Generally boys benefit from doing homework on a computer. If you don't have one at home, public libraries often have them. Librarians are great helpers, too. Homework is an issue. Set a time limit for the amount of time he should have to do homework, taking into account time to relax, play, hang out with friends, do nothing, play sports, etc.
Check the board of education policy on homework and use it as a guideline. Boys need lots of time to be physically active. Discuss a good time of day to block off for homework, choose the best place for him to do it and provide quality tools for him to use: good pencils, markers, paper, books and resources. Being home with him is important.
That said, there is more than one question here. If your child does not understand the homework and it is not clear to you either, then send a note or an e-mail to the teacher asking for clarification before second guessing and doing something that makes no sense. Sometimes a quick phone call to another student might help your child figure things out -- two heads are often better than one. A guide for how much assistance is enough does not exist. You need to inspire, encourage, help your child find resources, provide honest and constructive feedback, maybe an idea or two, a place to work that is not too distracting and a time limit. Kids do need to have some sense of how long they need to work on schoolwork and really need free time. Homework should make sense in every way!
For more help visit LinkstoLearning.com
Dr. Linda Cameron is currently an associate professor of education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. She has taught kids in school at all levels -- from preschool including kindergarten right through grade 12. You will still find her working with children in classrooms whenever she can!
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