FAQ: Children's Learning

How do I find out what homework my child has?

At the beginning of the school year children receive a School Agenda. Teachers ask the children to write all of their homework and assignments in this agenda. To keep informed about your child’s homework:

  • Check the agenda every evening to know what your child is working on.
  • Use the space provided to write notes to your child’s teacher. 
  • Inform the teacher if your child is not writing in their agenda. 
  • Contact the child’s teacher at any time during the school year.

The amount of time a student spends on homework depends on the student’s needs, age and grade, subject, schedule, proximity of tests, examinations and project due dates. The following chart is suggested as a general guide only.

Grade

Most Evenings

JK - Grade 3

10-30 minutes

Grade 4- Grade 6

30-60 minutes

Grade 7- Grade 9

45-90 minutes

Grade 10- Grade 12

60-120 minutes
 

Where do I get help for my child with their homework?

Most TDSB schools have programs to assist children with their homework.

  • Talk with your child’s school about what is available in the school. 
  • Ask if the school offers remedial programs, peer tutors or homework clubs. 
  • Talk with your child’s teacher about extra help. 
  • Ask at the secondary school if they offer extra help in skills labs at lunchtime or after school. 
  • Check in your community for homework clubs available at local community centres. 
  • The Ministry of Education has helpful resources with homework online. 
  • The TDSB's Parent webpage has a homework section that provides helpful tips.
 

What can I do to help my child with learning?

You can help your child in the following ways:

  • Encourage reading time in your family. 
  • Discuss the day’s events with your children. 
  • Introduce your children to resources in the community, such as homework clubs and libraries. 
  • Provide your child with encouragement and suggestions. 
  • Allow your child to find the solution for problems, if at all possible.

You can also help your child with homework by creating good study habits.

  • Set a consistent time when homework will be done every night. 
  • Provide a quiet place away from distractions such as television and telephone. 
  • Encourage your children to practice mathematics, reading, and writing skills daily. 
  • Talk with your children about what they are learning in school. 
  • Read together with younger children. 
  • Encourage your children to help you in reading and writing, recipes, newspapers, letters, shopping lists. 
  • Encourage your children to ask the teacher for help if they find the work difficult or confusing. 
  • Keep in touch with the teachers and call when you have a question or a concern. 
  • Check that homework is completed. 
  • Praise and encourage your children. 
  • If your child does not have homework, encourage your child to review past assignments, or notes.
 

How do I help my child to be successful at school?

Being involved in your child’s learning will help them to be successful.

  • Praise your children and help them feel good about themselves.
  • Re-assure your children when they encounter difficulty or failure.
  • Talk regularly with your children about their school experiences.
  • Encourage your children to talk with you about any problem they may have with relationships.
  • Help your children to set goals for themselves in their school work and in their home life.
  • Help your children organize their time so that there is a balance between school work, home responsibilities and social & recreational activities.