5 Ways to Partner with Parents to Encourage Homework Help at Home

As elementary teachers, we always desire for learning to go on past our classroom doors. When done purposefully, homework can help reinforce skills, build responsibility, and strengthen the home-school connection.

We have a unique opportunity to create positive, supportive connections with parents that empower them to help their children confidently and consistently at home.

Here are 5 simple ways that helped me encourage families to be involved in positive, manageable, and meaningful ways.

At the beginning of the year, communicate that learning is a partnership. Let families know that their role in supporting and encouraging learning at home is essential, and that you’re there to help them along the way.

During your classroom open house, you might create a “Homework Tips for Families” handout or even a short video to invite parents to be involved in homework and learning at home. You could also add a note in your welcome letter to say, “We’re in this together!” and set the tone for a year full of collaboration.

When parents understand the goals behind the assignments and their role in the process, they’re more likely to help. Let families know the why behind homework: how it supports learning, builds responsibility, and provides practice.

Families are more likely to engage when homework feels doable and meaningful. Highlight the importance of reading together and engaging in family discussions at mealtimes.

Avoid busy work and make sure directions are easy to follow. Include examples when possible, and keep assignments age-appropriate in length and difficulty. Clarify how often assignments will be given, what types of tasks to expect, and how much help is appropriate.

Some parents may feel unsure about how to help. Offer easy tips like:

Encouraging a Routine
Set up a consistent homework time in a quiet space to help reduce stress and make it a positive time with your child.

Let Them Teach You
Ask your child to explain what they’re learning. When they teach what they know, it helps them learn it better.

Get Started Together
Read the directions together out loud and make sure your child understands the instructions. Provide support and encouragement along the way.

Offer Encouragement and Praise
Remind families to praise hard work, persistence, and progress, not just perfect scores.

If needed, consider hosting a virtual homework night or Q&A session for parents as part of Parent Teacher Conference. This can be a time to walk them through expectations, show tools or strategies, and answer questions such as simple routines for reading together, organizing supplies, or creating a checklist for daily tasks in a low-pressure environment.

Consider providing practical tools such as free websites, apps, or learning platforms that align with your curriculum and are parent-friendly.

Reassure them that parent involvement doesn’t mean hours of tutoring or reteaching lessons, and they don’t have to know all the answers. Sometimes, the best support is just being involved, asking a question to show engagement, or sitting nearby while a child works. Helping their child build a growth mindset is one of the most powerful things they can do.

Share successes with families! When you notice a child consistently turning in homework or showing improvement, a quick note, message, or phone call builds trust and shows parents that their support is making a difference.

Always lead with empathy and understanding. Every family’s situation is different, and flexibility goes a long way. Let families know they can communicate with you if their child is struggling or if an issue arises.

Remind them that their love, encouragement, and support matter most to their child. By showing families we’re partners in learning, we help create a supportive bridge between school and home that lifts every child.

Warmly,

Debbie