Many parents at SSELC feel nervous when their child brings home English homework. If you cannot read it yourself, it is easy to feel helpless. But here is something important to know: you do not need to understand the homework to help your child succeed at it.
Studies on children's learning consistently show that parental involvement matters more than parental knowledge. When a parent sits nearby, asks questions, and treats homework as a serious part of the day, children work longer, try harder, and feel more confident. You can do all of that without reading a single English word.
Your Presence Sends a Message
When you sit with your child during homework time — even quietly, even doing your own work — you are telling them: this is important. That message is more powerful than any answer you could give. Children who do homework alone, without a parent nearby, are more likely to rush, give up, or skip it altogether.
You do not need to check whether the answers are correct. Just being there is enough to keep your child focused.
Questions That Work in Any Language
You can support your child's thinking by asking simple questions — in Burmese, Shan, Chinese, or English, whichever is most comfortable for you. Try these:
- "What did your teacher say this homework is about?"
- "Can you read it to me out loud?"
- "What part is easy? What part is hard?"
- "Have you finished? Let me see."
These questions do not require you to know the right answers. They require your child to think, explain, and reflect — which is exactly the kind of practice that makes learning stick.
Build a Simple Routine
A consistent homework routine removes friction. Pick a time that works every day — after a snack, after dinner, or right after school. Pick a place that is quiet and has good light. Make it the same each time.
When the routine is predictable, your child stops arguing about whether to do homework. It is simply what happens at that time. This is one of the most effective things any parent can do, regardless of their own education level.
When Your Child Gets Stuck
If your child does not understand something and you cannot explain it, do not worry. Teach them this habit instead: write down the question, circle the part they do not understand, and bring it to the teacher the next morning. That is a skill they will use for life — knowing when to ask for help and how to ask clearly.
You can say: "I don't know this either. Let's write it down so you can ask your teacher." That is an honest and helpful response, and it models good learning habits at the same time.
Your Job Is Different from the Teacher's Job
Teachers at SSELC are responsible for explaining lessons, giving feedback, and building English skills step by step. Your job as a parent is different. Your job is to show your child that learning matters, that effort is expected, and that you are paying attention.
You do not need to speak English to do that job well. If you would like to understand more about how English is taught at SSELC and what your child is working toward, you are welcome to visit our English classes page or contact the school directly.