November 2017

FROM THE EXPERT ASK DR. RENAE
The truth about Homework
Dear Dr. Renae,
My parents continue to suspect me of not being
truthful when I tell them that I do not have homework.
Most of my teachers allow us to complete
assignments during class time, which I usually do.
I always do my best work and I get good grades.
How did the amount of homework assigned ever
become the measure of a good teacher?
6th grade student
Hello 6th grade student,
Parents can be frustrating to deal with. However, I’d recommend
possibly showing them the completed homework and maybe
going over one of the problems with them to show you
understand the work. The amount of homework doesn’t equal
the measure of a good teacher, but sometimes parents are
worried and don’t understand where you’re coming from. In most
cases, your parents want to help you and want what is best.
Dear 6th grade student,
A concerned individual
You are absolutely right in saying that the amount of homework
should not determine the quality of a teacher. However, parents
expect their children to have homework assignments. When
your parents see you without work to do, they might think that
it’s because you’re procrastinating. My suggestion would be
to enact a to-do list system. Every day, when you come home
from school, show your parents a list of everything you need to
get done. Put anything on it, from a history project to cleaning
your bedroom floor. That way, when you don’t have any school
work to do, your parents will see that it’s genuinely the case
because, had you been given an assignment, it would be on
your list.
Dear 6th grade student,
A caring friend
I feel that you should be honest with your parents and tell them
everything you said in the letter. I would also ask your parents
why they feel the way
they do and if they are
that concerned, to
talk to your teacher.
Since you do your
homework, the
teacher knows you are
a responsible student
and will make sure
your parents understand that. Have you ever done anything
that would lose your parents trust? If so, ask them how to
regain it, and if not, it is silly for them not to believe you. Just
keep working hard and your grades will help you go far.
Your friend, the 9th grader
Dear 6th grade student,
I know exactly where you are coming from. If you are getting
good grades that’s great and you have nothing to worry about.
Make sure you show your parents your grades, so they are
aware that you have completed your assignments. If you
have a school planner, I suggest writing down the homework
that you have to do in the planner. Once you finish your
assignments, whether it’s in school or at home, cross them
out. Then, show your parents the planner daily and, when they
see all your assignments crossed out, they will understand that
they are done. If they still seem to have a problem after trying
that, it would be time to set up a conference with your parents
and your teachers to work out the issue.
An understanding friend
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NOVEMBER 2017