There is much debate among educators, parents, and researchers regarding the best method to teach children to read. Even though, there is one thing most experts agree upon: reading is not merely sounding out words, but more importantly, constructing meaning.

How much help is appropriate? What kind of help should I offer? What do I do when my child doesn’t get his/her homework finished? These are just a few of the many concerns parents have voiced with regards to their involvement with their children’s homework. I’ve raised 3 high achieving children through sixth grade and up and taught public school for 17 years. The following commentary articulates the advice I’ve offered to many parents of students in my classes over the years.

For years I have been teaching students using what I considered to be an educationally sound and common pedagogical approach. It looked something like the following.