Fostering academic (homework!) independence

Help your child become more independent with his schoolwork by employing the “gradual release of responsibility model.” Here’s the straightforward framework:

1. Model the task for your child: Explain the strategy you’re using, demonstrate using it successfully, and think aloud to make the strategy explicit.
2. Guided practice: Practice the strategy together while offering feedback and support.
3. Independent practice: Remove yourself from the equation and let your child practice the skill on his own.
4. Encourage new applications: Have your child apply the strategy in a new format, genre, or more difficult context. Taking this final step helps make the strategy “stick.”