parents comments on homework

30 Positive Comments And Parent Feedback For Schools, Teachers, Principals, And Management

If, since your child/ward joined the school, you have seen great improvements, not only in his or her academics but also in character and general development, then, it is necessary that you send some appreciative feedback to school from parents.

It could be to the teacher, the school management, or the principal, whoever deserves any of this positive feedback and compliments should not be denied it.

Giving feedback is great. It helps self-appraisal and facilitates improvements. Parent feedback for schools, teachers, principals, or management will help them to know what they are doing right that should be continued and what areas they may need improvement.

More so, educators deserve to be appreciated. Their impact on the students must not be overlooked by the parents. Who doesn’t like to be complimented? And educators are not exempted.

So, we thought that these samples of positive parent feedback for schools, will help you send a thank you note to the school for their great work.

Parent Feedback For Schools To Say Thank You

Positive comments for teachers from parents, thank you note to school staff and managements, appreciative feedback for school from parents.

Usually, parents feel there isn’t any need to appreciate the people who are putting in their very best to give their child a quality education. Of course, it’s their job after all. But think of it, a word of appreciation can give them a boost in their morale. That’s what we hope that these parent feedback for schools to say thank you will help to achieve.

These sample letters of appreciation to the school principal and staff will help them know that you see their hard work and that you appreciate all of their efforts.

1. I would love to show my profound gratitude to you for the great job you are doing. Your leadership qualities have not only inspired the staff but also the students. I’m sure I am not the only parent who feels this way. Just so you know that we are aware and we appreciate the good work. Thank you.

2. I am so delighted my children attend your school. The members of staff are so passionate about what you do and intentional about the welfare and wellbeing of your students. These have caused a positive change and I am sure I am not the only one who notices this. Thank you so much and keep up the good work.

3. I and a couple of other parents thought it wise to send you this appreciation letter. In a morally decadent world, you and your members of staff are not only producing mentally sound students but morally upright ones. We don’t know how you do this but all we can say is thank you. We appreciate all of your efforts.

4. I am deeply grateful to the school. You are the best at what you do. Thank you for being role models to the children and impacting their lives positively. God bless you and the works of your hands.

5. I really cannot thank you enough for the good work you and your members of staff are doing. You beat my imagination every time. The new skill acquisition center not only shows you are intentional about their academics but their lives as well. Keep up the good work!

6. You and your teachers have proven to us the parents that you are helping us raise global leaders. The way you help to groom the mindset of these children is fantastic. Thank you for all you do!

7. To be honest, I wasn’t surprised when the reports said that your students all got into the top ivy league schools. You and your staff are hard-working and passionate about what you do. You put in your 100% every single time. Thank you for caring so much and making a difference in the lives of these children.

8. Honestly, I had to write you this letter because the staff of the school is amazing! Ever since I got my child enrolled in your school I have since tremendous improvements. It beats my imagination every single time I look at her report sheets. Thank you so much for everything.

9. I want to appreciate the good job you and your wonderful team of teachers are doing. Thank you for being intentional about your job. Your hard work is showing off in the tremendous success we see every time. Keep soaring higher and higher.

10. The school staff is nothing short of amazing! You are magicians. The way you remolded my child from what he was to what he is now, beats my imagination. Thank you so much for being an inspiration.

Related Post: Best Compliments For Teachers

Complimenting your children’s teacher is needed to let them know they are not only doing a good job but also that their tireless efforts are well appreciated.

Everyone loves a tap on the back for a job well done, so I complied these positive comments for teachers from parents to help you appreciate that man or woman who has made it their point of duty to see to the success of your children.

1. Having gone through my daughter’s notes, I am amazed by the innovative methods you are implementing into the school system. You are doing a fantastic job!

2. I just wanted to write to you and say thank you for everything. My son has never really been a fan of Science but I can categorically tell you that Science is his new favorite subject at the moment. Thank you for putting in the needed effort to change things around here.

3. I felt the need to write to you and say thank you. Your dedication amazes me. You are always ready to help at any point in time and make necessary adjustments when needed. Thank you.

4. Thank you for working so hard to make sure you create a positive and accommodation environment for the children and staff. Whenever I come around, I’m always pleased by the level of work, you and everyone put into making the kids achieve their goals.

5. I came around and see the impressive level of work going on around here. With your arrival, everything seems to be constantly changing and wearing a new face. Thank you for everything .

Related Post: Compliments For Teachers From Students For The Year

1. I am really happy about the new teachers’ training. You flushed out the old system of teaching and brought in a whole new strategy. These have made learning fun and exciting for the children. I have never seen my son so excited about mathematics. It’s a miracle!

2. Thank you for the motherly love you have for all your students. You love and take care of them like they are one of your own. This has given us parents reassurance and confidence that our children are in safe hands. It’s good to have a female role model for the kids to look up to.

3. I wanted to write to commend you on the great job you’re doing to make sure the students have the best. Your efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Thank you for everything!

4. You have a fantastic way of keeping parents in the know of everything happening. Your communication system is amazing. Thanks and keep up the good work .

5. The way you motivate and encourage each of your students is amazing. You support them and bring out the best in them. You make geniuses in here! Thank you for putting them first.

Related Post: What To Write In School Appreciation Card

Both the school principal and school management have an essential role to play in the lives of a student and the staff. The decision they make and how they enforce such decisions go a long way in making or marring the student or the staff. The crucial decision they need to make cuts across student welfare, staff welfare, academics, morals, discipline, and even preparation for a better future.

When such people thought it wise to make relevant and reasonable decisions for the betterment of all that are involved, it is never a bad idea to appreciate them for their effort. Below are words of appreciation inform of feedback for school from parents, which you can explore.

1. My gratitude goes to both the principal and the management for a job well done. Thank you for setting a quality standard for the school and sticking to it.

2. The school management and the principal are both incredible in their jobs. You give us great value for our money. Thank you.

3. I am super glad at the drastic steps you and the school management are taking to make us better teachers through seminars and training. Thank you for making us a priority.

4. I want to thank you and the school management for all you are doing for the kids. The extra-curricula activities are making the school environment fun and desirable for the kids. As the saying goes, all work and no play.

5. I am excited to have enrolled my child in your school. The determination of both you and the management is commendable. You make the students your priority and give them the best of everything. I’m glad I made the best decision.

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168 Sample Report Card Comments (Plus a Printable Version)

Help has arrived just in time for report cards!

Each progress report and report card provides an opportunity for you to give parents insight into their child’s performance beyond a letter or numerical grade for conduct or academics. Parents want to know how their child is doing, but they also want to know that you get their child. Report cards also help students understand what they are doing well … as well as areas where they could improve. The best way to get these points across is via meaningful comments. Need help? We’ve got dozens of sample report card comments below that are sorted for students at every level: emerging, developing, proficient, and extending standards, plus comments that address behavior, social skills, and more.

Get a free Google Slide version of these comments by submitting your email.

Tips for report card comments

Before using the list below, it’s important to know that teacher comments should be accurate, specific, and personal. The comments below are structured to allow you to fill in the blank for a particular subject or behavior, and then expand the comment. Sometimes you might require an action like a meeting with the parent. Other times you may be encouraging the student to do something in school or at home to improve on a skill or get more practice. Either way, these sample report card comments will establish the how that attaches to the what of any number or letter grade you are documenting.

Sample report card comments for students with emerging skills

It’s often difficult to know the cause of why a student’s skills are still emerging. In these situations, parents can often help you get to the bottom of it. Be specific about areas of difficulty in these comments, and don’t be afraid to ask for a parent’s help. Here are some ideas:

• Your student could use some extra practice in [subject]. Please have them study [skill] for [time] each night.
• Your student hasn’t yet had the chance to master [specific skill]. Review sessions are available [time frame].
• Your student may need additional assistance with [skill/subject]. Completing classwork and homework is the first step to improving.

• Your student needs more practice with [specific skill]. Please check that they have completed their homework each evening.
• We will continue focusing on reinforcing your student’s positive efforts.
• Your student should put more effort into [subject area] to avoid incorrect or incomplete assignments.
• Your student would benefit from more active participation in small-group activities.
• This semester/trimester, I would like your student to work on …

Sample report card comments to encourage a follow-up phone call

We can think of many situations where a report card comment can be the first step in scheduling a phone call or meeting to discuss a concern. Write something positive about the child’s personality while requesting a parent meeting or phone call. Some examples are:

• Your student is always respectful, but I am concerned about their work. When can we meet?
• Your child is inquisitive and engaged in class, but they have quite a bit of missing work. Please call me to discuss some strategies.
• Your child has a wonderful sense of humor/is helpful/is kind but fails to turn in their assignments. Let’s meet to come up with a plan to move forward.

• Let’s work on strategies that will help your student follow through on their assignments.

Sample report card comments about (negative) behavior

Parents want to know how their child has behaved, even if they are not surprised by the behavior. Behavior can be even more difficult to write about than academics. Be careful to avoid personal attacks or statements that can make the parent or child feel judged. For difficult behaviors, stick to statistics and/or basic descriptions. Try things like:

• Your student struggles with [DESIRED behavior]. We will continue to work on this behavior at school.
• Your child struggles with [UNDESIRABLE behavior] and needs to focus on [DESIRED behavior].
• When your student is focused, they are a pleasure to have in class. Let’s meet to discuss strategies to keep them on track.
• Your student often struggles to focus in class, which harms their ability to engage well with class activities and assignments.
• [Student] is working on independent work production and staying on task.
• [Student] often struggles to focus in class, which impacts their ability to engage in class activities.
• I encourage [student] to use time wisely to finish tasks in a timely manner.
• I encourage [student] to be more responsible in completing tasks without frequent reminders.
• I encourage [student] to show that they are properly engaged in learning by improving quality of work and use of class time. Please support this at home by [idea here].
• Your student needs to slow down in order to produce quality/carefully done work.

• Your student needs to follow classroom rules more closely throughout the school day.
• Your student has exhibited [UNDESIRABLE behavior]. We will continue to reinforce appropriate behaviors.
• Your student exhibited [UNDESIRABLE behavior] [this many] times this quarter. Let’s work to reduce the incidence of this behavior to [goal] times.
• [Student] is encouraged to demonstrate more responsible attitudes and behaviors in the classroom.
• [Student] is working on using appropriate language at all times.
• [Student] requires encouragement to listen attentively during group instruction.
• [Student] requires frequent reminders to remain attentive during instruction.
• [Student] is working on voicing feelings and opinions and listening to others.

Sample report card comments for students with developing skills

For students who are still developing, focus on any improvement while also providing suggestions to keep the momentum going. Try these comments:

• Your student has come so far in [subject]! Focusing on [important skill] is the next step.
• Your student has made so much progress! They still struggle with [important skill], so that should be our next focus.
• Your child has done well, but I am concerned that their lack of [listening/focus/motivation] has contributed to a lower grade than I know they could achieve.
• Let’s work on motivating your student to reach their potential.
• I would like to see your student pay closer attention to [subject/topic] in order to get a better grade.

• If your student works as hard on [important skill] as they have worked on [improved subject], then they will be caught up in no time!
• Your child is very engaged during whole-group [subject instruction] but struggles to work independently.
• Your student’s persistence is exemplary.
• When motivated, your child does well on class assignments. We need to extend that motivation further.
• Your child has improved significantly but still needs to slow down and check their work to make sure that all answers are correct.
• Your student is struggling to understand new concepts in [subject]. Paying closer attention to the assigned reading and class lecture would be beneficial.
• The hard work is paying off! Let’s keep it up when we start working on [next skill].
• Your child is enthusiastic but still doesn’t understand [topic]. Additional work on this topic would be incredibly helpful.

• Your child requests a great deal of adult assistance when completing school work. Let’s work on encouraging independent work.

Sample report card comments for students with proficient skills

Let the parent know all the positives about their child and perhaps encourage students to dig just a little bit deeper.

• Your student comes to school each day prepared to work hard.
• I appreciate that your student does their best every single day.

• Your student is an enthusiastic member of the class and shows a willingness to learn.
• I enjoy how invested your child is in their learning.
• I appreciate your child’s dedication to their studies in my class.
• Not only is your student strong academically, but they are also a leader in the classroom.
• I appreciate that your student is always committed to doing their best.
• Your student understands the material well. Let’s find a way to help them shine.
• Your child has the potential to be at the top of the class.
• With a little more effort, your child could move up to the advanced group in [the subject where effort is lacking].

• Your child puts in great work in [preferred subject]! If they apply those skills to [non-preferred subject], there’s no stopping them.
• Your child excels at applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world and real-life situations. With a little more work, they could really go far!

Sample report card comments for students with advanced skills

Positive behaviors deserve just as much (if not more) attention as negative behaviors. These comments can be the most fun to write. Begin with a simple stem and then fill in the personal details that will make the parent smile. Example sentence starters are:

• Your child exhibits exceptional focus and diligence in their work.
• Your student is excellent at taking ownership of their learning.
• I appreciate that your child is committed to doing their best.
• Your student seeks new challenges.
• Your child has a fantastic work ethic.
• Your child exceeds expectations on a regular basis.
• Your student avoids careless errors through attention to detail.

• Your child sets high standards for themself and achieves them.
• Teaching your child is always an adventure! I love it when they …
• Your child conducts themself with maturity.
• Your child is able to focus and stays on task during independent work times.
• Your student uses instincts to deal with matters independently and in a positive way.
• I have enjoyed your child’s sense of humor in our classroom, as well as …
• Your child has an impressive understanding and knowledge about their interests.

Sample report card comments to showcase students’ strengths

Students who excel at helping out others deserve to have their skills mentioned in comments!

• [Student] is confident, positive, and a great role model for their classmates.
• [Student] is a valuable part of class. They are among the first to help and mentor classmates.
• [Student] has shown an ability to set goals and work to achieve them.
• [Student] is engaged and able to set their own learning targets.
• [Student] is an active participant. They listen attentively and make an effort to avoid distractions that could disrupt their learning.
• [Student] is accountable for their actions and takes opportunities to improve.
• [Student] relates well to classmates and appreciates peers’ perspectives.
• [Student] demonstrates emotional maturity and responds appropriately to feedback.
• [Student] always looks for ways to be helpful in the classroom.
• [Student] is dependable and reliable and follows through on commitments.
• Your student relates well to classmates and is appreciative of different perspectives and experiences.

• It is a joy teaching your student! I can always count on them to …
• Your child makes the classroom a brighter place. They often …
• Your student’s conduct is exemplary. They …
• Your student works well with classmates and often takes a leadership role.
• Not only is your child a strong student, but they are also a wonderful human being.
• Your student displays good citizenship by assisting other students.
• Your child demonstrates responsibility daily by caring for the materials in our classroom conscientiously.
• Your child is exceptionally organized and takes care of their things.
• Your child is thoughtful and kind in their interactions with others.
• Your student plans and carries out group activities carefully.
• Your child is a very special student and one that I will never forget. I will miss them next year!

While all of these comments can supplement the grades on a report card, you don’t have to wait to use them. Sending notes home between progress reports and report cards with little comments like these can bolster the parent-teacher relationship. Write them in communication folders or on postcards for that extra school-home connection.

Sample report card comments to highlight positive behavior

Sometimes you’ll have a lot to say about a student’s positive behaviors. Parents love to hear that their kids are model citizens. Here are comments that communicate all the good behaviors you see in class.

• [Student] works well with classmates on group work and often takes a leadership role.
• [Student] shows a positive attitude when working with peers. They take and give suggestions and directions effectively.
• [Student] excels at applying what they learn to real-world situations.
• It is a pleasure to have [student]’s enthusiasm and maturity in class.
• [Student] is an enthusiastic member of class and shows a willingness to learn.
• [Student] shows responsible behavior, works well in a group, and shows appreciation for classmates’ efforts.

• [Student] is focused during class activities and participates in discussions.
• [Student] works on independent work with focus and confidence.
• [Student] has overcome big challenges this year.
• [Student] follows directions promptly and accurately.
• [Student] transitions easily between classroom activities without distraction.
• [Student] is polite and uses good manners in the classroom.
• [Student] responds appropriately when corrected.
• [Student] takes classroom jobs seriously and demonstrates responsibility when completing them.

Sample report card comments for math

Providing specific information about how a child is doing in core subjects helps parents know exactly what to expect on the grades portion of the report card. And providing a positive statement about a subject can help you lead into a statement about what the child needs to work on.

• [Student] has a good understanding of math concepts taught this year. They continue to complete work correctly and enjoy math activities.
• [Student] has a positive attitude toward math but has trouble in a few key areas [list here]. Practicing every night at home will help them improve in these areas.
• [Student] demonstrates a good understanding of math concepts and communicates clearly and with strong justification.
• [Student] seems to need continuous encouragement in math. They continue to struggle with foundational math concepts for [grade level].

• [Student] is having a difficult time with certain concepts in math. Areas in need of extra work include [list here].
• [Student] is struggling to maintain pace in math. They could benefit from [practice activity here].
• [Student] is easily distracted during math and this impacts their learning.
• [Student] does well on math assignments but struggles with tests. Please make sure they study and prepare for tests as they approach.

Sample report card comments for reading and writing

Just like with math, it’s good to comment on the specific aspects of academics that students are doing well and those that they can work on. Use these comments to explain where a student is in their reading and writing progress.

• [Student] has made great improvements in [spelling, comprehension, reading] and could use support in [spelling, comprehension, reading]. Please reach out if you need supplemental learning materials to use for practice at home.
• [Student] always puts effort into their writing work.

• [Student] is able to take new skills and apply them to writing assignments.
• [Student] is able to offer responses to text and supports ideas with sound reasoning and examples.
• [Student] reads with fluency and comprehension.  
• [Student] is working on reading fluency. They would benefit from reading aloud at home.
• [Student] is able to understand and discuss text read aloud.
• [Student] consistently reads grade-level material.
• [Student] is able to choose books to read that they really enjoy.
• [Student] uses editing skills to edit writing to improve grammar and punctuation.
• [Student] organizes writing well and organizes thoughts into complete paragraphs.

• [Student] is able to analyze character actions and story plots and make inferences from what they read.
• [Student] is thoughtful and insightful in class discussion and written work. They express their ideas clearly.

Sample report card comments about social skills

As much as school is about academics, parents also worry about social skills and how their child is doing in terms of fitting in, making friends, and managing social situations. For some kids, this will be a strength and for some it will be an area of focus, but make sure to include whatever information parents need to know.

• [Student] has made many friends in the classroom.
• [Student] is well liked by classmates.
• [Student] treats other students with empathy and fairness.

• [Student] handles disagreements with peers appropriately.
• [Student] appears comfortable in new situations.
• [Student] chooses to spend free time with friends.

Sample report card comments about communication

Communication is another important skill that students are learning and honing in school that you can report on. Particularly for kids whose communication skills are either a strength or something they need help with, a comment about this can be very helpful to parents.

• [Student] has a well-developed vocabulary.
• [Student] expresses their ideas clearly.
• [Student] has a vibrant imagination and uses their imagination in storytelling and writing.
• [Student] always participates in whole-group discussions.
• [Student] can make a logical and persuasive argument in oral discussion or in writing.

• [Student] listens to the comments and ideas of others without interrupting.
• [Student] is working on participating in class. Please encourage them to raise their hand or engage in group discussion.
• I would love to hear from [student] more. Please encourage them to participate in class.
• [Student] is working on using their words to solve problems/communicate well with peers.

Sample report card comments about group work

Group work gets at a child’s ability to work with peers, solve problems, and communicate. It’s also often a barometer for social skills. Giving comments about group work can tell parents a lot about how their child is able to succeed in teamwork and if there are any red flags.

• [Student] offers constructive suggestions to peers.
• [Student] accepts recommendations of peers and acts on them when appropriate.
• [Student] takes various roles in group work as assigned or as needed.
• [Student] welcomes leadership roles in groups.
• [Student] shows fairness in distributing group tasks.
• [Student] plans and carries out group activities carefully.

• [Student] works democratically with peers.
• [Student] encourages peers during group work.
• [Student] is working on accepting their share of the work during group assignments.

Sample report card comments about time management

Managing time is a skill that gets more and more important as kids move through school, and it is something that all parents can help with at home. Help parents know how their child is doing managing time with these comments.

• [Student] approaches classroom assignments, tasks, and group work in an organized way.
• [Student] is on time and prepared for class each day.
• [Student] works at an appropriate pace.
• [Student] is able to pace their work for long-term assignments.

• [Student] completes makeup work in a timely fashion.
• [Student] is working on using time wisely.
• [Student] is working on managing time, especially when there are multiple tasks to complete during a work period.
• [Student] is working on organizing their materials and using organization to support work completion.

Sample report card comments about work habits

Same as time management, comments about work habits are helpful for parents because they explain how a student is approaching their work and how their academics are impacted because of these habits.

• [Student] is self-motivated.
• [Student] exceeds expectations with the quality of their work.
• [Student] readily grasps new concepts or ideas.
• [Student] produces neat and careful work.

• [Student] checks work thoroughly before submitting it.
• [Student] pays attention to work and submits work that does not have errors.
• [Student] is working on producing neat work.
• [Student] is working on checking work thoroughly before submitting it.
• [Student] is working on submitting work that does not have errors. They frequently require additional review to ensure that all errors are corrected.

Do you have sample report card comments to add? Share them in our We Are Teachers Helpline group on Facebook!

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40 Top Parenting Tips for Navigating Homework Challenges

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

• October 6, 2023

Navigating the intricacies of homework assignments can often feel like a maze for both parents and children alike. As someone deeply involved in child development and having worked closely with many educators, I've gathered a wealth of insights into establishing a solid homework routine. 

This article is a compilation of those tried-and-tested homework tips, aimed to ease challenges and enhance productivity. Whether you're looking to foster a deeper connection with your child's teacher or seeking effective strategies to prioritize tasks, I'm here to guide you.

Homework Tips for Parents: Break the Stress and Boost Learning Hacks from a Children’s Psychologist

Homework tip: setting up the environment.

• Establish a Routine: Set a specific time and place for homework to create consistency and predictability.
• Routine Consistency: Keep the routine consistent, even on weekends, so the child knows what to expect.
• Provide a Quiet Space: Ensure your child has a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable place to work, free from distractions. 
• Limit Distractions: Keep TVs, mobile phones, and other distracting electronics off during homework time.
• Limit Overall Stimuli: A clutter-free workspace can reduce distractions. Try to minimize items on their workspace that they might fidget with or get distracted by.
• Stay Organized: Use planners, calendars, or apps to keep track of assignment due dates.
• Equip the Space: Stock the homework area with essential supplies such as pencils, paper, erasers, and rulers

Homework Tip: Instruction Support

• Clear and Concise Instructions: Ensure instructions are short and to the point. Use visuals and watch for body language signals that show understanding.

• Break Tasks Into Manageable Chunks : If an assignment is extensive, break it down into smaller steps to make it more manageable.
• Chunking Information: Divide information into smaller, more digestible chunks. This can make the work seem more manageable.
• Set Time Limits: Use a timer to allocate specific amounts of time for each task, helping children stay on track.
• Timers: Use a visual timer, so they can see how much time they have left to work. This can make the passage of time more tangible.
• Teach Time Management: Help them prioritize their tasks, tackling more challenging or urgent assignments first.
• Stay Involved: Regularly check in with your child about their assignments and progress, offering guidance when needed.
• Interactive Tools: Consider using interactive educational tools or apps that can make learning more engaging for them.
• Ask Them To Explain What The Task Is: Gage what your child understands before they start the task. This will help set them in the right direction and give you a sense of what they know.

Homework Tip: Brain Hacks

• Physical Activity: Encourage short bursts of physical activity during breaks, like jumping jacks or a quick walk around the block. Physical activity can help increase attention span.
• Encourage Breaks: For longer homework sessions, ensure kids take short breaks to rest their minds and bodies.
• Offer Healthy Snacks : Brain-boosting snacks can help maintain energy and focus during study time. Fizzy drinks such as a seltzer-magnesium drink can stimulate and calm the brain.
• Shorter Work Periods: Divide homework time into shorter, more frequent sessions. For instance, instead of a continuous 30-minute session, try three 10-minute sessions with short breaks in between.
• Visual Schedules: Use visual aids like charts or diagrams to outline the tasks that need completion. This can help them understand what's expected and track their progress.
• Tactile Tools: For some children, using tactile tools like stress balls or fidget toys can help them channel their extra energy and maintain focus.

• Background Music: Some children focus better with low-volume, non-distracting background music or white noise. But others are stressed by it , so play around and do what works best for them (not you!). 
• Color Coding: Use colors to categorize and prioritize tasks. This can help visually differentiate and organize their work.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or even short meditation sessions can help center their attention.

Homework Tip: Monitoring, Communication and Positive Reinforcement

• Stay Positive : In your own mindset. Focus on the effort and improvements, not just the end result. Praise hard work and resilience.
• Encourage Independence Over Time: While it's essential to offer support, allow kids to complete assignments on their own as they build skills before you check the work. This fosters responsibility and self-reliance.
• Be Available for Questions: Make sure your child knows they can come to you if they have questions or need clarification on a topic.
• Connect Learning to Real Life: Help your child see the real-world applications of what they're learning to make it more engaging.
• Review Completed Assignments: Go over finished homework to ensure understanding and check for errors, but avoid doing the work for them.
• Explain Consequences and Establish Rewards: Positive reinforcement can motivate your child. Consider rewards for consistent homework completion.
• Encourage a Growth Mindset: Teach your child to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Emphasize the value of persistence and learning from mistakes. Talk to kids about how regular practice builds skills even when the learning is hard!
• Positive Reinforcement: Reinforce positive behavior immediately. If they've focused well for a short span, reward that effort to encourage repetition of the desired behavior.
• Active Participation: Encourage them to engage actively with their work, such as reading aloud or teaching the content back to you. This can reinforce their understanding and attention.
• Regular Check-ins: Check in more frequently during their homework sessions, offering guidance, encouraging movement to support brain alertness.
• Immediate Feedback: Give immediate feedback on their work. This keeps them engaged and lets them know they're on the right track.
• Open Communication: Ensure your child feels comfortable discussing their challenges with you. Sometimes, they might have insights into what might help them focus better.

Long Game Parent Homework Tips

• Stay Informed: If your child has a diagnosed attention disorder, like ADHD, stay updated with the latest strategies and recommendations specific to their needs. You can join our CALM Brain Parenting Community for science-backed solutions to support attention and learning. 
• Stay in Touch with Teachers: Regular communication with educators can give insights into how your child is doing and where they might need additional help. They may benefit from school accommodations or more formal IEP support .
• Seek External Support: If focus issues persist, consider seeking help from a tutor, educational therapist, or counselor familiar with attention challenges.

Reflecting on these pivotal parent homework tips, it becomes evident that with the right strategies, we can turn potential struggles into stepping stones for success. By instilling a consistent homework routine and maintaining open communication with your child, we're setting the stage for academic achievements. 

Each child is a unique individual, and it's crucial to discover what resonates best with them during homework time. It is also important to look for root causes better and better understand why your child is struggling . 

With these tools at your disposal, I'm confident in your ability to lead your child through the myriad tasks and challenges that lie ahead. Together, let's make every homework session a journey of growth and discovery and tamp down frustration!

Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.

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Motherlode | when homework stresses parents as well as students, when homework stresses parents as well as students.

Educators and parents have long been concerned about students stressed by homework loads , but a small research study asked questions recently about homework and anxiety of a different group: parents. The results were unsurprising. While we may have already learned long division and let the Magna Carta fade into memory, parents report that their children’s homework causes family stress and tension — particularly when additional factors surrounding the homework come into play.

The researchers, from Brown University, found that stress and tension for families (as reported by the parents) increased most when parents perceived themselves as unable to help with the homework, when the child disliked doing the homework and when the homework caused arguments, either between the child and adults or among the adults in the household.

The number of parents involved in the research (1,173 parents, both English and Spanish-speaking, who visited one of 27 pediatric practices in the greater Providence area of Rhode Island) makes it more of a guide for further study than a basis for conclusions, but the idea that homework can cause significant family stress is hard to seriously debate. Families across income and education levels may struggle with homework for different reasons and in different ways, but “it’s an equal opportunity problem,” says Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman , a contributing editor to the research study and co-author of “ The Learning Habit .”

“Parents may find it hard to evaluate the homework,” she says. “They think, if this is coming home, my child should be able to do it. If the child can’t, and especially if they feel like they can’t help, they may get angry with the child, and the child feels stupid.” That’s a scenario that is likely to lead to more arguments, and an increased dislike of the work on the part of the child.

The researchers also found that parents of students in kindergarten and first grade reported that the children spent significantly more time on homework than recommended. Many schools and organizations, including the National Education Association and the Great Schools blog , will suggest following the “10-minute rule” for how long children should spend on school work outside of school hours: 10 minutes per grade starting in first grade, and most likely more in high school. Instead, parents described their first graders and kindergartners working, on average, for 25 to 30 minutes a night. That is consistent with other research , which has shown an increase in the amount of time spent on homework in lower grades from 1981 to 2003.

“This study highlights the real discrepancy between intent and what’s actually happening,” Ms. Donaldson-Pressman said, speaking of both the time spent and the family tensions parents describe. “When people talk about the homework, they’re too often talking about the work itself. They should be talking about the load — how long it takes. You can have three problems on one page that look easy, but aren’t.”

The homework a child is struggling with may not be developmentally appropriate for every child in a grade, she suggests, noting that academic expectations for young children have increased in recent years . Less-educated or Spanish-speaking parents may find it harder to evaluate or challenge the homework itself, or to say they think it is simply too much. “When the load is too much, it has a tremendous impact on family stress and the general tenor of the evening. It ruins your family time and kids view homework as a punishment,” she said.

At our house, homework has just begun; we are in the opposite of the honeymoon period, when both skills and tolerance are rusty and complaints and stress are high. If the two hours my fifth-grade math student spent on homework last night turn out the be the norm once he is used to the work and the teacher has had a chance to hear from the students, we’ll speak up.

We should, Ms. Donaldson-Pressman says. “Middle-class parents can solve the problem for their own kids,” she says. “They can make sure their child is going to all the right tutors, or get help, but most people can’t.” Instead of accepting that at home we become teachers and homework monitors (or even taking classes in how to help your child with his math ), parents should let the school know that they’re unhappy with the situation, both to encourage others to speak up and to speak on behalf of parents who don’t feel comfortable complaining.

“Home should be a safe place for students,” she says. “A child goes to school all day and they’re under stress. If they come home and it’s more of the same, that’s not good for anyone.”

Read more about homework on Motherlode: Homework and Consequences ; The Mechanics of Homework ; That’s Your Child’s Homework Project, Not Yours and Homework’s Emotional Toll on Students and Families.

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The Value of Parents Helping with Homework

Dr. selena kiser.

• September 2, 2020

The importance of parents helping with homework is invaluable. Helping with homework is an important responsibility as a parent and directly supports the learning process. Parents’ experience and expertise is priceless. One of the best predictors of success in school is learning at home and being involved in children’s education. Parental involvement with homework helps develop self-confidence and motivation in the classroom. Parents helping students with homework has a multitude of benefits including spending individual time with children, enlightening strengths and weaknesses, making learning more meaningful, and having higher aspirations.

How Parental Involvement with Homework Impacts Students

Parental involvement with homework impacts students in a positive way. One of the most important reasons for parental involvement is that it helps alleviate stress and anxiety if the students are facing challenges with specific skills or topics. Parents have experience and expertise with a variety of subject matter and life experiences to help increase relevance. Parents help their children understand content and make it more meaningful, while also helping them understand things more clearly.

Also, their involvement increases skill and subject retention. Parents get into more depth about content and allow students to take skills to a greater level. Many children will always remember the times spent together working on homework or classroom projects. Parental involvement with homework and engagement in their child’s education are related to higher academic performance, better social skills and behavior, and increased self-confidence.

Parents helping with homework allows more time to expand upon subjects or skills since learning can be accelerated in the classroom. This is especially true in today’s classrooms. The curricula in many classrooms is enhanced and requires teaching a lot of content in a small amount of time. Homework is when parents and children can spend extra time on skills and subject matter. Parents provide relatable reasons for learning skills, and children retain information in greater depth.

Parental involvement increases creativity and induces critical-thinking skills in children. This creates a positive learning environment at home and transfers into the classroom setting. Parents have perspective on their children, and this allows them to support their weaknesses while expanding upon their strengths. The time together enlightens parents as to exactly what their child’s strengths and weaknesses are.

Virtual learning is now utilized nationwide, and parents are directly involved with their child’s schoolwork and homework. Their involvement is more vital now than ever. Fostering a positive homework environment is critical in virtual learning and assists children with technological and academic material.

Strategies for Including Parents in Homework

An essential strategy for including parents in homework is sharing a responsibility to help children meet educational goals. Parents’ commitment to prioritizing their child’s educational goals, and participating in homework supports a larger objective. Teachers and parents are specific about the goals and work directly with the child with classwork and homework. Teachers and parents collaboratively working together on children’s goals have larger and more long-lasting success. This also allows parents to be strategic with homework assistance.

A few other great examples of how to involve parents in homework are conducting experiments, assignments, or project-based learning activities that parents play an active role in. Interviewing parents is a fantastic way to be directly involved in homework and allows the project to be enjoyable. Parents are honored to be interviewed, and these activities create a bond between parents and children. Students will remember these assignments for the rest of their lives.

Project-based learning activities examples are family tree projects, leaf collections, research papers, and a myriad of other hands-on learning assignments. Children love working with their parents on these assignments as they are enjoyable and fun. This type of learning and engagement also fosters other interests. Conducting research is another way parents directly impact their child’s homework. This can be a subject the child is interested in or something they are unfamiliar with. Children and parents look forward to these types of homework activities.

Parents helping students with homework has a multitude of benefits. Parental involvement and engagement have lifelong benefits and creates a pathway for success. Parents provide autonomy and support, while modeling successful homework study habits.

• #homework , #ParentalInvolvement

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Khan Academy Blog

Making Homework Easier: Tips and Tools for Parents 

posted on September 20, 2023

By Stephanie Yamkovenko , group manager of Khan Academy’s Digital Marketing Team.

Homework can present challenges for parents and children alike. You naturally want to provide support for your child’s learning journey and ensure they are reaching their full potential. In this blog post, we will delve into practical strategies to assist your child with their homework. From fostering understanding and offering encouragement to breaking down tasks and implementing rewards, we will explore a variety of effective approaches to help your child achieve academic success.

Step 1: Set Up Your Child for Success

Your child’s study environment can have a significant impact on their homework performance. Create a space that is free from distractions like the television, smartphones, or noisy siblings. The study space should be comfortable, well lit, and have all the necessary materials your child might need, such as pens, papers, and textbooks. If your child’s workspace is noisy or uncomfortable, they may have difficulty focusing on their homework, resulting in lower productivity. 

For example, if you live in a small apartment, consider setting up a designated corner with a small desk or table where your child can focus on their work. You can use dividers or screens to create a sense of privacy and minimize distractions.

If the only place to do homework is in the dining room or kitchen, try to establish a routine where the area is cleared and organized before study time. This can help signal to your child that it’s time to concentrate and be productive.

Remember, it’s important to adapt to your specific circumstances and make the best of the available space. The key is to create a dedicated study area that promotes focus and minimizes interruptions regardless of the size or location of your home.

Try Confidence Boosters for Your Child Here!

Step 2: make it fun.

It’s important to make homework fun and engaging for your child. Here are some examples of how you can do it:

• Use games : Incorporate educational games like card games, board games, or puzzles that align with the subject your child is learning. For instance, use Scrabble to practice spelling or Sudoku to enhance problem-solving skills.
• Turn it into a challenge : Create a friendly competition between siblings or friends by setting goals or time limits for completing assignments. Offer small rewards or incentives for accomplishing tasks.
• Make it interactive : Use hands-on activities or experiments to reinforce concepts learned in class. For science or math, conduct simple experiments at home or use manipulatives like blocks or counters to visualize abstract concepts.
• Use technology : Explore online educational platforms or apps that offer interactive learning experiences. There are various educational games, virtual simulations, and videos available that can make homework more enjoyable.
• Incorporate creativity : Encourage your child to express their understanding through art, storytelling, or multimedia presentations. For example, they can create a comic strip to summarize a story or make a short video to explain a concept.

Remember, by making homework enjoyable, you can help your child develop a positive attitude towards learning.

Step 3: Use Rewards

Rewards can be a powerful motivational tool for children. Offering positive reinforcement can encourage them to complete their homework on time and to the best of their ability. 

Here are some examples of rewards our team has used with their children:

• Extra screen time: “I use Apple parental controls to add screen time on their iPad.”
• Access to a favorite toy: “My eight year old has a drum kit, which drives us all up the wall. (Thanks, Grandma!) But when they’ve been doing a lot of school work, we put on headphones and let him go nuts.”
• Praise for a job well done: “Specific, measurable praise is what works best.” 
• Trip to the park: “A trip to the park is good for everyone, especially for the kids to run around with the doggos.”
• Movie night: “I know every word and song lyric in Moana ; we now reserve showings for good behavior.” 
• Stickers or stamps: “Gold stars were such a thing growing up in the 80s; turns out they still work.”
• Stay up a little later: “An extra 30 minutes feels like a whole day for my young ones; use this reward with caution as it can become the expectation!”

So, celebrate your child’s efforts and encourage them to continue doing their best.

Step 4: Break Down Difficult Tasks

When facing daunting homework assignments, follow these step-by-step instructions to break down the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks:

• Understand the requirements and scope of the task.
• Break down the assignment into individual tasks or sub-tasks.  
• Splitting the middle term
• Using formula
• Using Quadratic formula
• Using algebraic identities
• Determine the order in which tasks should be completed based on importance or difficulty. 
• Start with the easiest task. Begin with the task that seems the least challenging or time-consuming.
• Progress to more challenging tasks: Once the easier tasks are completed, move on to more difficult ones.
• Take breaks: Schedule short breaks between tasks to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
• Check completed tasks for accuracy and make any necessary revisions.
• Finish the remaining task(s) with the same approach.
• Celebrate small achievements to boost confidence and keep motivation high.

By following these steps, you can make daunting homework assignments more manageable and less overwhelming for your child.

Step 5: Get Targeted Help

If your child is struggling with homework, it might be worth considering seeking personalized assistance. You have the option to search for professional tutors or explore online tutoring platforms, such as Khan Academy’s AI tutor, Khanmigo .

This AI tutor can offer personalized guidance and support tailored to your child’s specific needs, helping them grasp complex concepts and practice essential skills. Incorporating this approach can effectively complement your child’s learning and enhance their homework performance.

Enhance your child’s learning and boost homework performance!

Homework can be a challenge for both parents and children. But with the right approach, you can help your child overcome difficulties and support their learning. Encourage and understand your child, create a comfortable environment, break down difficult tasks, use rewards, get professional help when needed, and make it fun. With these tips and techniques, you can help your child achieve success, develop a love for learning, and achieve academic excellence. Remember that each child learns differently, so it’s essential to adjust your approach to meet their unique needs.

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Battles Over Homework: Advice For Parents

Guidelines for helping children develop self-discipline with their homework..

Posted September 5, 2012 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

I would like to offer some advice about one of the most frequent problems presented to me in over 30 years of clinical practice: battles over homework. I have half-jokingly told many parents that if the schools of New York State no longer required homework, our children’s education would suffer (slightly). But, as a child psychologist, I would be out of business.

Many parents accept this conflict with their children as an unavoidable consequence of responsible parenting . These battles, however, rarely result in improved learning or performance in school. More often than not, battles over homework lead to vicious cycles of nagging by parents and avoidance or refusal by children, with no improvement in a child’s school performance. And certainly no progress toward what should be our ultimate goals : helping children enjoy learning and develop age-appropriate discipline and independence with respect to their schoolwork.

Before I present a plan for reducing battles over homework, it is important to begin with this essential reminder:

The solution to the problem of homework always begins with an accurate diagnosis and a recognition of the demands placed on your child. Parents should never assume that a child who resists doing homework is “lazy.”

Every child whose parents or teachers report ongoing resistance to completing schoolwork or homework; every child whose performance in school is below expectations based on his parents’ or teachers’ intuitive assessment of his intellectual potential; and every child who, over an extended period of time, complains that he “hates school” or “hates reading,” should be evaluated for the presence of an attention or learning disorder.

These children are not lazy. Your child may be anxious, frustrated, discouraged, distracted, or angry—but this is not laziness. I frequently explain to parents that, as a psychologist, the word lazy is not in my dictionary. Lazy, at best, is a description, not an explanation.

For children with learning difficulties, doing their homework is like running with a sprained ankle: It is possible, although painful, and he will look for ways to avoid or postpone this painful and discouraging task.

A Homework Plan

Homework, like any constructive activity, involves moments of frustration, discouragement, and anxiety . If you begin with some appreciation of your child’s frustration and discouragement, you will be better able to put in place a structure that helps him learn to work through his frustration—to develop increments of frustration tolerance and self-discipline.

I offer families who struggle with this problem a Homework Plan:

• Set aside a specified, and limited, time for homework. Establish, early in the evening, a homework hour.
• For most children, immediately after school is not the best time for homework. This is a time for sports, for music and drama, and free play.
• During the homework hour, all electronics are turned off—for the entire family.
• Work is done in a communal place, at the kitchen or dining room table. Contrary to older conventional wisdom , most elementary school children are able to work more much effectively in a common area, with an adult and even other children present, than in the “quiet” of their rooms.
• Parents may do their own ”homework” during this time, but they are present and continually available to help, to offer encouragement, and to answer children’s questions. Your goal is to create, to the extent possible, a library atmosphere in your home, again, for a specified and limited period of time. Ideally, therefore, parents should not make or receive telephone calls during this hour. And when homework is done, there is time for play.
• Begin with a reasonable, a doable, amount of time set aside for homework. If your child is unable to work for 20 minutes, begin with 10 minutes. Then try 15 minutes in the next week. Acknowledge every increment of effort, however small.
• Be positive and give frequent encouragement. Make note of every improvement, not every mistake.
• Be generous with your praise. Praise their effort, not their innate ability. But do not be afraid of praise.
• Anticipate setbacks. After a difficult day, reset for the following day.
• Give them time. A child’s difficulty completing homework begins as a problem of frustration and discouragement, but it is then complicated by defiant attitudes and feelings of unfairness. A homework plan will begin to reduce these defiant attitudes, but this will not happen overnight.

Most families have found these suggestions helpful, especially for elementary school children. Establishing a homework hour allows parents to move away from a language of threats (“If you don’t__ you won’t be able to__”) to a language of opportunities (“When” or “As soon as” you have finished__ we’ll have a chance to__”).

Of course, for many hurried families, there are complications and potential glitches in implementing any homework plan. It is often difficult, with children’s many activities, to find a consistent time for homework. Some flexibility, some amendments to the plan, may be required. But we should not use the complications of scheduling or other competing demands as an excuse, a reason not to establish the structure of a reasonable homework routine.

Copyright Ken Barish, Ph.D.

See Pride and Joy: A Guide to Understanding Your Child’s Emotions and Solving Family Problems .

Kenneth Barish, Ph.D. , is a clinical associate professor of Psychology at Weill Medical College, Cornell University.

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Does Homework Really Help Students Learn?

A conversation with a Wheelock researcher, a BU student, and a fourth-grade teacher

“Quality homework is engaging and relevant to kids’ lives,” says Wheelock’s Janine Bempechat. “It gives them autonomy and engages them in the community and with their families. In some subjects, like math, worksheets can be very helpful. It has to do with the value of practicing over and over.” Photo by iStock/Glenn Cook Photography

Do your homework.

If only it were that simple.

Educators have debated the merits of homework since the late 19th century. In recent years, amid concerns of some parents and teachers that children are being stressed out by too much homework, things have only gotten more fraught.

“Homework is complicated,” says developmental psychologist Janine Bempechat, a Wheelock College of Education & Human Development clinical professor. The author of the essay “ The Case for (Quality) Homework—Why It Improves Learning and How Parents Can Help ” in the winter 2019 issue of Education Next , Bempechat has studied how the debate about homework is influencing teacher preparation, parent and student beliefs about learning, and school policies.

She worries especially about socioeconomically disadvantaged students from low-performing schools who, according to research by Bempechat and others, get little or no homework.

BU Today  sat down with Bempechat and Erin Bruce (Wheelock’17,’18), a new fourth-grade teacher at a suburban Boston school, and future teacher freshman Emma Ardizzone (Wheelock) to talk about what quality homework looks like, how it can help children learn, and how schools can equip teachers to design it, evaluate it, and facilitate parents’ role in it.

BU Today: Parents and educators who are against homework in elementary school say there is no research definitively linking it to academic performance for kids in the early grades. You’ve said that they’re missing the point.

Bempechat : I think teachers assign homework in elementary school as a way to help kids develop skills they’ll need when they’re older—to begin to instill a sense of responsibility and to learn planning and organizational skills. That’s what I think is the greatest value of homework—in cultivating beliefs about learning and skills associated with academic success. If we greatly reduce or eliminate homework in elementary school, we deprive kids and parents of opportunities to instill these important learning habits and skills.

We do know that beginning in late middle school, and continuing through high school, there is a strong and positive correlation between homework completion and academic success.

That’s what I think is the greatest value of homework—in cultivating beliefs about learning and skills associated with academic success.

You talk about the importance of quality homework. What is that?

Quality homework is engaging and relevant to kids’ lives. It gives them autonomy and engages them in the community and with their families. In some subjects, like math, worksheets can be very helpful. It has to do with the value of practicing over and over.

What are your concerns about homework and low-income children?

The argument that some people make—that homework “punishes the poor” because lower-income parents may not be as well-equipped as affluent parents to help their children with homework—is very troubling to me. There are no parents who don’t care about their children’s learning. Parents don’t actually have to help with homework completion in order for kids to do well. They can help in other ways—by helping children organize a study space, providing snacks, being there as a support, helping children work in groups with siblings or friends.

Isn’t the discussion about getting rid of homework happening mostly in affluent communities?

Yes, and the stories we hear of kids being stressed out from too much homework—four or five hours of homework a night—are real. That’s problematic for physical and mental health and overall well-being. But the research shows that higher-income students get a lot more homework than lower-income kids.

Teachers may not have as high expectations for lower-income children. Schools should bear responsibility for providing supports for kids to be able to get their homework done—after-school clubs, community support, peer group support. It does kids a disservice when our expectations are lower for them.

The conversation around homework is to some extent a social class and social justice issue. If we eliminate homework for all children because affluent children have too much, we’re really doing a disservice to low-income children. They need the challenge, and every student can rise to the challenge with enough supports in place.

What did you learn by studying how education schools are preparing future teachers to handle homework?

My colleague, Margarita Jimenez-Silva, at the University of California, Davis, School of Education, and I interviewed faculty members at education schools, as well as supervising teachers, to find out how students are being prepared. And it seemed that they weren’t. There didn’t seem to be any readings on the research, or conversations on what high-quality homework is and how to design it.

Erin, what kind of training did you get in handling homework?

Bruce : I had phenomenal professors at Wheelock, but homework just didn’t come up. I did lots of student teaching. I’ve been in classrooms where the teachers didn’t assign any homework, and I’ve been in rooms where they assigned hours of homework a night. But I never even considered homework as something that was my decision. I just thought it was something I’d pull out of a book and it’d be done.

I started giving homework on the first night of school this year. My first assignment was to go home and draw a picture of the room where you do your homework. I want to know if it’s at a table and if there are chairs around it and if mom’s cooking dinner while you’re doing homework.

The second night I asked them to talk to a grown-up about how are you going to be able to get your homework done during the week. The kids really enjoyed it. There’s a running joke that I’m teaching life skills.

Friday nights, I read all my kids’ responses to me on their homework from the week and it’s wonderful. They pour their hearts out. It’s like we’re having a conversation on my couch Friday night.

It matters to know that the teacher cares about you and that what you think matters to the teacher. Homework is a vehicle to connect home and school…for parents to know teachers are welcoming to them and their families.

Bempechat : I can’t imagine that most new teachers would have the intuition Erin had in designing homework the way she did.

Ardizzone : Conversations with kids about homework, feeling you’re being listened to—that’s such a big part of wanting to do homework….I grew up in Westchester County. It was a pretty demanding school district. My junior year English teacher—I loved her—she would give us feedback, have meetings with all of us. She’d say, “If you have any questions, if you have anything you want to talk about, you can talk to me, here are my office hours.” It felt like she actually cared.

Bempechat : It matters to know that the teacher cares about you and that what you think matters to the teacher. Homework is a vehicle to connect home and school…for parents to know teachers are welcoming to them and their families.

Ardizzone : But can’t it lead to parents being overbearing and too involved in their children’s lives as students?

Bempechat : There’s good help and there’s bad help. The bad help is what you’re describing—when parents hover inappropriately, when they micromanage, when they see their children confused and struggling and tell them what to do.

Good help is when parents recognize there’s a struggle going on and instead ask informative questions: “Where do you think you went wrong?” They give hints, or pointers, rather than saying, “You missed this,” or “You didn’t read that.”

Bruce : I hope something comes of this. I hope BU or Wheelock can think of some way to make this a more pressing issue. As a first-year teacher, it was not something I even thought about on the first day of school—until a kid raised his hand and said, “Do we have homework?” It would have been wonderful if I’d had a plan from day one.

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Senior Contributing Editor

Sara Rimer A journalist for more than three decades, Sara Rimer worked at the Miami Herald , Washington Post and, for 26 years, the New York Times , where she was the New England bureau chief, and a national reporter covering education, aging, immigration, and other social justice issues. Her stories on the death penalty’s inequities were nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and cited in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision outlawing the execution of people with intellectual disabilities. Her journalism honors include Columbia University’s Meyer Berger award for in-depth human interest reporting. She holds a BA degree in American Studies from the University of Michigan. Profile

She can be reached at [email protected] .

Comments & Discussion

Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Statistics or facts must include a citation or a link to the citation.

There are 81 comments on Does Homework Really Help Students Learn?

Insightful! The values about homework in elementary schools are well aligned with my intuition as a parent.

when i finish my work i do my homework and i sometimes forget what to do because i did not get enough sleep

same omg it does not help me it is stressful and if I have it in more than one class I hate it.

Same I think my parent wants to help me but, she doesn’t care if I get bad grades so I just try my best and my grades are great.

I think that last question about Good help from parents is not know to all parents, we do as our parents did or how we best think it can be done, so maybe coaching parents or giving them resources on how to help with homework would be very beneficial for the parent on how to help and for the teacher to have consistency and improve homework results, and of course for the child. I do see how homework helps reaffirm the knowledge obtained in the classroom, I also have the ability to see progress and it is a time I share with my kids

The answer to the headline question is a no-brainer – a more pressing problem is why there is a difference in how students from different cultures succeed. Perfect example is the student population at BU – why is there a majority population of Asian students and only about 3% black students at BU? In fact at some universities there are law suits by Asians to stop discrimination and quotas against admitting Asian students because the real truth is that as a group they are demonstrating better qualifications for admittance, while at the same time there are quotas and reduced requirements for black students to boost their portion of the student population because as a group they do more poorly in meeting admissions standards – and it is not about the Benjamins. The real problem is that in our PC society no one has the gazuntas to explore this issue as it may reveal that all people are not created equal after all. Or is it just environmental cultural differences??????

I get you have a concern about the issue but that is not even what the point of this article is about. If you have an issue please take this to the site we have and only post your opinion about the actual topic

This is not at all what the article is talking about.

This literally has nothing to do with the article brought up. You should really take your opinions somewhere else before you speak about something that doesn’t make sense.

we have the same name

so they have the same name what of it?

lol you tell her

totally agree

What does that have to do with homework, that is not what the article talks about AT ALL.

Yes, I think homework plays an important role in the development of student life. Through homework, students have to face challenges on a daily basis and they try to solve them quickly.I am an intense online tutor at 24x7homeworkhelp and I give homework to my students at that level in which they handle it easily.

More than two-thirds of students said they used alcohol and drugs, primarily marijuana, to cope with stress.

You know what’s funny? I got this assignment to write an argument for homework about homework and this article was really helpful and understandable, and I also agree with this article’s point of view.

I also got the same task as you! I was looking for some good resources and I found this! I really found this article useful and easy to understand, just like you! ^^

i think that homework is the best thing that a child can have on the school because it help them with their thinking and memory.

I am a child myself and i think homework is a terrific pass time because i can’t play video games during the week. It also helps me set goals.

Homework is not harmful ,but it will if there is too much

I feel like, from a minors point of view that we shouldn’t get homework. Not only is the homework stressful, but it takes us away from relaxing and being social. For example, me and my friends was supposed to hang at the mall last week but we had to postpone it since we all had some sort of work to do. Our minds shouldn’t be focused on finishing an assignment that in realty, doesn’t matter. I completely understand that we should have homework. I have to write a paper on the unimportance of homework so thanks.

homework isn’t that bad

Are you a student? if not then i don’t really think you know how much and how severe todays homework really is

i am a student and i do not enjoy homework because i practice my sport 4 out of the five days we have school for 4 hours and that’s not even counting the commute time or the fact i still have to shower and eat dinner when i get home. its draining!

i totally agree with you. these people are such boomers

why just why

they do make a really good point, i think that there should be a limit though. hours and hours of homework can be really stressful, and the extra work isn’t making a difference to our learning, but i do believe homework should be optional and extra credit. that would make it for students to not have the leaning stress of a assignment and if you have a low grade you you can catch up.

Studies show that homework improves student achievement in terms of improved grades, test results, and the likelihood to attend college. Research published in the High School Journal indicates that students who spent between 31 and 90 minutes each day on homework “scored about 40 points higher on the SAT-Mathematics subtest than their peers, who reported spending no time on homework each day, on average.” On both standardized tests and grades, students in classes that were assigned homework outperformed 69% of students who didn’t have homework. A majority of studies on homework’s impact – 64% in one meta-study and 72% in another – showed that take home assignments were effective at improving academic achievement. Research by the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) concluded that increased homework led to better GPAs and higher probability of college attendance for high school boys. In fact, boys who attended college did more than three hours of additional homework per week in high school.

So how are your measuring student achievement? That’s the real question. The argument that doing homework is simply a tool for teaching responsibility isn’t enough for me. We can teach responsibility in a number of ways. Also the poor argument that parents don’t need to help with homework, and that students can do it on their own, is wishful thinking at best. It completely ignores neurodiverse students. Students in poverty aren’t magically going to find a space to do homework, a friend’s or siblings to help them do it, and snacks to eat. I feel like the author of this piece has never set foot in a classroom of students.

THIS. This article is pathetic coming from a university. So intellectually dishonest, refusing to address the havoc of capitalism and poverty plays on academic success in life. How can they in one sentence use poor kids in an argument and never once address that poor children have access to damn near 0 of the resources affluent kids have? Draw me a picture and let’s talk about feelings lmao what a joke is that gonna put food in their belly so they can have the calories to burn in order to use their brain to study? What about quiet their 7 other siblings that they share a single bedroom with for hours? Is it gonna force the single mom to magically be at home and at work at the same time to cook food while you study and be there to throw an encouraging word?

Also the “parents don’t need to be a parent and be able to guide their kid at all academically they just need to exist in the next room” is wild. Its one thing if a parent straight up is not equipped but to say kids can just figured it out is…. wow coming from an educator What’s next the teacher doesn’t need to teach cause the kid can just follow the packet and figure it out?

Well then get a tutor right? Oh wait you are poor only affluent kids can afford a tutor for their hours of homework a day were they on average have none of the worries a poor child does. Does this address that poor children are more likely to also suffer abuse and mental illness? Like mentioned what about kids that can’t learn or comprehend the forced standardized way? Just let em fail? These children regularly are not in “special education”(some of those are a joke in their own and full of neglect and abuse) programs cause most aren’t even acknowledged as having disabilities or disorders.

But yes all and all those pesky poor kids just aren’t being worked hard enough lol pretty sure poor children’s existence just in childhood is more work, stress, and responsibility alone than an affluent child’s entire life cycle. Love they never once talked about the quality of education in the classroom being so bad between the poor and affluent it can qualify as segregation, just basically blamed poor people for being lazy, good job capitalism for failing us once again!

why the hell?

you should feel bad for saying this, this article can be helpful for people who has to write a essay about it

This is more of a political rant than it is about homework

I know a teacher who has told his students their homework is to find something they are interested in, pursue it and then come share what they learn. The student responses are quite compelling. One girl taught herself German so she could talk to her grandfather. One boy did a research project on Nelson Mandela because the teacher had mentioned him in class. Another boy, a both on the autism spectrum, fixed his family’s computer. The list goes on. This is fourth grade. I think students are highly motivated to learn, when we step aside and encourage them.

The whole point of homework is to give the students a chance to use the material that they have been presented with in class. If they never have the opportunity to use that information, and discover that it is actually useful, it will be in one ear and out the other. As a science teacher, it is critical that the students are challenged to use the material they have been presented with, which gives them the opportunity to actually think about it rather than regurgitate “facts”. Well designed homework forces the student to think conceptually, as opposed to regurgitation, which is never a pretty sight

Wonderful discussion. and yes, homework helps in learning and building skills in students.

not true it just causes kids to stress

Homework can be both beneficial and unuseful, if you will. There are students who are gifted in all subjects in school and ones with disabilities. Why should the students who are gifted get the lucky break, whereas the people who have disabilities suffer? The people who were born with this “gift” go through school with ease whereas people with disabilities struggle with the work given to them. I speak from experience because I am one of those students: the ones with disabilities. Homework doesn’t benefit “us”, it only tears us down and put us in an abyss of confusion and stress and hopelessness because we can’t learn as fast as others. Or we can’t handle the amount of work given whereas the gifted students go through it with ease. It just brings us down and makes us feel lost; because no mater what, it feels like we are destined to fail. It feels like we weren’t “cut out” for success.

homework does help

here is the thing though, if a child is shoved in the face with a whole ton of homework that isn’t really even considered homework it is assignments, it’s not helpful. the teacher should make homework more of a fun learning experience rather than something that is dreaded

This article was wonderful, I am going to ask my teachers about extra, or at all giving homework.

I agree. Especially when you have homework before an exam. Which is distasteful as you’ll need that time to study. It doesn’t make any sense, nor does us doing homework really matters as It’s just facts thrown at us.

Homework is too severe and is just too much for students, schools need to decrease the amount of homework. When teachers assign homework they forget that the students have other classes that give them the same amount of homework each day. Students need to work on social skills and life skills.

I disagree.

Beyond achievement, proponents of homework argue that it can have many other beneficial effects. They claim it can help students develop good study habits so they are ready to grow as their cognitive capacities mature. It can help students recognize that learning can occur at home as well as at school. Homework can foster independent learning and responsible character traits. And it can give parents an opportunity to see what’s going on at school and let them express positive attitudes toward achievement.

Homework is helpful because homework helps us by teaching us how to learn a specific topic.

As a student myself, I can say that I have almost never gotten the full 9 hours of recommended sleep time, because of homework. (Now I’m writing an essay on it in the middle of the night D=)

I am a 10 year old kid doing a report about “Is homework good or bad” for homework before i was going to do homework is bad but the sources from this site changed my mind!

Homeowkr is god for stusenrs

I agree with hunter because homework can be so stressful especially with this whole covid thing no one has time for homework and every one just wants to get back to there normal lives it is especially stressful when you go on a 2 week vaca 3 weeks into the new school year and and then less then a week after you come back from the vaca you are out for over a month because of covid and you have no way to get the assignment done and turned in

As great as homework is said to be in the is article, I feel like the viewpoint of the students was left out. Every where I go on the internet researching about this topic it almost always has interviews from teachers, professors, and the like. However isn’t that a little biased? Of course teachers are going to be for homework, they’re not the ones that have to stay up past midnight completing the homework from not just one class, but all of them. I just feel like this site is one-sided and you should include what the students of today think of spending four hours every night completing 6-8 classes worth of work.

Are we talking about homework or practice? Those are two very different things and can result in different outcomes.

Homework is a graded assignment. I do not know of research showing the benefits of graded assignments going home.

Practice; however, can be extremely beneficial, especially if there is some sort of feedback (not a grade but feedback). That feedback can come from the teacher, another student or even an automated grading program.

As a former band director, I assigned daily practice. I never once thought it would be appropriate for me to require the students to turn in a recording of their practice for me to grade. Instead, I had in-class assignments/assessments that were graded and directly related to the practice assigned.

I would really like to read articles on “homework” that truly distinguish between the two.

oof i feel bad good luck!

thank you guys for the artical because I have to finish an assingment. yes i did cite it but just thanks

thx for the article guys.

Homework is good

I think homework is helpful AND harmful. Sometimes u can’t get sleep bc of homework but it helps u practice for school too so idk.

I agree with this Article. And does anyone know when this was published. I would like to know.

It was published FEb 19, 2019.

Studies have shown that homework improved student achievement in terms of improved grades, test results, and the likelihood to attend college.

i think homework can help kids but at the same time not help kids

This article is so out of touch with majority of homes it would be laughable if it wasn’t so incredibly sad.

There is no value to homework all it does is add stress to already stressed homes. Parents or adults magically having the time or energy to shepherd kids through homework is dome sort of 1950’s fantasy.

What lala land do these teachers live in?

Homework gives noting to the kid

Homework is Bad

homework is bad.

why do kids even have homework?

Comments are closed.

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Report Card Comments & Phrases—Work and Study Habits

Report Card Comments & Phrases—Work Habits

Report card comments.

As I have explained in my previous reports, ________ does not use his/her time wisely in class. Please help him/her to understand that we study in class and play at only certain times in school.

When _______ is able to settle down, he/she does much better work. However, he/she is often seeking the attention of his/her classmates, which causes distraction for everyone.

As we have discussed in previous meetings, __________ must continue to improve his/her study habits. We need to encourage him/her to be much more serious about the work he does.

_______ loves artistic activities. However, I am concerned about the amount of time he/she spends drawing when he/she has other work to do. Can we please meet to discuss strategies to help _________ correct this issue?

________ is doing grade-level work at this time. However, I am sure he is capable of turning in better work. When he improves his concentration abilities, I know the work will improve.

_______ misuses much of his work time daydreaming and then does not complete the work in time. He is capable of finishing the work in the allotted time and needs to start doing so.

________ has been doing good work at times, but it is not consistent. She can be very social and restless and often does not finish his/her work on time. Thank you for your help at home. Please continue to work with him/her on this issue.

________ is very anxious to get his/her work done, yet he/she tends to be bothersome to other students around him/her. Although he/she has shown progress in this area over the past month, he/she still needs to work on it.

_______ is having difficulty because he frequently talks out loud and disturbs the other students. He is trying to improve this bad habit and has shown some growth in the past few weeks.

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Report Card Phrases

______ works well in groups, planning and carrying out activities.

______ needs to work democratically with others in groups.

______ needs to develop a better sense of responsibility.

______ wants responsibilities and follows through.

______ now accepts responsibility well.

______ is an attentive student.

______ is gaining self-confidence.

______'s work habits are improving.

______ has the ability to follow directions.

______ requires incentives.

______'s assignments and/or homework are incomplete and/or late.

______ needs to pay attention in class.

______ needs better study skills.

Please encourage him/her to do things on his/her own.

______ is learning to listen to directions more carefully.

______ is learning to be a better listener.

______ is learning to share and listen.

______ listens carefully.

______ is a good worker and an attentive listener.

______ evaluates what he/she hears.

______ needs to listen to all directions.

______ has difficulty following directions.

______'s hand work is beautifully done.

______ enjoys doing neat, careful work.

______'s work is neatly and accurately done.

______ does colorful and interesting art work.

______ takes pride in work well done.

______ makes careless errors.

______ is disorganized.

______ needs to proofread work.

______ is learning to occupy his time constructively.

______ always uses his/her time wisely.

______ never completes assignments in the allotted time.

______ is becoming more dependable during work periods.

______ is gaining independence.

______ is becoming more self-reliant.

______ works independently on assignments.

______ fails to finish independent assignments.

______ comprehends well, but needs to work more quickly.

______ needs to be urged.

______ lacks independence.

______ is too easily distracted.

______ works too slowly.

______ does not complete assignments in the allotted time.

______ seems unable to finish required work.

______ often completes work early.

______ is not very appreciative of the value of time.

______ is sacrificing accuracy for unnecessary speed in his written work.

______ has great potential and works toward achieving it.

______ is working to full capability.

______ is a steadfast, conscientious worker.

______ is enthusiastic about work in general.

______ seeks information.

______ is a hard-working student.

______ is extremely conscientious.

______ is a pleasant, conscientious student.

______ is a hard worker.

______ is an enthusiastic worker during the ____ period.

______ is a polite and conscientious pupil.

______ must improve work habits if he is to gain the fundamentals needed for ___ grade work.

______ is inconsistent in his/her efforts, especially in _______.

______ makes little effort when not under direct supervision.

______ is anxious to please.

More Report Card Comments and Phrases.

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325 amazing report card comments and remarks to save your time!

What's more difficult than creating your student report cards? Writing unique and meaningful report card comments. Creating report card comments and remarks can be a daunting and tedious task for teachers.

Every teacher will agree that writing unique report card comments is important as it helps the parents to understand their child's progress, they can take necessary action by understanding the report card comments.

We have made your task easier by providing a list of report card comments for every feedback category and applicable to all grades. Just copy and paste the comment, insert the student's name and you are good to go! You can edit and modify the comments as you like.

• Save your time.
• Help parents understand the feedback in a better way.

Achievement and Improvement - General Comments:

• If _____ continues to put out the effort he has demonstrated in the last two reporting periods, he will benefit greatly from his education.
• The following ideas might help him enhance his _____.
• I'm hoping that the current level of enthusiasm and progress will continue.
• In all academic disciplines, _____ is improving. She's having a hard time with____.
• She has a long way to go, but if she works hard enough, she will see results soon.
• _____ takes tremendous pride in his work and always completes it neatly.
• _____ is a frequent volunteer who makes significant contributions to the class. She has a tendency to work too rapidly, which leads to a lot of unintentional mistakes. At home and at school, we can assist her in correcting this.
• For his age, _____ is a hard worker with outstanding vocabulary skills. He likes to read and write.
• The quality of _____'s work reflects her positive attitude. Thank you for all of your hard work.
• Despite his best efforts, _____ finds it difficult to keep up with the rest of the class. Can we meet to discuss this?
• As we mentioned at our latest meeting, ______'s work is not up to par. I am confident that with more effort and concentration, he will quickly improve.
• _____ is genuinely interested in everything we do in class. She, on the other hand, is experiencing some difficulties with . Please go through this with her every night.

Achievement and Improvement - Academic Achievement:

• In ______, _____ is quite strong.
• _____ has received an excellent grade on his report card.
• ______ is something that _____ knows a lot about.
• _____ is a bright and hardworking student who excels in_____
• In all of the fundamental subjects, _____ is performing admirably.
• In ______, _____ is working over grade level.
• _____ is particularly skilled at______.
• Because of her low achievement level, _____ finds it challenging to keep up with the rest of the class.
• In the domains of ____, _____ is capable of reaching a higher average.
• We will concentrate on _____ in the coming term because _____ has had problems learning .
• _____ is capable of doing a much better job.
• Both you and I must continue to guide and assist _____.
• To get her up to _____ grade level, _____ has been really cooperative and only needs to improve her social studies skills.
• _____ has been getting poor grades on quizzes and tests.
• _____ does not work to her full potential.
• The material is tough for _____ to comprehend.

Achievement and Improvement - Improvement:

• The independence of _____ is increasing.
• _____ has steadily improved.
• _____ has been steadily improving.
• In ______, _____ has demonstrated a positive attitude toward wanting to improve.
• _____ appears to be eager to learn more. In _______, _____ has experienced rapid expansion.
• Academically, _____ is making steady progress.
• The quality of _____'s work is improving.
• _____ has improved her _____ abilities.
• _____ has demonstrated a positive desire to improve herself in _____.
• If he were more interested in _______, his performance would increase.
• This reporting period, _____ has made significant progress.
• I'm pleased to see that _____ is maturing well, and I hope that this trend continues.
• The classroom attitude of _____ has improved.

Work habits - General Report Card Comments:

• As I have stated in my reports, _______ does not manage his time effectively in class. Please explain to him that we study in class and play only at particular times during the school day.
• When ______ is able to relax, she produces considerably better results. She does, however, frequently seek the attention of her peers, which causes everyone to be distracted.
• _________ must continue to improve his work habits, as we mentioned in earlier meetings. We need to encourage him to take his work much more seriously.
• ______ enjoys participating in artistic pursuits. However, I am concerned about how much time she spends painting when she has other responsibilities. Could we possibly meet to explore methods for assisting ________ in resolving this problem?
• _______ is now working on grade-level material. I am confident, though, that he is capable of producing superior work. I'm confident that his work will improve as his attention improves.
• ______ wastes a lot of his work time daydreaming and then fails to finish on time. He is capable of doing the work in the time provided, and he needs to get started.
• _______ has done some good work, but it hasn't been consistent. She is a very gregarious and restless person who frequently does not complete her assignment on time. Thank you so much for your assistance at home. Please keep working with her on this matter.
• _______ is very eager to do her work, yet she can be a nuisance to the other pupils. Despite the fact that she has made improvement in this area over the last month, she still has work to do.
• ______ is having trouble because he frequently speaks out loud, disrupting the other pupils. He's working on changing this unhealthy behaviour, and he's made some progress in the last several weeks.
• _________ needs to continue to improve his work habits, as we mentioned in earlier meetings. We must motivate him to take his task more seriously.
• _______ has done some excellent work, but it hasn't been consistent. She is a social butterfly who is often agitated and frequently fails to complete her tasks on time. I appreciate your assistance at home. Continue to collaborate with her on this matter.
• _______ is very eager to do her work, yet she can be a nuisance to the other pupils. She has made progress in this area over the last month, but she still has work to do.

Work habits - listening skills:

• _____ is improving her ability to pay attention to directions.
• _____ is working on improving her listening skills.
• ______  is learning to listen and share.
• _____ pays close attention to what is being said.
• _____ is a hard worker who listens carefully.
• _____ assesses what she hears.
• All instructions must be followed by _____.
• Directions are tough for _____ to follow.

Work habits - Quality of work:

• The handiwork of _____ is superb.
• _____ appreciates doing nice, meticulous work.
• The work of _____ is tidy and precise.
• _____ creates vibrant and intriguing artwork.
• Work well done is something that _____ is proud of.
• _____ is prone to making careless mistakes.
• _____ is untidy.
• Proofreading is something that _____ must do.

Work habits - Time management:

• _____ is learning to use his free time wisely.
• _____ is always efficient with her time.
• _____ never finishes assignments in the time provided.
• During work hours, _____ is getting more dependable.
• _____ is on the verge of being self-sufficient.
• _____ is growing more self-sufficient.
• On assignments, _____ works autonomously.
• _____ is unable to do individual assignments.
• _____ is a good listener, but she needs to work faster.
• _____ needs to be pushed.
• _____ lacks self-sufficiency.
• _____ is prone to being easily distracted.
• _____ operates at a slow pace.
• _____ does not finish assignments in the time allotted.
• _____ appears unable to complete the required work.
• _____ frequently completes work ahead of schedule.
• _____ is indifferent about the value of time.
• In his written work, _____ sacrifices accuracy for the sake of speed.

Work habits - Work potential and effort report card comments:

• _____ has a lot of potential and is working hard to realise it.
• _____ is performing to the best of his or her ability.
• _____ is a dependable and conscientious worker.
• _____ is enthusiastic about his or her job in general.
• _____ is looking for information.
• _____ is a dedicated student.
• _____ is very conscientious.
• _____ is a pleasant and responsible student.
• _____ is a dedicated worker.
• During the ___ period, _____ is a hard worker.
• _____ is a respectful and conscientious student.
• If _____ is to gain the fundamentals required for ____ grade work, he must improve his work habits.
• _____'s efforts are inconsistent, particularly in ____.
• When not directly supervised, _____ makes little effort. _____ is eager to please.

Personality and Attitude - General report card comments:

• Although ______'s attitude toward his schoolwork has improved, it has not been consistent. Throughout the rest of the school year, he will require consistent guidance from both home and school.
• This report card reflects _______'s attitude toward school. He could do better if he worked harder and cooperated more.
• This reporting quarter reflects ______'s attitude toward our school rules, other students, and myself. She has the potential to be a successful student if she works hard enough.
• As my previous reports have shown, _____ does not complete his schoolwork. He can do better if he makes the decision to work harder and finish his assignments.
• Although _____'s attitude toward her classmates has improved, she still needs to be reminded to be respectful on a regular basis.
• As we discussed in our last meeting, _______ has a negative attitude toward basic skills. Please continue to do a nightly review with her, focusing especially on .
• Thank you for your enthusiasm for our class. I am pleased to report that ______ is improving in terms of his attitude in our classroom.
• ______ has made great strides this year in terms of her attitude in the classroom and on the playground.
• If ______ is to overcome her attitude and social difficulties, I will continue to need your assistance and support. If she can make a positive effort in this area, she will find school much more enjoyable.
• ________'s attitude has improved over time. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Personality and Attitude - Attitude:

• _____ has a fantastic attitude.
• _____ has a great attitude toward school.
• _____ maintains a positive attitude toward school.
• _____ takes responsibility well and has a pleasant demeanour.
• _____ takes the initiative and thinks things through on his own.
• _____ is changing his attitude toward __ grade.
• _____ must improve his or her classroom demeanour.

Personality and attitude - Personality:

• _____ is a nice student to work with.
• _____ is an exceptionally thoughtful student.
• _____ has a pleasant demeanour.
• _____ is a pleasant and friendly person.
• _____ is cooperative and content.
• _____ is courteous and cooperative.
• _____ has a friendly attitude.
• _____ is a joy to be around.
• _____ is a pleasant and helpful person.
• _____ is a pleasant and cooperative youngster.
• _____ is a cheerful, well-adjusted child, but_____.
• _____ is self-assured and well-mannered.
• We all enjoy _____'s sense of humour.
• _____ is amusing and enjoys the stories we read.
• _____ is easily disturbed.
• _____ is prone to crying.
• _____ appears tired a lot at school.
• Although ____________'s social maturity is increasing, it is inconsistent.

Personality and Attitude - Participation:

• _____ is excited about taking part.
• _____ contributes significantly in class.
• _____ is a frequent volunteer.
• _____ is eager to participate in all classroom activities.
• _____ is enthusiastic about what we do.
• _____ contributes significantly.
• _____ participates actively in discussions about ____
• _____ responds nicely.
• _____ addresses the group with confidence.
• _____ takes turns speaking.
• Participating in conversations and discussions is something that _____ enjoys doing.
• In class, _____ should take an active role in the discussion.

End of Year - General Report Card Comments:

• This year has seen a significant improvement in ______'s study habits. Please keep working on these abilities over the summer.
• Thank you for your interest in this year's schoolwork of _____ . Her work will provide her with a great deal of satisfaction if she continues to put forth the effort.
• ______ is a good citizen who works hard. I've had a great time having him in my class this year. Have a fantastic summer!
• This year, ______ has matured nicely. His progress over the last three months has been impressive. I'm hoping that this effort and attitude will continue into the next school year.
• Thank you for your interest in our class this year and for your support. ______ is a diligent student who should do well in the ____ grade.

End of Year - Phrases:

• This year, both academically and socially, ______ has matured nicely.
• ______'s friendly, genuine demeanour has made him a popular member of the __ grade.
• This summer, ______ would benefit from reading a lot of library books.
• If ______ is to succeed in the _____ grade, he must improve his reading speed and comprehension.
• As the year progressed, ______ continued to bloom.
• ______ made my year more enjoyable.
• ______ is a very pleasant and willing worker who takes a keen interest in all of her work. It's been great having her in my room.
• Thank you for the assistance I'm sure you've provided her.
• Please continue with _____ review and as many reading experiences as possible over the summer.
• Thank you for your interest in ______'s personality.
• I'm sorry I couldn't meet you this year.
• Thank you for your help.
• With her friendly, cooperative demeanour, ______ will always be a welcome addition to any class.
• I've had a good time being associated with ______.
• I had a great time having ______ in my class.
• It was a pleasure having ______ in my class.

Language Arts and Reading - Report Card Remarks:

• ______'s reading has improved significantly over the course of the year. Please continue to read with her every night.
• ______ is an excellent public speaker. Her written work, on the other hand, could be much better. With more effort, progress should be made gradually.
• ______ has made significant progress in her creative writing. She's gotten better at using more colourful words.
• ______ is making great strides in her reading of sight words. Please keep practising with him every night.
• Since the beginning of the school year, ______'s spelling scores have significantly improved. The fact that he studies his spelling words every night has made a significant difference. Thank you for your assistance.
• ______ is having trouble writing clear, fluent sentences, despite her best efforts. Is it possible for us to meet to discuss some useful strategies?

Language Arts and Reading - Listening:

• ______ pays close attention to stories.
• ______ can tell the difference between sounds in words.
• ______ has trouble differentiating between sounds in words.

Language Arts and Reading - Reading and Vocabulary report card comments:

• ______ picks up new words rapidly.
• ______ needs to improve his reading speed and comprehension.
• _______ has a well-developed reading vocabulary.
• ______ is a voracious reader.
• ______ is now aware of and proficient in the use of ____ consonant and vowel sounds.
• The sounds ____ and ____ are mixed up by _____ .
• ______ may blend short words without help by utilising the vowel(s) .
• ______ is working on attacking words on his own.
• The reading of ______ is.. (smooth, jerky, hesitant, rapid, irregular, or fluent).
• ______ understands what she is reading.
• ______ enjoys reading and is passionate about literature.
• ______ is able to read and follow instructions.
• _____ sight words are now recognised by ____ .
• ______ enjoys reading.
• To retain reading vocabulary, ______ requires a lot of repetition and practise.
• ______ continues to mix up words that appear to be the same.
• ______ is starting to read phrases and groupings of words.
• The reading of ______ is getting habitual.
• The reading of ______ is still not automatic.
• ______ enjoys talking about the stories we've been reading.
• ______ can read his sentences back

Language Arts and Reading- Speaking:

• ______ uses entire sentences when speaking.
• ______ expresses himself clearly.
• (Pronouns, verbs) are difficult for ______ to correctly use.
• Dramatization is something that ______ appreciates.
• ______ possesses a strong oral vocabulary.
• ______ employs proper punctuation.
• When speaking, ______ utilises a lot of colourful words.
• When speaking, ______ utilises (complicated, basic) sentences.
• ______ takes part in a group storytelling session.

Language Arts and Reading - Writing:

• ______ must use his or her abilities in all written work.
• ______ is a fantastic writer of creative stories and poetry.
• ______ can accurately arrange periods and question marks.
• In his writing, ______ employs a variety of colourful words.
• In her work, ______ employs (complicated, simple) sentences.
• ______ can now compose a complete sentence on his own.
• ______ can compose a two- to four-sentence original tale.
• ______ arranges words in the correct sequence.
• In writing, ______ demonstrates self-assurance.
• ______ can put together a number of similar sentences.
• ______ is working on expanding his spelling vocabulary.
• To look up unusual words, ______ consults a dictionary.
• ______ enjoys learning new words to spell.
• ______ has an easy time learning to spell words.
• ______ has a tendency of reversing letters in words.
• ______ has trouble memorising non-phonetic word spellings.
• To recall spelling, ______ makes use of hand or body motions.

General and Handwriting - General Report Card Remarks:

• ______'s basic skills are all on grade level, but he is not working to his full potential.
• Over the last quarter, ______'s schoolwork has improved. I sincerely hope that this work will continue.
• ______'s actions are still inconsistent. She continues to struggle with obeying school rules and treating other pupils with respect. Please call to schedule a meeting. Thank you for your unwavering support and assistance from home. It's clear that you've been spending extra time with ______ on his schooling.
• Since our last meeting, ______ has improved. I recommend that you keep working on ______ every night.
• ______ is a well-mannered and vigilant ____ grader. He needs to be encouraged to engage in class because he is a quiet boy. Any assistance you can provide from your own home would be really valuable.
• ______ has made a good transition to her new school. Could you please contact me as soon as you have moved into your new home to arrange a meeting?
• ______ is becoming more self-assured.
• ______ is adhering to grade-level standards.
• ______ does a fantastic job in everything he does.
• ______ is a hard worker who excels in all areas.
• ______ is a person who thinks clearly.
• ______'s thoughts are well-organized.
• It is important to encourage ______ to .
• ______ requires a lot of encouragement.
• ______ is a creative person.
• ______ is a frequent latecomer.
• ______ takes a lot of time off.
• ______ has not completed her makeup work.
• ______ is a bright student who appears to ponder deeply.
• ______ is quick to pick up on new concepts.
• ______ is a person who talks a much.
• ______ should devote more time to his or her allotted job.
• ______ does not devote enough time to his or her homework.
• ______ has to work on his or her self-control.
• A meeting has been requested.
• Please call to schedule a meeting.
• Your unwavering cooperation and assistance are greatly appreciated.
• It is conceivable for ______ to achieve higher grades than expected.

General and Handwriting - Handwriting:

• The handwriting of ______ needs to be improved.
• ______'s motor skills are good/ bad/ fine.
• ______ can print along the lines.
• ______ appropriately spaces letters and words.
• The work of ______ is untidy.
• ______ does not properly form letters.
• Although some of ______'s printing is excellent, it is frequently clumsy in daily assignments.

Category wise:

• Demonstrates perseverance in distance learning and serves as a role model for other students.
• TEAMS is used to submit class assignments and communicate with teachers and classmates.
• Has done an excellent job of navigating new technology and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Completes asynchronous and autonomous work and always meets deadlines.
• When it comes to completing learning assignments, she goes above and beyond in terms of detail and quality.
• With online learning, ____ has successfully maintained his/her class demeanour and work habits.
• _____ is methodical in his approach, thinks things through for himself, and is a quick and eager student.
• _____ is fascinated by the nature of learning and always puts in his or her best effort to find the greatest available solutions.
• _____ is a focused and enthusiastic participant in the online learning session, and works with zeal and determination.
• _____ is able to reach his or her full potential, as evidenced by his or her contributions to conversations and work submitted.
• Maintains focus in online learning despite technological challenges and changes associated with remote learning.
• ___ enthusiastically engages in class discussions and works effectively with peers.
• ___ takes charge of his or her own education and always asks for support when needed.
• Always arrives on time for class and is a dedicated student.
• ___ was usually well-prepared, well-organized, and enthusiastic about making the most of online classes.
• ___ is a dedicated student who participates actively in class. His/her suggestions are useful and entertaining.
• ___ takes an active interest in his or her own learning, pays close attention, and makes a concerted effort to avoid distractions that could disrupt the learning process.
• ___ is a person who takes responsibility and accountability seriously. He or she makes sound decisions and is open to new ideas.
• ___ gets along well with his peers and values varied viewpoints and experiences.
• ___ is constantly looking for ways to assist in the classroom.
• ___ is dependable and trustworthy, follows instructions well, and keeps his or her promises to himself and others.
• In written and verbal communication, ___ is thoughtful, insightful, and comprehensive, and has a talent for clearly conveying his or her ideas.
• When solving problems with students, ___ displays maturity and exhibits good communication skills when sharing thoughts and ideas about a certain topic/concept.
• ___ excels at transferring classroom knowledge to real-world and real-life circumstances.
• It's been a delight having ____'s energy, optimism, and maturity in my class.
• ____ is a classmate who is eager about learning and willing to try new things.
• During class, ____ is focused and willing to provide ideas.
• With confidence and determination, ____ completes solo work.
• ____ is a self-starter who takes pride in her job.
• In class, ____ is attentive and eager to engage in discussions.
• ____ is a very conscientious worker who puts in a lot of effort and attention on a daily basis.
• In his or her daily labour, ____ makes a willing and conscientious effort.
• ____ makes a conscious effort to study new things and improve his or her knowledge.
• This term, ____ has done an outstanding job confronting and overcoming significant obstacles. Throughout the summer, please continue to foster and support this behaviour.
• When given instructions, ____ takes responsibility and follows them.
• ____ has trouble keeping on task and finishing his or her assignment.
• He or she must pay close attention to directions in order to learn to operate autonomously.
• Reminders about the regular classroom schedule are required. It would be beneficial to talk about the classroom routine at home.
• Turns in incomplete work or no homework on a regular basis. Encouraging ____ to complete his or her work on time and according to the timetable and timeline set, so enhancing his or her organisational skills.
• Does not actively participate in group activities; therefore, is encouraged to put forth effort in order to improve communication skills as well as attention and confidence.
• ___ was an active participant in online learning sessions, but she needed to be reminded from time to time to allow other students to share their work and ideas as well.
• ___ participates enthusiastically in online group activities, but finds it difficult to work independently.

Below Average:

• During class, ___'s engagement and behaviour are inconsistent and disengaged.
• ___ is having trouble grasping concepts. It would be useful to pay more attention to the required tasks and to attend the online classes on a regular basis.
• When it comes to schoolwork, ___ needs a lot of help from adults. She has trouble grasping simple concepts and is unable to work on her own.
• In the online learning environment, ___ struggled to engage and participate in discussions and activities.
• ___ has not worked hard enough to satisfy the grade level objectives. It would be great to have regular work habits, active engagement, and the ability to clarify doubts.
• ___ needs to pay greater attention to guidance throughout lessons in order to apply concepts learned and complete given assignments.
• ___ would benefit from demonstrating a stronger desire to participate in class discussions.
• ___ needs to be reminded to pay attention during instructions and lessons on a regular basis.
• ___ has trouble focusing in class, which hinders his or her ability to participate fully in class activities and tasks.
• ___ is encouraged to make good use of his or her time in order to finish things on schedule.
• ___ is encouraged to take greater responsibility for completing chores without the need for frequent reminders.
• ___ must demonstrate that he or she is engaged in the learning process through the quality of his or her work and the efficient use of class time.

Use EduCloud Report Card system to create reports with inbuilt report card comment bank. Save your own comments for future use.

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How to create school and college student report cards online?

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100+ Positive Comments to Write on Student Papers That’ll Have a Lasting Impact

by Sara Ipatenco

Everyone loves to hear something nice, and that includes your students! Students of any age will feel so good about themselves when they read positive comments written right on their assignments. Seeing positive words will also give students the motivation to keep working hard because they know their efforts are being recognized. Positive and meaningful praise will also help students form a close bond with their teacher, which encourages children to work hard and learn a lot. Pick up your favorite pen and get writing.

Here are more than 100 positive comments your students would love to read!

• This is some awesome thinking!
• What terrific math skills you’re showing!
• You are an amazing writer!
• Wow! You have improved so much!
• You are showing excellent understanding!
• This is clear, concise, and complete!
• What a powerful argument!
• I knew you could do it!
• Wonderful ideas!
• It was a pleasure to grade this!
• Keep up the incredible work!
• My goodness, how impressive!
• You’re showing inventive ideas!
• You’ve shown so much growth!
• Interesting thoughts!
• I love your neat work!
• Doesn’t it feel good to do such great work?
• First-rate work!
• This is fascinating information!
• You inspire me!
• This is right on target!
• What an astounding observation!
• This is very well thought out!
• I can tell you’ve been practicing!
• You’ve come a long way!
• This has pizazz!
• I can tell you’ve been paying attention!
• Reading this made my day!
• This is very perceptive!
• What an accomplishment!
• You make a great point here!
• I really like your creativity!
• You are an exceptional student!
• You have brilliant thoughts!
• This is beautiful!
• Dazzling examples!
• Vivid language choices!
• You express your ideas so well!
• This was a delight to read!
• This is a persuasive argument!
• You show an impressive grasp on this subject!
• You are gifted!
• You are so clever!
• What a great learner you are!
• I value these thoughts!
• You are such a motivated worker!
• You show great attention to detail!
• You are so artistic!
• I am so proud of you!
• Lovely handwriting!
• Great example!
• You worked so hard!
• You are a star!
• You learned so much!
• You are so smart!
• You’ve made a lot of progress!
• What bright thinking!
• You rocked this!
• Great thinking!
• You did your best!
• I love this!
• You can do hard things!
• You are talented!
• You amaze me!
• You discovered something new!
• I enjoyed reading this!
• You are so ambitious!
• I appreciate your hard work!
• This is magical work!
• You did it!
• You’ve achieved so much!
• You really challenged yourself!
• I admire you!
• You are unstoppable!
• You have great ideas!
• This really sparkles!
• What a great vision you have!
• You have really improved!
• You’ve really grown!
• You are a snappy problem-solver!
• This really shines!
• You make me want to learn more!
• This made me smile!
• You are a winner!
• I love your creativity!
• You are so intelligent!
• You should be proud!
• You have amazing potential!
• This is top-notch!
• You deserve a high five!
• Way to think it through!
• This blew me away!
• These are fabulous ideas!
• This gets my seal of approval!
• This is quality work!
• You reached your goal!
• Out of this world!
• You’re on top of it!
• I can tell this is your best effort!
• I love how motivated you are!
• You are so focused!
• I’m so lucky to grade your work!
• I love your enthusiasm!

Your students will glow when they review their work as they read your positive comments. They’ll love it so much that you can look forward to even more excellent work to comment on!

Come join the conversation in the  #teacherlife community !

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47 Examples of Feedback for Teachers from Parents

Giving feedback to teachers can help ensure your teacher does their best job to serve you and your child.

Teachers are used to feedback from parents and aware of its importance.But sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what to say and how to say it.

Use these templates to get some ideas on how to give feedback to teachers that will help both you, the teacher and your child.

Key Points:

• Positive feedback to teachers can help brighten a teacher’s day
• Negative or constructive feedback needs to be polite and collaborative
• Make sure the feedback helps to improve your working relationship
• Use the below templates and examples to develop your own feedback.

Related article: 51 Thank you Messages for Teachers (from Students)

Examples of Positive Feedback for your Child’s Teacher

• “Thank you for your hard work in supporting my son / daughter as they develop. Your patience and commitment to supporting my child has mean a lot to our family.”
• “With your guidance, our son / daughter has developed into a confident and capable child. Thank you for being such an important part in our child’s development.”
• “Your expertise in teaching has put our minds at ease. We are so grateful to have you as our child’s teacher.”

“The past year has been difficult for our family, and you have been a stable and supportive part of our son / daughter’s life through this time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

• “It is clear that our child’s literacy and numeracy skills have developed considerably while under your care. Thank you for helping him / her to develop the skills and confidence that he / she will carry forward into the next school year.”
• “Our child comes home every day telling us stories about how fun it is to be in your classroom. Your play-based learning approach is amazing! Thank you for instilling this love of learning into our child. It has been such a pleasure watching him / her grow this year.”
• “We are well aware of the effort you put into each child in your class. Thank you for going above and beyond for our son / daughter and being such a caring and important part of our community.”

“Teachers put in so much more than 9 – 5 work hours. You’ve shown your commitment and love for our child and put in so much of your own time and effort. You are truly a godsend!”

• “Teachers require so many positive qualities like care, compassion, patience and commitment. You have all these qualities in abundance. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
• “We didn’t want a teacher who simply educates our child. We wanted someone who cares for our child. By helping our son / daughter develop his / her social skills and feel confident in your classroom, you have been exactly what we were looking for. We couldn’t be more thankful that we have had you in our lives.”
• “It’s great to see how visible and accessible you are around the school. We need a teacher who is available for discussions about our child, and we’ve found that with you. Keep up the great work!”
• “I wanted to share a sweet something to brighten your day – I asked my daughter how school is going this term and she said she LOVES you and her new friends. Thank you!”

Examples of Critical and Constructive Feedback for your Child’s Teacher

• “Our son came home the other day feeling like he was unsupported in your classroom. He has told us that he was distressed from something that happened in the classroom yet his complaints were dismissed. We are concerned that he has been overlooked. While we’re aware that you have many children in the classroom and that you have a tough job, but we would like to request that you pay special attention to the care you provide for the children (including our son!) when they’re distressed. We’d be happy to discuss this further with you by phone.”
• “We have noticed that what is being taught in the classroom appears to not be age appropriate. We’re not happy with our child being exposed to content such as inappropriate books / images before we as the parents feel our child is ready. We would like to respectfully request that this content be removed from the classroom.”

“We have not had communication from you in several weeks. We are concerned we have not been kept in the loop about what is being taught in our child’s class. Would you please send out a newsletter outlining what is being taught in the class and how the students are developing at the earliest possible opportunity?”

• “I wanted to get in touch with you about a concern my daughter has about her classmates. It appears there is bullying in the classroom that needs to be addressed. I am concerned that the classroom needs to become a safer and more inclusive space for our children. What intervention strategies might you be able to suggest be put in place to address this issue?”
• “It has come to our attention that our child is seated near some other children who are a distraction for their learning. Please work with our child to change their seating arrangement so that their learning is not disrupted by other children.”
• “We are concerned that we haven’t seen much progress in our child’s work over the past few months. Would we please book in some time to meet with you to discuss this further. Perhaps you could share with us what is being learned in class at the moment, and how you are supporting our child’s learning.”

“We have noticed that the homework coming home over the past few weeks has been too hard for our child. She has not been able to complete her homework as she does not understand it. We would like to request that work be provided at a more appropriate level. We want the work to be challenging but achievable.”

• “The work coming home for our child over the past few weeks has been far too easy and she is becoming bored. We would like to request that more challenging work be provided so that she can move forward and meet her potential.”
• “Having talked with some other parents, we feel that each time we enter the classroom it is noisy, disorderly and unfocused. We are concerned that discipline needs to be restored in order for learning to take place.”

“Our child is unprepared for the upcoming test. We would like to request that additional homework or schoolwork be provided so that our daughter feels more confident going into the exam. Could you please share with us insight into what you’re currently doing to help prepare her for the exam?”

• “Our son came home last Friday soaked and dirty from playing sports in the mid. We worry that playing in the cold rain may cause him to get sick. We would like to request that alternative indoor play arrangements be made on days when the weather is inappropriate for outdoor play.”
• “Our daughter is coming home telling us she is not playing with any other children during her breaks. We are worried she is being bullied in class. Can you please keep an eye out on her social interactions and report on any issues that may be taking place during class?”

Examples of Feedback for the Teacher at the end of the First Week of Class

• We always get nervous when our son / daughter starts with a new teacher, but you have set our minds at ease with your focus on creating a welcoming classroom environment.”
• “We were so happy to hear that you would be our child’s teacher this year. We can tell why you have such a good reputation in the school. The first week has gone off without a hitch, and we’re excited for the year to come!”

“In this first week at school you have helped our son / daughter feel comfortable in his / her new classroom. It has been a busy week, but knowing you’re there looking out for our child has been comforting to our family.”

• “We wanted to send through a quick note of appreciation at the end of the first week. Our child appears to have settled in well and we’re happy the year has gotten off to such a positive start.”
• “I’m just sending through a quick note with some feedback from the first week of class. The year started off a little bumpy and our son is still a bit intimidated about class. We appreciate your hard work over the past week, and would appreciate you staying in touch about how things progress over the next few weeks. We trust that you will work hard to care for all the children in the class and provide a safe and welcoming environment.”

Thanks to a Teacher after an Event

• “The school play / fete / event was a great success! Thank you for putting this together for our children. They will hold this memory in their hearts for many years to come.”
• “Thank you for your extra work and effort in the past few weeks. Preparing for this event has required additional time above and beyond your own workload, and we wanted to let you know we’re grateful for that. It really shows how you’re in this job for the good of the kids.”

“Wow it’s been a crazy time at school! I just wanted to send in a quick note of thanks for all your work in preparing the play / fete / event. Our son loved it and keeps saying he can’t wait for next year’s event!”

• “We wanted to let you know that while the play / fete / event had some problems, we do appreciate the hard work you put in. Hopefully next year we’ll sort out some of the initial teething issues and it’ll be more and more successful each year from hear on out!”
• “It was so great to see our beautiful daughter on stage singing with her friends at the play. Thank you so much for making this happen and for all the memories this has created for our child and ourselves. It was a smashing success!”

Feedback to a Teacher after Receiving a Report Card

• “Thank you for taking the time to write personalized information on our child’s report card. It is good to see how they are progressing in their learning. Your time and effort in teaching our child is appreciated by myself and my husband. I was wondering if we could take some time to discuss in person how we can work together to address some of the issues that you have raised. Do you have some time available one day after class next week?”
• “Thank you for the report card that you completed for our child last week. We are happy to see how she is progressing. We are concerned about some of the lower scoring criteria for our child, especially because we did not have advance warning that these lower scores were coming. We would like to meet soon to discuss how to move forward and improve these scores. Could you suggest a time that we could come in to meet with you?”
• “Thank you for the report card that you have prepared for our child. While we appreciate the brief report on the progress of our son, we’d like some more personalized input. Could you please share with us some personal insights into our son’s progress academically and socially this year?”
• “Hi, we just wanted to leave you a quick note to say my husband and I are thankful for the meaningful report card comments you provided for our son. We’re so glad to see he is progressing well in class with you. We look forward to a positive working relationship for the remainder of the school year!”

Examples of Feedback to the Principal

• “We wanted to send you a quick note to say that we’re so glad to have chosen your school for our child. Your leadership in creating a positive learning atmosphere across the whole school is very much appreciated and we look forward to a great relationship for the years to come!”
• “We wanted to pass on our concerns about some changes taking place in the school this year. The teachers are never available anymore after the new policies have been implemented and our children say they are less happy with their classrooms. If the school spirit does not improve shortly, we will have little choice but to remove our child from the school.”
• “We wanted to let you know of some concerns we’ve had about our child’s teacher. We have shared those concerns with the teacher, but as the supervisor, we wanted you to know as well. We were wondering if you could sit them down and have a discussion about our concerns about the lack of discipline in the classroom?”

“Hi. After giving our child’s teacher the time and patience to settle our child into her class, there still appears to be a clash between our child and her teacher. We would like to request that she be moved to the other class with the more experienced educator. Hopefully this will help our child start again with a blank slated. We’d be happy to discuss this more with you in person.”

• “I wanted to send you a note to let you know that we (and other parents) are disappointed with the new direction the school is taking. There seems to be a fall in morale among parents and teachers, and we’re concerned that this is impacting our children’s happiness in the school. Please re-focus on creating a happy learning environment for our children.”
• “Hi, I’d like to get in touch about some concerns we have about our son’s teacher. We are worried that the class is very unstructured and disorganized. Our child needs a clearer and more organized timetable to help him in his learning. We are hoping to get your help in getting the classroom teacher to provide a more structured learning environment. Can you help us with this?”

Examples of Feedback from Parents to a New Teacher

• “Hi, it’s so great to see you’ve come into teaching with such enthusiasm for your profession! You’ve set high expectations for our child and we think she’ll meet them! I wanted to let you know you’re doing a great job and we support you so much in what you’re doing. We look forward to working with you more throughout the school year!”
• “Hi, thanks so much for teaching our son this term! We wanted to get in touch with some feedback and to let you know of a few small concerns. We think you’ve done such a great job getting our child excited about school. However, we’re also a little concerned about the lack of discipline in the classroom. We’d like our son to work in a more structured, calm learning environment. We were hoping you’d be able to provide a more controlled environment next term, including through more structured classroom table layouts and preventing unfocused chatter.”
• “Hi, we’d like to get in touch to say you’re doing a great job in your first year of teaching. Our daughter loves to come to class every day. We only ever hear about class from her, though. Would it be possible to provide more newsletters or direct communication between yourself and the parents next term?”

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Self-Actualization Examples (Maslow's Hierarchy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Forest Schools Philosophy & Curriculum, Explained!
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Montessori's 4 Planes of Development, Explained!
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Montessori vs Reggio Emilia vs Steiner-Waldorf vs Froebel

1 thought on “47 Examples of Feedback for Teachers from Parents”

Thanks for the post and the great examples. I would also suggest there is value in being in contact throughout the school year. People are much more open to criticism when an ongoing relationship has been established. Working through a challenge may be more difficult if it is the the first/only interaction.

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Follow our news, recent searches, commentary: should holiday homework be banned, advertisement.

The June school holidays have started, but many students and families are experiencing a familiar mix of anticipation and dread, says Dr Eugenia Koh-Chua, a former lecturer and mother of two.

This audio is AI-generated.

Eugenia Koh-Chua

MELBOURNE: The June school holidays  have started for primary and secondary schools as well as junior colleges.  With school out, the fun should begin - but does it really?

While many look forward to a respite from the daily grind of school , the burden of holiday homework hangs over them.

For many parents and tutors, the mid-year break is also the perfect time for an extra academic boost. Let’s not forget June holiday boot camps and intensive revision programmes arranged by teachers and enterprising tuition centres for Primary 6 students taking their Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) this year.

The term “holiday homework” itself is contradictory, prompting the question: Should school breaks be a protected sanctuary from homework, or is the expectation of holiday assignments an unavoidable reality?

A BAN ON HOMEWORK? 

The debate surrounding holiday homework extends beyond the borders of Singapore.

In the Philippines, legislative attempts to enforce a weekend homework ban have been ongoing since 2016.  In 2021, the Chinese government enacted the Double Reduction Policy , which includes a limit on homework and a ban on private tutoring classes.

Meanwhile, in Poland, a ban on graded homework for students in lower primary took effect in April. Homework for children in upper primary levels is optional and does not count towards a grade.

These efforts share a common goal: To alleviate the burden of excessive homework and promote greater student well-being.  However, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable.

In China, the mandate has driven the industry underground and led to exorbitant rates , exacerbating educational inequity. The Chinese experience suggests the potential pitfalls of using a simplistic solution like a hard legislative ban to address a complex social issue.

Drawing lessons from these global examples, I wonder: Should the focus shift from eliminating homework to understanding why parents and schools perceive it as necessary?

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Is homework beneficial.

While the debate on homework rages on, educational research has acknowledged the many potential benefits it serves.

Homework helps to reinforce academic concepts at home, develops time management skills, and encourages independent learning in children. 

Learning at home can offer a more adaptable environment that caters to individual student’s learning pace and needs, particularly benefiting those who thrive with additional support.  Moreover, homework functions as a crucial link between school and home, allowing parents to stay informed of their children’s academic progress.

At the same time, however, an Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) survey published in 2017 showed that 66.7 per cent   of parents with primary school children agreed or strongly agreed that they were stressed over assisting with homework and ferrying them to and from school, and tuition or enrichment classes.

Additionally, nearly 94 per cent of parents in the study expressed a need for the primary school curriculum to be more manageable, reflecting the struggle many parents face in grasping the modern curriculum while balancing work demands in typical dual-income Singaporean households.

In my doctoral study on Singaporean parents’ tensions within education reform, one parent candidly remarked on this struggle: “I don’t think I can impart the (knowledge) skills to them. And I don’t want my children to lose out."

Consequently, many parents delegate homework guidance to educational experts - tuition teachers.

Families spent an estimated S$1.4 billion (US$1 billion) on tuition in 2018, based on data from the last Household Expenditure Survey in 2017 and 2018, up from S$1.1 billion in 2012 and 2013.

These insights highlight parents’ challenges in supporting their children’s learning at home due to a lack of knowledge, skills, time, and energy. Consequently, schools must consider these factors when designing and assigning homework.

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Perceived benefits of after-school learning.

Research consistently emphasises the importance of play in nurturing the holistic development of children. What then motivates parents to enrol their children in tuition classes during school holidays?

Many parents I’ve spoken say they feel like they have “no choice” as they mitigate the pressures of a high-stakes education system.

They question how much play alone can contribute to children’s social-emotional well-being if they fail to perform academically. One parent stated, “I don’t need (my child) to be at the top, but I don’t want him to be at the bottom either”.

Parental guilt also motivates many to enrol their children in out-of-school classes. As one parent explained: “If my kids are idle or roaming around at home, I will feel bad as a parent … because it feels like my child is wasting his life away”.

Teachers participating in my doctoral study also reluctantly acknowledge the value of tuition classes for “weaker students”. Unfortunately, in a class size of 40, teachers lack the time and staffing to cater to each child’s learning needs while covering the school curriculum.

They also cited pressure from school leaders and managing familial expectations to assign homework as an indicator of a “good teacher”.

FIND HARMONY, NOT BALANCE 

Amid the ongoing discussion on finding the right balance between work and play for students, the term “balance” implies a rigid 50-50 split between “work versus play”, overlooking the unique needs and strengths of each child, family, and school.

Rather than fixating on achieving a static “balance”, might it be better to consider striving for a harmonious blend between work and play? This approach encourages families and schools to identify the optimal mix that suits their specific contexts, fostering an environment where children can thrive in both learning and well-being.

The ideal combination of work and play will naturally vary in each family, classroom, and school, based on their diverse values, cultures, and aspirations. Nonetheless, this optimal mix should be viewed as fluid and dynamic, constantly adapting to suit the evolving needs of children.

Student agency is an essential ingredient in this optimal blend. Schools should actively seek student input on their homework experiences and understand their preferences for how it is assigned and evaluated.

This not only empowers students but also ensures that homework policies are responsive to their needs and interests.

Schools could consider moving away from compulsory holiday homework towards recommended assignments. Allow parents to determine and decide the homework load that best suits their child based on their family values and aspirations.

Many teachers are already offering non-mandatory assignments in the Student Learning Space online portal during mid-year and end-of-year school holidays. However, it is crucial to complement these assignments with online explanatory videos that provide solutions.

This approach is essential to support struggling students and enhance their self-efficacy by ensuring they understand how to approach and solve the questions independently at home.

Ideally, homework tasks should prioritise inquiry-based learning, embracing a play-based approach that fosters engagement and creativity.

Given the absence of time constraints in the classroom, these tasks can encourage students to explore core learning concepts with scaffolding prompts, developing learner autonomy, and stimulating greater engagement and creativity.

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Through collaborative efforts, schools and families can create a supportive environment that fosters student success and well-being.

In an ideal scenario, if schools and families can embrace a unified approach to revamping homework practices and reimagining the objectives of holiday assignments , we may just be able to find that sweet spot between work and play during the June holidays.

Dr Eugenia Koh-Chua is a sessional lecturer and educational researcher at Swinburne University of Technology (Melbourne). She is a mother of two and a former lecturer in Singapore.

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