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.
A concerned individual
Dear 6th grade student,
You are absolutely right in saying that the amount of homework should not determine the quality of a teacher. However, parents expect to see 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.
A caring friend
Dear 6th grade student,
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 all 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 set up a conference with your parents and your teachers to work out the issue.
An understanding friend
Dear 6th grade student,
To begin, I understand that feeling. A lot of teachers do allow their students to complete assignments during class. Do your parents know you have good grades? Try sitting down with them and telling them you would not lie to them about assignments and tell them your grades are important to you. Tell them your grades are good and won’t allow them to slip. I would make them understand that you have time to complete it in class as you do, and maybe show them the assignments you completed.
A friend who understands
Dear 6th grade student,
Your parents may have had a more traditional education, which entailed many homework assignments daily as well as weekends and holidays. Teaching has evolved into more creative methods that help promote learning instead of repetition. Your parents may be considering their educational experience as a measure of a good teacher. Completed assignments and good grades might not be enough to convince your parents that you are learning. I suggest that you share with your parents what you have learned in school each day with a sentence or two for each subject. In addition, I advise you to assign yourself nightly homework which consists of reviewing your notes, organizing your notebooks, reading your textbook, studying for upcoming tests, working on assigned long-term projects, and researching information that spark your interest. Your parents might shift their focus from school homework to your learning and maturing. That will help build their trust in you.
Dr. Renae