When students regularly attend school, they understand the expectations associated with each class. They know that there is a direct correlation between school attendance and homework and their academic success, including completing routine homework assignments. By missing school, students may find that it disrupts their overall routine or even makes it harder for them to stay motivated.
When you think of what makes a great student, what comes to mind? For most, there are two key factors: a student who shows up to school and one who follows through with their coursework.
The reason this is so important is that they fuel one another. When a student is present in class, they’re participating, asking questions, and understanding their expectations. They also know what they need to do at home, including homework and projects.
However, when a student misses school, they’re unsure of what’s expected of them. Even if assignments are sent home, it’s not as easy to ask the teacher questions when you’re not physically in the room. When students attend school, they understand the importance of taking an active role in their education.
How Attendance and Homework Connect
When students attend school regularly, they understand what’s expected of them with each assignment. Some homework assignments might be assigned nightly, while others might be part of a larger project.
Students in school know what the instructions are firsthand and can ask their teacher questions. They know what’s expected of them, the different deadlines, and what the teacher is looking for.
When a student is absent from school and receives a homework assignment, they may not know what to do, leaving room for interpretation and possibly leading them to complete the activity incorrectly. It’s important to remember that homework isn’t busywork.
Homework has a specific purpose: to reinforce what students learned in school that day. It also helps students focus on their critical thinking skillsand learn to work independently.
If students have less-than-desirable attendance records, it makes it difficult for them to learn how to work independently on assignments. It can also be hard for them to catch up on new and old material.
Teachers notice this trend immediately. When students show up for class, they are usually more confident in their work and may have better grades overall. They understand what’s expected of them for each assignment and can complete it with confidence.
They’re also able to be a contributing part of:
- Discussions
- Group projects
- Class debates
Even missing one class without a valid reason can make homework more challenging for a student who might not understand the assignment or the “why” behind it.
Routine Builds Responsibility
Attendance and homework are both parts of a student’s daily habits. They help students adopt a sense of consistency and understand that they can continue their education even at home.
With the help of student technology, they can constantly review what they learned in the classroom and reinforce it at night and on weekends as needed. They’ll take these learning habits and apply them even beyond graduation, into continuing education or into jobs.
It’s also important for parents to be part of this. When children see their parents taking an interest in their school attendance and homework, they understand that it’s important. Parents can teach their children this through small rewards. A sticker chart is great for younger children, and older children benefit from a different kind of reward, maybe getting to watch their favorite movie.
The Cost of Missed Days
It’s normal for everyone to miss a few days; however, even one day can throw off a student’s balance if they don’t understand their homework assignments. Students might miss an important concept being explained in class.
This can impact assignments down the road as homework becomes confusing. Students might lose confidence and may not even want to complete the assignment.
From this frustration comes incomplete homework assignments. This means they might not understand new material or experience learning gaps.
Teachers typically see this pattern more so in middle and high school. This is because assignments build on one another — math, for example, is cumulative. This is why students need consistent attendance: it helps them understand homework assignments, which in turn helps them thrive in academics and electives.
Homework as Reinforcement, Not Punishment
One of the biggest misconceptions is that homework is a type of punishment, when this couldn’t be further from the case.
Homework is meant to reinforce topics, especially the ones that are confusing. It’s also meant to help keep students motivated and improve student engagement so that they don’t lose interest in their classroom assignments from day to day.
This is why teachers need to remind families that consistent attendance makes completing homework assignments easier. Every time a student misses school, the reason behind their homework assignment becomes lost in the shuffle.
Purposeful assignments might start to feel meaningless. When students understand the homework importance and the value of showing up for school, they have an easier time completing assignments and staying motivated.
Developing Strong Study Habits Early
Elementary and middle school are the best times to teach students how to build strong study habits. This is when you want to explain to students that it’s important to show up for school and that completing their homework assignments is equally important.
In earlier grades, teachers typically communicate with parents through day planners. They also communicate through emails and daily folders. Inside these communication tools are lists of assignments.
Teachers and parents should keep in constant communication, reiterating expectations so no one is confused. From there, students can take what they’ve learned into high school and even beyond their educational career.
FAQs
Why Do Attendance and Homework Habits Matter So Much Together?
Attendance and homework habits reinforce one another. When students show up for school, they understand what their lessons are and what the expectations are in class.
This, in turn, helps them with their homework assignments and gives them more confidence. Strong homework strategies help students stay organized and prepared.
What Should Parents Do if Their Child Misses School and Has Homework Due?
The best thing parents can do is reach out to teachers as soon as possible. Most educators have flexible deadlines for students to complete their coursework and can guide expectations for homework and assignments.
How Can Teachers Encourage Students Who Struggle With Both Attendance and Homework?
The number one thing teachers can do is build trust with students. Teachers need to understand the difference between effort and perfection-what matters is that students are putting their best foot forward. Teachers can help these students by offering rewards for attendance streaks, checking in to see how they’re doing, and helping them understand homework assignments to improve overall school performance.
Is Homework Still Important in the Age of Technology and Online Learning?
Yes. Homework is important because it reinforces learning outside the classroom, something technology can’t replace.
What Are Some Ways Parents Can Support Homework Without Micromanaging?
Parents may want to designate a specific section of the home for homework time. This gives children a calm space to call their own.
Instead of hovering while your child completes their homework, let them know that you’re there to help if needed. When they’ve completed their homework, ask if they found anything challenging or what they thought of the assignment.
How Can Students Catch Up if They Fall Behind on Both Attendance and Assignments?
Instead of overwhelming themselves, students should start small. They should complete their most recent work first and then complete older assignments after the newer ones are done. This helps prevent them from becoming overwhelmed.
What Should You Do if You Have No Motivation to Do Homework?
The best thing you can do for students who lack motivation to complete homework is to set a timer, maybe 10 minutes, and have them focus on one task. Beginning is typically the hardest part.
Consider a reward system and keep maintaining it. If a student is still unmotivated, they might be confused by the work or feel that it’s irrelevant. Speak with their teacher for advice and explore simple academic success tips to rebuild focus.
Do Good Attendance and Homework Habits Actually Affect Future Success?
Absolutely. When students show up for school consistently and complete their assignments, they typically have higher graduation rates.
They may even have stronger work ethics, as they understand the value of following through on assignments. Additionally, students are known to have better time management skills, which will carry over into later life.
The Importance of School Attendance and Homework
Now more than ever, students need to show up to school consistently, engage with their coursework, and complete their assignments. They’re not just building habits that will extend beyond the classroom — they’re learning an important lesson about accountability through school attendance and homework. Homework isn’t busywork; it’s a way to reinforce important lessons from school while teaching students the importance of taking their education seriously.
Legacy Traditional Schools understand the importance of balance. Our teachers tailor each lesson or activity to meet a unique set of needs, with homework reinforcing these skills. What results is students who not only thrive in our nurturing environment, but who understand the importance of an academic routine rooted in success.
Enroll now and give your child an emotional and academic advantage.