As I have mentioned before, one of the most frequent questions I get from parents is how to get their child to do their homework. However, perhaps the more important question is why their children should be doing that work in the first place. After all, in many cases, if children know the reasons behind certain behaviors, it can be easier to make a case for doing those behaviors. In attempts to aid you the next time you hear a big, “But why?” from your child the next time you ask him or her to get to work, I’ve compiled a list of reasons why I believe doing homework is important.

5 Reasons Why Doing Homework is Important

 1. Homework is the Practice that Makes Perfect.

Perhaps the most obvious reason doing homework is important is because it helps students practice and master concepts they have learned during the school day.

2. Homework Helps Teachers.

Homework helps teachers see which students might be struggling with concepts taught during the school day. In my experience, when students do not complete their homework, it can be confusing for me, as I do not know whether they didn’t complete it because they just didn’t want to, or because they did not understand it. I always encourage students to at least attempt all of their work (even if they do not fully understand it) because it helps me know exactly what areas I need to improve in!

3. Homework Prepares us for the Future.

Many times, homework assignments deal with concepts that students have not officially covered in class yet. This is helpful because it once again allows the teacher to see what exactly students do and do not know, and this can help future lessons become much more specific to students’ needs.

4. Homework is Enriching.

In many cases, homework helps students build upon skills and concepts they learn during the school day in the form of larger assignments and reports. This is great, because it allows students to combine different skills into one tangible project. And if you feel your student could use even more enrichment, why not check out an after school enrichment academy in your area?

5. Homework Builds Responsibility.

Finally, homework is one way that school helps students learn lessons that will last a lifetime by building responsibility. This comes in many forms: time management (think longer-term assignments), organization (students need to balance homework for many different subjects in some cases), work ethic (students need to work consistently to complete their work well and as expected), and even reliability (students need to show that they can be depended upon to do what is expected).

What do you think? Do you think these reasons would help motivate your child to complete his or her homework? Are there any reasons you think I missed? Do you think doing homework is important? We would love to hear from you in the comments! 

Author: Emily Karth, Writer and Teacher at A Grade Ahead.