This week's topic is homework help and our expert is Joella Good Newberry, who currently is a fifth-grade teacher at Bear Creek Elementary School in Boulder, Colorado.

Your child will be bringing homework home from school almost every night. It may be reading or writing, a one-day assignment such as math or spelling or another weekly assignment or long-term project.

The purpose of homework is to reinforce what your child is learning at school and enlarge the concept of learning to include the world beyond the school door. What your child is learning and thinking about is very important. Besides the actual concept or skill to be practiced, homework is a vehicle for learning how to be an effective student. It teaches responsibility, independence and helps the child know that he or she is responsible for his or her own learning. How can you help?

Ask your child where he or she would like to do his or her homework. Some families work quite well supporting homework the "pioneer way" around the kitchen table together. This will give you a chance to be engaged in your own work, pay bills or write letters while serving as a consultant or facilitator to your child on an "as needed" basis. Even a younger student will feel the importance of "Mommy is doing her work and I am doing my work" while having support and attention without the frustration of being stuck for too long without guidance. Some children will prefer a quieter place with a closed door. Be sure to pop in to see how your child is progressing – it's easy to turn to comic books or a baseball card collection sometimes. Avoid the feeling of punishment by not barking "Go to your room now! Close the door and do your homework!"

Ask your child about homework with the same natural interest you would display when asking a friend about a good book. Use the same respect for what your child is reading and doing as you would for a friend's new job or project at work.

Ask your child to set up a weekly schedule for homework. Talk about soccer practice, piano lessons and Girl Scouts and come up with a plan of action. Help your child with follow-through on meeting the commitment to excellence. On Monday, the child may do homework from 4:00 to 5:30. On Tuesday, homework may be from 7:00 to 8:30 depending on the child's schedule. In some households, "study hall" takes place from 7:00 until 9:00. Time management and self-discipline are invaluable gifts you can provide for your child. An assignment notebook or "day-runner" for your child is a must to help support these goals!

What if your child says everyday, "I don't have any homework" and the school report shows otherwise? Setting up a structured time may help here. The student can read, practice spelling words, share stories or work on a writing piece, but the expectation at home is that learning continues and is enjoyable! In extreme cases, you may need to set up a very specific contract together.

Know that despite whatever works best in your household, the fact is that the homework is the child's and he or she can make choices about when and where (but not if!). Your respect and interest from a very young age are the most important factors in participating in homework without battles.

Reading to your young child through elementary school and beyond can set the tone for a cozy time of sharing and learning together. Let homework be the natural outgrowth of piling up the pillows or sitting in the rocking chair together rather than a control issue or point for rebellion. Let homework be a time for sharing in accomplishments and celebrate!