Local Experts Weigh in With Homework Help

The new school year is in full swing, the supplies have been bought, the sports and after-school activities have begun and your child is settled into a good homework routine, right?

Perhaps a homework routine may be the hardest aspect of the back to school experience for many parents and children. Homework has the potential to create a battleground in the family home and if good habits are not created early on, the result may be unnecessary stress.

John Kremenick, a fourth grade teacher, has been an educator for fifteen years and has worked in the Kings Park district at R.J.O. Intermediate School for eleven years.  

“The purpose of homework is to reinforce the skills learned in the day, it’s not supposed to be busy work –it has a purpose, it’s not supposed to be stressful,” he said.

 On back to school night Kremenick explained his philosophies on homework and was met with many smiles from parents in his classroom.

“If a kid is doing homework for an hour, call it quits and write me a note, we don’t need the child to burnout, I want my students to enjoy learning,” he explained.

Kremenick says he used to give a little more homework years ago but now that he’s a father, he understands the complexities that can surround homework.

Kremenick says if homework becomes a drag, it might be time to turn on the family computer on – yes, on, not off. 

Many Kings Park educators have utilized a webpage to help communicate with students and parents and Kremenick is one of them.  His site lists quiz dates, important educational links and provides a reading list for his students.

Mrs. Lombardo teaches at William T. Rogers Middle School and she lists homework assignments and class news as well.  Mrs. Cohen, reading teacher for the district’s elementary children, provides links and a fascinating study about literacy from birth on and the importance of raising reader. At the end of the day if reading is easy for a student, class work and homework will be less stressful.

A Google search of "homework help" turned up 20 million hits. Profiteers offering everything from live time tutoring to educational CDs man some sites.  However, there are many free sites by educational powerhouses like Discovery.com.  Discovery offers interactive virtual field trips, learning games and tutorials.  

Homework help has come a long way from taking out the family encyclopedia, however despite the breadth of technological learning advances, many in the education field agree old-fashioned fundamentals are key.

“The number one thing I suggest to establish good homework habits is a structured routine,” said Nicole Alstatt, school psychologist for the Kings Park district.  “Set aside a specific time block where your child is expected to do homework, study, or reading”.

Kremenick says good communication with your child’s teacher and common sense should prevail.  Above all, Kremenick says it’s imperative that parents don’t do their kids homework.  

“It’s very important that I get a true representation of where the child is out so I can help him/her meet their potential,” he explained.

For virtual fieldtrips, homework help and free resources, check out www.Discoveryeducation.com  There are separate areas for administrators, educators, parents and students.