The Brookings Institute found only a slight increase in the amount of time the average child spends on homework, from 16 minutes in 1981 to 19 minutes in 1997. Surprisingly, children aged six to nine now experience a heavier homework load; they used to spend 44 minutes completing homework in the 1980s, and today spend up to two hours per week. Children aged nine to 11 also experienced homework increases in recent years. Their load went from two hours and 50 minutes in the 1980s to more than three and a half hours per week.
Parents feel that the level and amount of homework is appropriate, according to a poll conducted in 2000 by the Public Agenda Foundation. However, many parents feel overwhelmed and find homework to be difficult for their child to accomplish due to the number of after-school activities as well as her work and other obligations.
Doing your child's homework for him is inappropriate. However, closely monitoring and mentoring your child through the nightly assignments can help reinforce the day's lesson.
According to Susan J. Schwartz, M.A. Ed. and Victoria DeLuca, Ph.D. from the NYC Child Study Center, parents should create a peaceful, quiet area for their child to complete the day's assignments. Be sure your child has the necessary tools, such as paper and pencils to complete the assignment. Set realistic homework time goals so he knows he will have free time later in the day.
Researchers also urge parents to communicate the teacher's expectations, discuss and review the assignment with their child, praise and encourage their child's efforts and model behavior such as quietly completing a work task at home.
Homework may begin in kindergarten with only 10 minutes every few days and progress to 10 to 20 minutes per day in first grade.
Once your child reaches second and third grade her homework load will increase. She will be required to read at least 15 minutes a day in addition to the usual 20 minutes of homework.
Your child will be required to spend 20 to 40 minutes per day on homework and 30 minutes of reading every night in grades four through six. Homework can last as long as two hours a night once your child reaches seventh grade.