HOMEWORK GROUPS
Lower School Parents Creating Support Networks
Are you confused when your child explains what homework assignments are due the next week? Do you wish you had more guidance and information when helping prepare your child for tests and quizzes? One BASIS parent took initiative and created an ingenious solution to a common problem.
Four years ago, Audrey Butaney’s son transferred to BASIS Scottsdale from a very small school. As a family, they had to adjust to a bigger school, very early drop-offs, longer days and a much more challenging curriculum. As a result of needing to keep pace with these challenges, she started a homework group to help her and other parents in similar situations. Together, they kept track of homework, shared ideas for studying, caught up on missed notes due to sick days, etc. This group became a primary source of support for parents during 5th and 6th grade.
An additional benefit of this group was that the families bonded together. Even now, years later, most of the group still provides support for each other. Although the weekly homework assignment sharing has discontinued, they still exchange advice, wisdom and information to help each other navigate through the inevitable social and academic challenges that arise as their children get older.
Arlene Marcolini, another BASIS Scottsdale mom, praised the group as a “lifesaver”. She highly recommends that incoming lower school parents consider starting their own groups. She explains, “This homework group was a great way to get to know other parents. We even had occasional get-togethers because we became a close knit group of like-minded parents sharing similar experiences.”
Four years ago, Audrey Butaney’s son transferred to BASIS Scottsdale from a very small school. As a family, they had to adjust to a bigger school, very early drop-offs, longer days and a much more challenging curriculum. As a result of needing to keep pace with these challenges, she started a homework group to help her and other parents in similar situations. Together, they kept track of homework, shared ideas for studying, caught up on missed notes due to sick days, etc. This group became a primary source of support for parents during 5th and 6th grade.
An additional benefit of this group was that the families bonded together. Even now, years later, most of the group still provides support for each other. Although the weekly homework assignment sharing has discontinued, they still exchange advice, wisdom and information to help each other navigate through the inevitable social and academic challenges that arise as their children get older.
Arlene Marcolini, another BASIS Scottsdale mom, praised the group as a “lifesaver”. She highly recommends that incoming lower school parents consider starting their own groups. She explains, “This homework group was a great way to get to know other parents. We even had occasional get-togethers because we became a close knit group of like-minded parents sharing similar experiences.”
If you are wondering how to initiate your own Homework Group, below is a simple framework that can help you get started:
Of course, you may customize the functions of your group to fit your needs. For those of you who are inspired to start homework groups in the future, please let us know. We would love to share your story with others too!
- One parent within the element volunteers to take the lead. This parent gathers e-mails and invites parents to join the group. (Important note: Homework groups are best organized by element since classwork and homework assignments vary by element.)
- Every Sunday, the “lead parent” sends out a group e-mail regarding upcoming tests, quizzes, papers and projects for that week.The “lead parent” can rotate, as needed.
- Parents use the parent group to ask about homework, share study tools, get copies of missed classwork or papers from others, etc.Parents can also share concerns and advice regarding school and classes.
Of course, you may customize the functions of your group to fit your needs. For those of you who are inspired to start homework groups in the future, please let us know. We would love to share your story with others too!
