Help Grandkids with Homework

Apps schools actually use

• Google Classroom — most US K-12 schools. The kid logs into classroom.google.com and sees assignments.
• Schoology / Canvas / Blackboard — what it\'s called varies by school district.
• Microsoft Teams for Education — used by some schools.
• PowerSchool — for grades and attendance. Parents log in for report cards.
• SeeSaw — common in elementary. Photos and videos of student work.

Helping a grandkid

1. Ask the kid (or their parent) "what app do you use for school?"
2. Sit with them at their device. Let them open it — they know how.
3. Find the assignment (usually says due date and instructions).
4. Read the instructions WITH the kid. "What\'s the question really asking?"
5. Help them think it through — don\'t do it for them. The goal is they learn.
6. If you\'re lost on the math (it has changed!) — search YouTube for "[topic] explained" — Khan Academy is excellent.

Free resources for any subject

• Khan Academy — free, K-12 + college. Math, science, English, history. Best free homework helper.
• Crash Course (YouTube) — short, funny, accurate videos on every subject.
• NoRedInk — grammar and writing practice.
• Duolingo — language homework.
• Photomath — kid takes a photo of a math problem; app shows step-by-step. Use as a TEACHING tool, not a cheat.
• SparkNotes — book summaries (last-resort study guide).

AI and homework — a tricky topic

ChatGPT and other AI tools can write essays. Most schools forbid using them for assignments — and detect them. But AI is great for:

• Explaining concepts ("What does photosynthesis mean? Explain like I\'m 10.").
• Generating practice problems.
• Brainstorming ideas (then the kid writes their own version).
• Checking their work AFTER they\'ve done it.

Talk to the parent about what\'s allowed before using AI.