THE ACCOUNTABLE HOUR
By Betty McCreight

	One of the questions parents most frequently ask teachers is, “What can I do at home to help my child?”  Ideally all parents want to provide a supportive and enriching environment for their children.  Realistically, parents are over-worked and struggling to keep up with family, home, job - modern life in general.  In spite of the fast-paced way we live, it is a parent’s responsibility to encourage the sense of duty and accomplishment that results from successfully completing homework.  This is possible and can be achieved by a child’s devotion to study for one hour each evening - not an unstructured hour, not a supervised hour, but an accountable hour.
	The purpose of homework is threefold:  1) to lead a child to think and work independently,   2) to reinforce recently accumulated knowledge,  3) and to apply learning to the context of life.  By providing a place for study, assisting with the time frame, and using appropriate praise, parents can help a child establish good habits.
            How is this possible?   First, include the child in the problem-solving process of determining time for homework.  Most younger children will not be able to attend to a task for an uninterrupted hour.  The two of you can work out four 15 minute segments or three 20 minute segments, for example.   Have the child tell you what will be attempted in a block of time.  Use a kitchen timer.  When time is up, look at the assignment, check for completion, not accuracy, and, most importantly, have the child explain the operation, concept, or process related to the assignment.   Understanding precedes explanation.   If the student is working on a particularly difficult concept, it may take several attempts and several practice sessions before the child reaches understanding.  Recognize and appreciate the attempts, keep praise specific and brief, and avoid threats and promises.  The latter will only weaken your position.  Tokens or stickers on a calendar are good visible rewards.
	The student who is disorganized, unmotivated, or forgetful needs the structured system and the sense of accomplishment that come from following through with tasks.  The parents’ resolve must be strong.  After all, parents are trying to establish noble goals - the values of self-discipline, good work habits, and a love of learning.
	Following are examples of the accountable hour in specific subject areas:
	social studies - If a child has to read a chapter in a textbook, the parent might ask for a brief summary of what has been read.  An atlas nearby would help parent and child find places on the map that were mentioned in the reading.  The student should attempt to pronounce the names and key words.  In addition, the child should be able to explain how that particular reading assignment fits in with the unit of study.
	math - Homework in math focuses on drill, practice 

and application of one  concept.  Have the child explain the concept and the steps involved.
	language arts - If  the assignment is a written paper, ask the child to read the paper to you.  Reading aloud will often call attention to mistakes in the paper.  Talk about the purpose of the paper and ask the child to explain the approach.  Call attention to good use of vocabulary and have a thesaurus nearby if one is needed.
	science - Science study guides contain specialized vocabulary and sequential information.  Again, make sure the child is able to pronounce the words and to make an attempt to explain procedures, concepts, cycles, or processes.   The student should go over science each evening because of the technical material.  It is helpful to have a tablet handy for the child to sketch a diagram during the explanation.
	If the child has no homework on a particular evening, the parent should insist on the structure of the accountable hour.  Have the student read a book and talk about the characters; why they behaved the way they did, who they remind the child of, or how the child would have handled the situation.  The student could draw a picture of a favorite part of the plot or an interpretation of the setting.  This would also be an excellent time to read and react to different articles in the newspaper. 
             Television viewing is even acceptable if the child assumes a participating role.  After viewing a 30 minute show, a child could jot down cause/effect examples, sequence the plot, or rewrite the ending.  The student could also comment on the commercials.  What is the purpose?  Why are only good things mentioned?  What technique is being used to convince the public? 
	The benefits of this specialized hour are worth the effort it takes to establish and maintain.  The child becomes an active rather than passive learner, feels accountable for the work, builds a foundation on how to learn, develops thinking skills, and hopefully establishes the habit of lifelong learning.