| How to handle homework in a language different to the parents' language ? |
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The Emotions of Homework Homework can be a huge stress topic (regardless of language). For some it is a daily source of anxiety, sometimes an all-out battle ground. And it can even create a sense of failure among parents. Why ? Because it is the only visible part of school work parents see regularly and the one part they feel responsible for. What homework really is about - reinforcing what children learn in school - encouraging them to become independent learners - helping them to learn self-discipline and time management skills
and not: - parents showing off to their children how much they know - children pleasing their teachers and parents - children getting gold stars and top marks - children producing copied-out pieces of work without a mistake or crossing-out
Universally applicable advice to homework handling Get them into the homework habit by: - creating expectations: homework matters and is not just a chore - showing an interest: ask questions, listen, use the homework diary - providing a good environment: a routine, a well-lit, equipped, quiet place to work - helping them to take responsibility for organizing/doing their homework: praise, point out/enjoy benefits, show them where to find info, ask the teacher to help
Specific advice when homework comes in a language different to yours Many parents don’t send their children to schools that teach in other languages because they fear they can’t help their children with their homework. Make sure your child’s teacher knows that you are not talking the language of the school to your child. It helps them to understand your child and provide extra support.
a)You understand/speak the other language 1. don’t get tempted to switch to the school’s language and compromise your strategy (OPOL) 2. talk about the (English) homework in your language (treat it like science) o clarify the task with lots of open questions (let your child talk) and discuss purpose o give advise o provide feedback Reading 3. you can read to your child in another language (if you are capable) but talk about the book in your language, also ask comprehension questions in your language and ask your child to summarize the book in your language 4. you can correct your child’s foreign language reading but if you talk about why words are pronounced differently you talk it in your language Writing 5. let your child write stories, letters etc in the school’s language and talk about it in yours (focus: content/ideas, leave execution to the school) 6. you can write to your child in the school’s language as a “game” 7. to help your child build depth of vocabulary, invent word games (synonyms, opposites etc etc) but always talk about it your language Math/Science 8. clarify the translations, e.g. in math. Ask “how does your teacher talk about addition, substraction etc” then provide the appropriate translation in your language
b) You don’t understand the other language 1. If your child’s 2 languages are both well developed your child can translate so you understand the problem (even helps understanding). 2. You should still listen to your child read even if you do not understand, ask your child to summarize the story for you at the end. Discuss the pictures and lay-out. 3. You can still play word games with your child, just use a thesaurus and a dictionary to help you.
At least you won’t be tempted to switch languages !
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