The document provides guidance for parents to help their children with homework. It discusses why homework is assigned, tips for parents to support their child's homework, and recommendations for how teachers can help train parent volunteers. The document also introduces VoiceThread as a free online tool that teachers can use to create mini-lessons for parents on academic concepts through collaborative multimedia presentations. Sample VoiceThread mini-lessons are linked on topics like blending words, phases of the moon, and persuasive essays.

1. Mini-lesson for Mama Tennessee Education Technology Conference Anna C. Clifford, Ed. D. Union University Jackson, TN December 3, 2010

2. “I want to help him with his school work, but I don’t know how!” …explained Mama.

3. Why Homework? Review and practice Next day’s class Learn to use resources Explore subjects more fully Apply skills they already have to new situations Integrate learning by applying many different skills to a single task U.S. Department of Education. (2002). Helping Your Child with Homework

4. Homework! “Knock—and the door may open, …”

5. Parents are the Key Provide models, instill values, and establish expectations Source of motivation Schedule regular time Choose a place Remove distractions Supply resources Monitor assignments Provide guidance and +R Baker, 2003; Bryan et al., 2001; Callahan, Rademacher, & Hildreth, 1998; Christenson, 2002; Patton, 1994.

6. Parent VolunteersSupported Activities Teachers should: give concise, well-written materials describing the activity demonstrate the activity, and be available to meet again or talk by phone to answer questions help parents maintain motivation, alleviate uncertainty, and feel self-efficacious, teachers might conduct several training sessions on homework or related topics throughout the yea help parents form small support groups trust and help parents correctly understand and implement activities Allington R. L, & Cunningham, P. M. (2002). Schools that work: Where all children read and write (2nd ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

7. Parent’s Cry “I want to help him with his school work, but I don’t know how!” …explained Mama.

8. Creative Help brief videotaped demonstrations Ganske, K., Monroe, J. K., & Strickland, D. S. (2003). Questions teachers ask about struggling readers and writers. The Reading Teacher, 57, 118-128.

9. VoiceThread http://voicethread.com Free Web 2.0 tool Collaborative, multimedia slide show Upload images, documents, and videos Comments in 5 ways – voice, text, audio file, or video + doodle Share

10. Mini-Lessons Mini-lessons/VoiceThread Standards Teach concept or skill Enhanced second language Original Photos Write script Title slide, standards, …and more doodle feature for highlighting Collaboration, as needed

11. Student Samples Blending a Word http://voicethread.com/share/638649/ Communities http://voicethread.com/share/635911/ Phases of Moon http://voicethread.com/share/849613/

12. Basic Words http://voicethread.com/share/849600/ Persuasive Essay http://voicethread.com/share/645000/ Metric Measurement http://voicethread.com/share/858404/

14. Unlock

15. Learners

16. Mamaneese