What's the Point of Homework Anyway?
As you decide how involved to be in your children's homework, consider what homework really accomplishes. Educators have identified three categories of homework. The first is an opportunity for students to practice the skills that they've learned in the classroom. For example, math problems that reinforce a method that was taught during the school day. On the other hand, preparation assignments such as background research, get students ready for classroom activities. Finally, extension assignments parallel topics that are ongoing in the classroom by applying knowledge in a broader format.
However, homework also serves a bigger purpose. It helps students develop important habits and characteristics, including initiative, accountability, organization, and motivation. In many ways, these characteristics are even more important than the work itself, which is why it's important for parents to have a balanced role in their children's homework activities. Certainly, you should be aware of and involved with each child's homework. Be available for help. But don't do the work for your child or cover their mistakes. Not only will you undermine the teacher's efforts, but you also prevent your child from establishing these important qualities that he'll need as an adult.
Too Much/Not Enough or "Two" Different
One of the neat things about having twins or multiples it that parents have a constant comparative assessment of how their child stacks up against a peer child -- in this case, their co-twin. However, when it comes to homework, comparing your multiples can create problems. If they have different teachers, they may have varying levels of homework, which can create some jealousy. While you'd think the twin with more homework would be jealous of the twin with less, many families of younger twins find the opposite to be true! ("It's not fair that she gets to do a report about cougars! I want to write a report!" was my daughter's complaints in first grade. I am certain that she'd hold the opposite sentiment now that she's in fifth grade.)
If you are concerned about the amount or type of homework assignments for one or all of your multiples, approach the teacher(s). Education experts recommend that homework for 5-8 year olds require about twenty minutes to complete. For 9 - 11 year olds, expect that amount to double. In middle school and high school, the homework assignments vary greatly according to student's curriculum and number of subjects.
Finally, expect and accept variances in your multiples' abilities when it comes to schoolwork. Even identical twins have unique strengths and weaknesses. Avoid comparing their work as much as you can help it. (I admit that I always chuckle a little bit when I discover that both of my twins missed the same math problem. However, I keep that information to myself and never bring it to their attention.) Consider their homework private business. Just as you wouldn't discuss one client with another in a professional environment, respect your child's privacy within the family when it comes to their homework.
