocal opponents of homework bans are parents. In fact, many parents seem to positively associate homework with teacher and/or school quality. I have school-age kids, and I can understand the discomfort around uprooting tradition. But since when has “that’s the way we’ve always done it” been a good reason to continue with a practice? Fellow parents, it’s time to take a long, hard look at homework.

Homework just isn’t that beneficial

Repeat after me: There is no conclusive evidence that homework improves student achievement. The research (not to mention how it gets interpreted) is mixed at best. But what stands out to me from the research is this: There is no correlation between academic achievement and homework for elementary students and a moderate correlation for middle and high school, which diminishes as more homework is assigned. So while you can probably make a case that there are benefits for older students doing homework (but no more than one and a half to two hours a day), there’s no reason your kindergartner should be coming home with it.

There are other ways of finding out what your child is learning

“How else am I supposed to know what they’re teaching my child?” It’s a valid concern. But homework isn’t your only window into what your child is learning. Familiarize yourself with the standards for your child’s grade level, which are readily available online. You can also learn about what’s normal for your child’s age (cognitively, social-emotionally, and physically) with a book like Yardsticks . Make sure you read the communications that come home via class newsletters or are posted by your child’s teacher on school apps, as those typically have “what we’re working on” information. Reviewing the corrected work that comes home is also a great way to see what’s being taught and how your child is performing.

Parents aren’t experts on content or pedagogy

You are your child’s first teacher, and that’s important. However, unless you have an education degree, you don’t have the same level of expertise as a trained teacher. Non-teachers sometimes make the mistake of assuming that because they went to school, they know how a classroom should be run. And that’s just not the case. You have only to attempt “new math” to see that. So another benefit of not sending homework home is somewhat of a protective one. For example, we don’t want you introducing the traditional algorithm for addition with regrouping before we’ve had a chance to ensure that our students understand what’s going on mathematically in the process using manipulatives and visuals.

It sets kids up for poor work-life balance

Given its lack of proven benefit, homework is an unnecessary stressor. And it is stressful. Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman ,  clinical director of the New England Center for Pediatric Psychology and contributing editor to a study on homework, cites “a plethora of evidence that it’s detrimental to their attitude about school, their grades, their self-confidence, their social skills, and their quality of life.” It also sends the message to kids that it’s normal to work after school hours, setting them up for having their boundaries abused when they enter the workplace.

Homework is a burden on many families

If you’re a parent who’s clamoring for more homework, try to remember that not all families are in the same situation as you. Many parents are concerned with meeting their families’ basic needs. Not everyone works a 9-5 schedule. Even for those who do, not all of us are thrilled about coming home after a long day at work and having to fight with our kids to get their homework done (much less complete some elaborate science project or book report diorama that we all know they’re not doing on their own). By pushing your own agenda, you’re potentially marginalizing other families in your own school community. If it’s that important to you, come up with your own, but don’t drag everyone else with you.

What families can spend their time on instead

• Reading to and with your children and listening to them read
• Encouraging them to pursue passion projects
• Providing space for unstructured play
• Participating in extra-curricular activities that boost social-emotional skills and well-roundedness
• Eating dinner together as a family
• Keeping consistent bedtime routines that help everyone get a good night’s sleep so they are ready to work and learn the next day

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Plus, check out dear parents, please remember we’re on the same team ..

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Teachers, give my kid homework. Please! (Your Letters)

• Published: Sep. 05, 2024, 11:27 a.m.

A student does math homework. (Banana Stock) SYR SYR

• Your Letters

To the Editor:

As a parent with a middle schooler in the Fayetteville-Manlius school district and as a professor in the Physics Department at Syracuse University, I want to urge our teachers to stop short-changing our students on their learning by not having homework.

Last year, my kid was in 6th grade, and at the open house night in the fall, I was appalled to hear his two team teachers say that they would not be giving the students homework that year. They quickly told the parents, many of whom were also surprised and dismayed, that they would not be persuaded. I bit my tongue, since I didn’t want to cause trouble for my kid in class, but I can’t hold it anymore.

Kids need practice, and practice is homework.

The teacher’s rationale was based on an argument of equity. They claimed that not all kids have parents at home who can help them with homework, so she wouldn’t give any homework. Unfortunately, this argument is deeply flawed. Homework should not be something that parents engage in at all. I do not want to do my child’s work, but they need practice. Practice is the opportunity to try and fail (graded by the teachers — not me) to truly learn from their mistakes.

Although the teachers claim to want greater equity, their actions created far greater inequity. My kid has two Ph.D.s as parents, so my child spent the year going through a teach-yourself textbook in math, gaining skills from practicing that other students missed. Other parents with the capacity found additional work for their kids to do, too, such as afterschool tutorial programs. Thus, the effort to prevent inequity sowed deeper inequality, but now that inequality is invisible and outside of the control of the public school system.

The second reason why we still need kids to do homework is they just need practice. Homework should consist of many practice problems on the skills and concepts already covered. Homework should not be overly challenging, and it should not be project-based. Think about it this way: We don’t send kids into college-level sports unless they put in the hard work and effort at the high school level to practice and compete. Yet, we seem to be OK having students come to the college level who cannot do basic algebra because they just haven’t practiced it enough for it to become automatic. The loss of skills by our students at the college level was gradually happening in the 17 years I have been a faculty member, but it has been a cliff since the pandemic, when many teachers decided to stop giving kids homework.

Finally, our kids just need more practice with more problems so that they can have the skills that are still needed today including spelling, grammar and math skills. If you think that AI is going to make it so that those skills are not needed, you are mistaken. In fact, we need it more than ever to address the challenges that a future working with AI will bring. So, I implore our local teachers, don’t fail our students. Give them easily-graded practice every day. Give them vocabulary, spelling, and grammar practice. And for goodness’s sake, give them lots of algebra problems. Our future depends on it.

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Sample Letter to Parents about Missing Homework

School offices usually make sure that they have templates for all correspondence that they need to send to the board, suppliers, vendors, and parents.

These templates are then customized so that they can be used in any situation.

The most important correspondence within these is the one between the school and parents.

Since it is the school’s duty to keep the parents abreast of things happening at school, particularly with their children, it is important to be able to communicate with them in writing.

One of the most common problems in schools is missing homework. In the event that a student has come to school without his or her homework (especially if he or she has been doing this a lot), an administrator or a teacher will be required to write to the parents and inform them.

Sending in a formal letter stating the details of the situation including how many times it has happened and how you feel it can be managed, is imperative.

The thing about writing letters to parents pointing out missing homework is that every situation is different, so predefined templates may not work.

If you have found yourself to be in a situation such as this, you will need to know exactly what it is that you need to write in such a letter.

Here is an example:

Sample Letter to Parents About Missing Homework

Debra Morris School Administrator St. Peter’s School 81 Upland Road Essex Junction, VT 18302 Tel: (000) 222-2222

April 7, 2022

Mrs. Patricia Wright 22 Hillcrest Road Essex Junction, VT 01560

Dear Mrs. Wright:

This is with reference to your daughter, Amelia Wright, who is a Grade 4 student at St. Peter’s School. It has come to my attention that Amelia has been erratic in bringing her homework to school for a few months now, despite several reminders in her homework diary.

I have personally looked through Amelia’s previous files and see no inclination of a problem of this sort in the past. She has been a great student during the 3 years which is why this matter is of great concern to me. Since this is not a fleeting matter, I suggest that you look into why her homework is missing so often.

The homework that she has missed in the last 3 weeks is attached to this letter. I suggest that you supervise her and ensure that homework is put in her school bag. If there is anything that I can do to provide assistance during this time, please feel free to get in touch with me.

Debra Morris

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Smart Classroom Management

How To Send A Letter Home To Parents Redux

As a third consequence I recommend a letter home to parents .

If you haven’t read my first article on the topic, which also includes a sample letter for download, you can find the link above.

In this article I clear up some misconceptions, add a few more details, and expand on the how and the why of sending a letter home.

Let’s get started.

A Parent Information Packet

Few teachers communicate their classroom management plan to parents. This is a huge mistake, especially when it comes to sending behavior letters home.

To avoid a mountain of headaches and parent complaints, and to greatly increase your chances of getting your letters back the next day, send a classroom management packet home with your students before the end of the second week of school.

Included in this packet, among other things, should be your classroom management plan and a sample copy of your letter home.

This way, if and when parents receive a letter, they won’t be caught off guard. They’ll know what the letter means and what steps were taken before the letter was given to the student.

Being upfront about your classroom management plan will result in parents not just willing to support you, but actively standing behind your vision of a classroom where all students are free to learn without interference.

A Rare Occurrence

If you’re a regular reader of this website, then you know that following your classroom management plan, though critically important, is but a small part of effective classroom management.

If you’re not building influential relationships with students and creating a classroom they like being part of, which are core principles of Smart Classroom Management, then you’ll have scores of students in time-out, multiple letters home, and massive frustration.

A letter home to parents should be a rare occurrence. If you’re sending more than six to eight letters home per year, regardless of where you teach, then the problem isn’t your classroom management plan.

Although every Smart Classroom Management strategy can and will improve behavior by itself, they work together to create a surefire approach of managing your classroom.

A Hand-Delivered Letter

A student who triggers the third consequence must personally deliver the letter to his (or her) parents to be signed. This is a critical part of why the consequence is effective.

By requiring your students to do something to atone for their misbehavior, by placing a burden of responsibility with them, you provide a concrete way for them to acknowledge their misbehavior and take responsibility for it.

Thus, it’s an active accountability.

The return of the letter to you the next day then effectively fulfills the student’s obligation and seals the official end of the incident.

What parents do with the information in the letter is not your concern. It’s between them and the student. A parent’s reaction, or lack thereof, doesn’t make the consequence any less effective.

A Phone Call Heads Up

Depending on the student, you may want to make a phone call home giving parents a heads up that the letter is on the way. Email will work also. This is an optional step, but one I recommend if you’re using the letter-home consequence for the first time.

If you do call home, it’s best to call during the day and leave a message. If you happen to get a parent on the phone, say only that the letter is on the way. If asked about the misbehavior, just give the facts .

A Lost Or Forgotten Letter

If you’re following the guidelines above, chances are the student will come to school the next day with the letter signed. If, however, the student says she forgot to give her parents the letter—perhaps testing you to see if you’ll follow through—simply hand her a second copy (always make multiple copies). In this case, a heads-up phone call to parents is a must.

If she says she lost the letter, then give her a new one and don’t forget to make your heads-up phone call.

A Parent’s Right To Know

The purpose of a classroom management plan is to teach life lessons in responsibility, accountability, and trust. It’s to compassionately instill in students an intrinsic desire to make the right choices for themselves, their families, and their classmates.

And in doing so, it brings peace and uninterrupted learning to your classroom.

A letter home to parents holds students to a maximum level of accountability and fulfills the obligation you have to inform parents whenever their child is behaving in a way that risks his (or her) academic progress.

And when a student misbehaves repeatedly, despite the courtesy of a warning and a post-time-out second chance, the best person to break the news, the most suitable person to explain what happened and why, isn’t you.

It’s the child themself.

If you haven’t done so already, please join us. It’s free! Click here and begin receiving classroom management articles like this one in your email box every week.

What to read next:

• How To Effectively Send A Student To Time-Out
• How To Work From Home Without Getting Stressed-Out
• How To Handle Parents Who Want To Talk And Talk

24 thoughts on “How To Send A Letter Home To Parents Redux”

I’m wondering if anyone has ever run into the problem of reaching consequence 3 with time to spare, which may lead to that student still breaking rules. I wouldn’t think you would start back at step one since it’s a continuation of that day’s misbehavior…..

If a student reaches the third consequence, whenever that may be, they go back to time-out and stay for the rest of the day. I’ve written about this somewhere on the site, but I couldn’t find it during the short time I had this morning. 🙂

Michael –

Your site and your book have changed the way I teach in so many positive ways – this year has been unlike any other. However, I am now running into a problem of enforcing a true consequence. I work in a low-income school, and staying in contact with parents is very difficult. Much of the time, many students’ parents fail to pay their pay-as-you-go phone bill, and are thus unavailable to check in on letters home, etc. It really takes the “teeth” out of my consequence, that I am unable to follow through at home. We have ways of contacting relatives and friends, but even that is often impossible. I feel like my hard work is slipping away as they see me fail to follow through on this. Perhaps I should work on making time out a stronger consequence in order to make up for it?

Thank you for what you do,

Okay, I’m going to give it to you straight. You do it anyway. You find a way and you follow through. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s time consuming. But you do whatever you have to do. Regardless of how hard they are to get hold of, the parent has a right to know what’s going on at school–and it’s our job as teachers to make sure they do.

I have done all the suggestions. I never had problems when I was teaching primary grades. Now that I’m teaching 5th, I have endless headaches. Mainly it’s boys with an attitude. Letter goes home, comes back signed, nothing changes. I think it’s because the consequence at school doesn’t matter– they lose time at detention. This can happen 20x! After 10x, the principal calls, but that doesn’t matter either. Now what can I do?

If you email me with specifically what you have done (all the suggestions), I’ll do my best to set you on the right path.

G’day Michael

I’ve had a student today who had a letter sent home yesterday, and came back with a forged signature. She has admitted that she forged the signature.

I’ve placed a note in her diary for her parent notifying her of what has happened and am also planning to call her parent. I also gave the student a warning for not following directions.

Is there anything else I should or should not do?

Many thanks Jonathan

Hi Jonathan,

No, you’re handling it perfectly. As long as you see it through, the appropriate message will be sent.

hi michael, I’m teaching a class of 12 boys in a partially special ed school, very challenging, i believe that 5 of them have ADD / ADHD. I just taught them for a week with difficulty and i would like to implement this method now (which i find sounding great!). 1. Will it work for these type of children, with concentration and impulsivity issues? 2. I believe that the first days i try this, they’ll test me at least a few rounds of letters. what happens if they refuse to cooperate with the rest of the day timeout after the letter? thank you very much!

Hi Charles,

A letter home by itself may be helpful to your classroom, but to enjoy the full benefits of Smart Classroom Management I recommend employing the full compliment of principles and strategies. Please spend more time in our archive, beginning in the Classroom management Plan, Time-Out, and Difficult Students categories. You’ll find all your questions answered. 🙂

Hi Michael,

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!! I am a first year substitute teacher, and am having issues with classroom management. It seems that many students act out simply because they think they can get away with more when their teacher is away. I found your site this morning and have already learned so much that I am excited to implement in the future. Do you have any tips for substitute teachers? How do I implement consequences (such as a letter home), if I will not be there the next day to follow-up?

Thanks for your help!

Hi Catherine,

We’re hoping to create a guidebook for substitute teachers sometime in the future, and will keep your questions in mind. They’re too big to answer accurately here. I encourage you to sign up for the newsletter and stay tuned!

Hi Michael. I love your site! I teach mostly seniors in high school and still struggle balancing solid classroom management with not treating them like little kids. Any suggestions? Thank you so much!

You’re right in that it’s critical that your students understand the importance of classroom management without feeling like they’re still in middle school. How this would look varies widely depending on your students and where you teach. Although you definitely should define for your students rules and guidelines that establish the best learning environment for them and their learning, how you enforce them hinges largely on their maturity level and relationship with you. This could range from a verbal warning to a private discussion with you to an outside detention. The consequences themselves are less important than your leadership, your personality, and your way of expressing your expectations of them.

Hi Michael, how would you recommend going about sending a letter home to parents/informing parents of your classroom management plan if you are a specialist that only sees students for 30 minutes once or twice a week? Thanks! As a first-year teacher, I’m finding this blog to be super helpful.

Hi Celeste,

I’m so glad you like the blog! There are some definite modifications needed for specialist teachers—which we don’t have the time and space for here. For details on consequences and other considerations, including when and why you may need to contact parents, please check out the book Classroom Management for Art, Music, and PE Teachers .

I love the ideas I’ve read here! I’m guilty of not following through, but after the last few weeks of school I’ve had I’d really like to start trying some of the ideas here. Is it too late in the year to reintroduce the rules (only of the 4 that I haven’t used is raising your hand to get out of their seat) and the ensuing consequences?

Thanks so much!

No, it’s not too late. Here’s an article to help: http://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2011/01/22/losing-control-of-your-classroom/

I like the letter home consequence.

However, I teach in China, and my students are boarding students. Quite a few live in town but even most of those will only go home at the weekends. Others, who live in other towns will usually go home only three or four times a year.

Do you suggest I forget the letter home, idea and replace it with a phone call home, instead -which is what I have been doing anyway? I would probably need a trusted memmber of staff as an interpreter, but I believe it would work (this time I intend to personally ring the parent myself). Last year I asked the department leader to call the parent.

Alternatively, if a student reached the phone call home consequence, do you think it would be more effective if I made the student call the parent in front of myself and the department leader, to encourge personal accountability, instead of me ringing the parent? Do you think it would work?

I teach high school and the consequence system that I used last year, was:

1. Warning.

2. Detention

3. Send to office

4. Phone call home (the department leader rang the parent without me present).

5. Call parents in to chat with myself and department leader, without student present (we did this on a few occasions. The dept. leader rang them in).

A major concern of mine is seeing a couple of articles, on your site, stating that sending students to the office for behaviour that isn’t extreme, causes the following to happen:

“When you refer a student to the principal you’re communicating to that student—as well as to the rest of your class—that you’re not the ultimate authority of your classroom. It sends the unmistakable message that you can’t handle them on our own.

Thus, you become less relevant in your students’ eyes. You carry less weight and influence.”

Michael, if the above happened to me (or has been happening), it would be a disaster! It’s the antithesis of what I want to achieve in the classroom, so I am pretty much concerned about this.

Having said that, I did use this system last semester and needed to send students to the department leader (not principal) less and less as the year progressed and it seemed to me that students respected my authority.

Sometimes, I would send students to the leader because they didn’t turn up for detention- the second consequence. Do you think that was appropriate?

Other students would be sent to the leader after breaking regular rules in the same class lesson three times and getting to consequence three. I then had no choice but to send them straight to the leader for things such as calling out, sleeping or talking (not extreme behaviour). Do you think that was over the top,and is it in danger of undermining my authority?

Do you think my plan would be more effective if I made the phone call home the third consequence and the sending to the office, consequence number four instead?

I do aim to purchase an e-copy of your new high school book, but that will have to wait until I work out how to sort out the payment on a page in Chinese!

Thanks for your patience.

Yes, I still believe that you undermine your authority by sending students to the office for non-dangerous offenses. However, if you want to include it, then I would flip consequences 3 and 4. Remember, your rules and consequences are only a small part of classroom management. It’s all the other stuff–primarily what this site is about–that makes your classroom management plan effective.

Thanks for the reminder about the other stuff being more important.

You’re welcome, Gary.

Hi Michael, Thank you for sharing so much information. I started using your system last year and have found it very useful. I sent home a letter this year with two students who are constantly at odds with each other and generally disruptive. One of the parents wrote back a long letter about how I should make sure I handle everything the other child did and no mention of her child’s behavior. I haven’t responded and am considering not. I feel as if the parent is questioning my management and trying to put me in a defensive position. In reality both children received a letter but I dont believe I can even legally discuss that nor would I want to. What would you suggest? Have a conversation with this parent or let it go?

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4 Homework help strategies for parents

When your child comes to you with a homework assignment, helping them can sometimes feel like a daunting task. As a parent, it’s important to find balance, supporting your child’s learning without doing the work for them. This post offers four strategies parents can use to assist their child with homework in a way that builds strong study habits and independence:

• Ask open-ended questions
• Break down tasks into smaller steps
• Take breaks
• Get help when you need it

1. Ask open-ended questions

Don’t tell—ask questions instead!

Prompt them to think critically about a task by asking questions like “What do you think the first step should be?” or “Do you have any ideas for how we can visualize two groups of five?”

Encouraging them to try out potential solutions is important, even if they’re wrong, as it allows them to learn from their mistakes. 

2. Break down tasks into smaller steps

Break up hefty assignments into manageable chunks! 

After writing out each section of the assignment on a to-do list, you can estimate how long each task will take and create a homework schedule for the night. 

If they have a longer task to complete, you can break it down into weekly steps. For example, for a science project, the following steps may apply: choose a topic, make observations, finalize the hypothesis, design the experiment, conduct the experiment, analyze data and draw conclusions, and create the poster board. 

This approach makes the work feel less overwhelming and helps your child stay organized and focused, introducing them to crucial time management skills. 

3. Take breaks

Sometimes, stepping away from an assignment can help us see the big picture more clearly! 

If your child is struggling with a particular question, encourage them to take a 15-minute break. This will help them (and you!) avoid feelings of frustration. Ultimately, we don’t want any unnecessary conflicts or tears at the dinner table.

A quick snack or a few minutes of lounging on the couch can do wonders for their motivation, and you’ll both come back to the assignment with a fresh perspective.

4. Get help when you need it

You might not know how to help them with a certain subject, and that’s okay! After all, elementary and middle school were a long time ago.

Fortunately, Education.com has a wealth of lesson plans to refresh your memory. Whether you’re looking for a walkthrough on dividing fractions or a summary of potential and kinetic energy, these lesson plans offer explanations and step-by-step instructions parents can use to teach a new subject to their child.

Looking for more learning resources for the new school year? Click through the Education.com Learning Library featuring 37,000+ printable worksheets, hands-on activities, and online games for grades PreK through 8th.

Words of affirmation to get you through the first few weeks of school

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How to Write a Letter to Parents

How to Write a Complaint Letter to a School Bus Driver

As a teacher, one of the most difficult parts of your job is working with parents. With proper communication, however, you can build bridges between the school and home and create an open line between your students' parents and yourself as the educator. Writing a letter to parents is one way to do this. If you do it properly, this is an excellent way to communicate when you cannot meet with parents face to face.

Make sure your first written contact with parents is positive. To ensure this happens, send a "welcome" letter at the beginning of the year.

Put positive communication in the letter, even if you are writing to discuss a problem. You can do this by pointing out a gain the child has made in school or some positive behavior you have witnessed recently. Even if it is difficult, you must find this positive spin, because it will make the parents more open to what you have to discuss. The general rule is "start with the good, hit them with the bad, then end on a positive note."

Address concerns in a positive manner. For instance, if you have noticed that a particular child is struggling to stay awake in class, you might say, "I have noticed that Suzie is having trouble staying awake in class. Is there something we can do to help her be more alert? I know we both agree that she needs to be alert to do her best."

Share the problem with the parents. Express your concern and desire to help. Do not place it completely on their shoulders, as they may resent this action. Show them through the letter that you want to work with them to find a solution.

Ask for a response. You can ask them to write back, sign a part of the letter or give you a call. If you do not hear from them, you should call them. Be caring, but make sure they got the communication. Remember, your goal is to work together to help their child succeed.

Sign the letter with a simple "Sincerely" and your name.

Consider mailing the letter to the parent, rather than sending it home with the student. Some students will intentionally forget to give the letter to their parents, while others will accidentally or purposely lose the letter. Sending it in the mail makes it more certain that it will be received.

• Communicate regularly, and consider sending positive "praise" notes home to each child's parents throughout the year. This will help the parents be more receptive to your communication.
• Never berate a child in a letter to parents. Always keep a positive tone, even if you are frustrated.

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Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006, specializing in real estate, finance and travel. When she's not writing, she enjoys traveling and has visited several countries, including Israel, Spain, France and Guam. Harms received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Maranatha Baptist Bible College.

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September 5, 2024

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How parents' support and emotional guidance shape homework success

by Hebrew University of Jerusalem

New research from Hebrew University shows that how well parents understand their children and manage their own emotions greatly affects homework time. Parents who are good at understanding their kids are more supportive and help them become more independent and motivated to learn. On the other hand, parents who have trouble managing their emotions are more likely to act negatively, which can make it harder for children to stay engaged and do well in their learning.

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have uncovered new insights into the mechanisms that contribute to parental ability to support their children academically. Led by Dr. Naama Gershy and Ph.D. student Racheli Cohen from the School of Education, in collaboration with Prof. Maayan Davidov from the School of Social Work and Social Welfare, the study explored why so many parents struggle to support their children during homework .

The research shows that parents' emotional and cognitive processes can greatly influence their interactions with their children during homework time. By studying 101 Israeli parents and their elementary-aged children, the researchers identified factors that can either help or hinder the support parents provide at home.

The paper , titled "Why Things Can Go Wrong When Parents Try to Help Children With Their Homework: The Role of Parental Emotion Regulation and Mentalization," is now published in the Journal of Educational Psychology .

Children usually spend about one to two hours a day on homework, but this varies with age and school demands. Many parents find it challenging to balance their own responsibilities while supporting their children academically, which can lead to stress and conflict. Improving this dynamic is crucial.

One key finding is the role of parental mentalization—the ability to perceive and interpret their children's thoughts and feelings. Parents who are good at mentalization are more supportive and less controlling, creating a better homework environment that can boost children's independent learning and motivation.

Conversely, parents who struggle with managing their emotions tend to express negative behaviors, like frustration or discouragement, which can make homework stressful and curtail their child's engagement.

"Our research sheds light on how parents' emotional and mental processes impact their involvement in their children's education," explained Dr. Gershy. "Understanding these factors can help develop strategies that improve parent-child interactions during homework, and hence increase parental ability to support and encourage their children 's learning."

Practical applications of these findings could include parent training programs and educational strategies to improve parents' awareness of their emotional states and mentalization skills, aiming to enhance parental support and foster better academic outcomes and relationships.

Journal information: Journal of Educational Psychology

Provided by Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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Letter sent to parents in Southport ahead of children's school return

Headteachers of schools in the area have signed the letter which is to reassure parents and children ahead of their return to school

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Headteachers in Southport have signed an open letter to parents in the town reassuring them ahead of their children's return to school this week. The letter comes more than a month on from the mass stabbing that killed three schoolgirls. The teachers paid tribute to Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice Da Silva Aguiar who were stabbed and killed on Monday, July 29, while attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The letter, issued through Sefton Council's Southport Learning Partnership team, was signed by the headteachers of Farnborough Road Primary School, Churchtown Primary School and Marshside Primary School where each of the three girls attended, as well as 26 other schools and colleges in the area and members of the Southport Learning Trust. It was also signed by Marion Atkinson, leader of Sefton Council, Nadine Carroll, assistant director for education at the council.

It read: "We wanted to reach out and express our sympathy and solidarity with all of our families. Following the tragic recent events in Southport, we extend our sincere and heartfelt thoughts to the families impacted by these events and we hold dear the wonderful memories we have of Alice, Bebe and Elsie Dot.

"We stand with you as a community and we are committed in offering our unwavering support as we navigate together through these most difficult of times. Like you, we are so grateful for the responses of the emergency services and other professionals this summer as well as the community response and volunteers."

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The letter continued to say the schools believe it is more important than ever for the community to come together, encouraging open communication between schools and parents in order to ensure the return to school is as calm and reassuring as possible. It said: "We are proud of our diverse community and know that there are many of us who need reassurance now.

"Please be confident that our schools are safe and inclusive places where each and every child is cherished and valued equally. Our school is part of the Southport Learning Partnership which includes all the schools and colleges in Southport. This partnership provides great strength and consistency ensuring we work together at the most challenging of times. Working in partnership with Sefton Council and other key partners provides us with access to additional support and training which will be so important as we all return to school."

The letter directed parents to the Sefton Council website where a variety of services are available to parents and children in the community. The website is updated regularly and available to view here .

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