Why should homework be supervised?

Homework is necessary, but usually rather annoying, because few children feel like sitting down at their desk after school. For your child's learning progress it is important that they review the day's material or deepen it with other exercises.

Especially first-graders often have problems working through tasks in a structured way and keeping an overview. Supervision can create a productive working atmosphere and help your child complete their homework with concentration. With fewer distractions and help to focus, most tasks are completed more quickly and there is more time left to spend the afternoon on pleasant things like hobbies or play.

An important point in homework supervision is that the tasks are not taken away from your child. That may be easier and faster for the supervisors in some cases, but your child does not learn anything that way.

What does homework supervision look like for my child?

Support:

Homework supervision is not tutoring. Rather than monitoring the pupil while they work on their tasks, the focus should be on independence and personal responsibility. For specific questions or major problems, however, your child can ask the supervisor for help.

Silent work:

To ensure a productive working atmosphere, supervisors make sure that students complete their work quietly and on their own.

In groups:

If homework supervision takes place at school, it is usually offered for groups. One or two supervisors oversee the students while they independently complete their homework.

No checking:

Homework supervision is not intended to check the children's homework. It is meant to ensure that your child completes the homework. Correctness will then be checked in class.

Where is homework supervision offered?

School:

Many all-day schools offer homework supervision in the afternoon. These programs are mainly aimed at younger children who finish school earlier but do not have a caregiver at home.

After-school care:

Places in after-school care are in high demand. If your child attends an after-school club, there is also the possibility for the children to do their homework there and receive support if necessary.

Private:

In school or after-school care, supervision takes place in groups. If you would prefer your child to be supervised individually, you can hire a private person. Older pupils or students often like to earn a bit of extra money. With this type of homework supervision you can agree individually to what extent the supervision should act as support or as tutoring.

How do I find the right homework supervision for my child?

• Personality matters: You cannot always choose the supervisor. However, if you decide on private homework supervision for your child, you should ensure that your child gets along well with the supervisor. It is best to arrange a trial session for your child.

• Clarify the scope: Depending on where your child is supervised, you can agree on how much support is given. Individual supervision in particular can respond more flexibly to whether a test is coming up that needs studying or whether a task requires more clarification.

• Consider recommendations: The parents of classmates may be able to recommend a good homework supervisor. There are also several websites where students or former teachers offer qualified supervision. You can easily filter the results by your city.

• Stay informed: Homework supervision is very helpful, but parents often lose track of their child's learning material as a result. So have your child, teachers, or the supervisors regularly inform you about which tasks are being worked on and where there may still be problems.

Image credits:

Group of young kindergarten children with a teacher sitting on the floor in a classroom using a laptop © Halfpoint - stock.adobe.com

Father helps his son with his homework © JenkoAtaman - stock.adobe.com