Parents were told at orientation that homework that cannot be completed by the child because he failed to understand the lesson must remain undone. The parents will note in the homework book that the work is incomplete due to lack of understanding. The child will then be retaught the lesson out of the classroom by the head teacher. Once the lesson has sunk in, the child will be expected to reattempt the homework at home.

The reasons given for this approach was simple. We as parents have different methods of teaching than how teachers have been taught to teach! In our misguided effort to help our child, we could do more harm than good thereby giving the teacher the hopeless task in trying to help our child “un-learn” the incorrect method and relearn the correct method of doing the work. It will therefore take twice as long for the child to grasp the lesson.

Homework is a test for the child, not the parent. Yes, we can assist by asking them the right questions and in so doing guide them to the correct answer, however doing the homework for them so they can get everything right is unnecessary.

Let them make mistakes. Let them get into trouble for not handing in assignments on time. It is in this way that they will grow as individuals and master themselves and their personal capabilities, inshaAllah, ameen. And Allah knows best.