There was an interesting article in this weekend’s Citizen, reprinted from Salon, about homework. Specifically, the article is an interview with Nancy Kalish, co-author of the book The Case Against Homework. Kalish argues that “homework is diminishing children’s educational experience, turning kids off learning, putting strains on families, turning students into ‘homework potatoes’ and stunting cognitive and social development.”
Being on the precipice of Tristan’s scholastic career (first day tomorrow!), I find myself increasingly interested in this debate. From what I’ve heard anecdotally, even the junior kindergarten kids have a little bit of homework to do these days. What kind of homework could they possibly have? Play with play dough? Eat paste?
Maybe it’s because I grew up in the touchy-feely 1970s, when self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment were valued more highly than memorizing multiplication tables, or maybe it’s because I was clever enough to skate by without it, but I never had to do much homework. I remember using the family’s ancient (circa 1956) encylopedia to write a paper on Sri Lanka when I was in Grade Four, and I remember studying for exams in high school. But homework was the exception rather than the rule.
So what do you think? Is homework a scourge, or a necessary part of the learning process? One rule of thumb I’ve heard is ten minutes per day per grade, but to be honest, even that seems excessive to me. Maybe 20 minutes per week per grade of school, at least for the first five or six years.
I’ll admit, I don’t really know what I’m talking about on this. I’m long on opinion, short on fact. Aside from any impact on the child, I resent the incursion of yet another battle into our daily lives, and I cringe to think of our daily battle over getting Tristan to sit still through dinner and eat two more bites morphing into a second battle over getting him to do his homework. And there goes our evening, often the only ‘quality’ time we spend together as a family during the week. (Not to mention the fact that, at least at this age, the evenings are so much more mangageable on the days we can get out of the house for a run at the park or a walk around the block or even an hour playing in the driveway, rather than being cooped up in the house.)
On the eve of Tristan’s first day, I won’t get too worked up about this just yet. After all, I’m ridiculously proud and excited to finally be the mother of a school-age child, and I can’t wait to see him take off on this new adventure. But I’m curious as to your opinion on the homework debate. What is it like where you live? Do you think kids are doing too much or too little homework? Do you ‘help’ with homework, or just oversee and enforce? Even if you don’t have schoolage kids yet, feel free to hyperbolize wildly – it certainly hasn’t stopped me.
Today’s assignment? Argue for or against homework cohesively, concisely and competently in the comment box.
As you know I’m the mom of both a soon to be high school graduate and one entering into a system here in Quebec that has changed radically in the last 4 years.
But that’s not your question and a Rant for another day.
Homework. I’ve got 2 minds about it. One part of me says NO HOMEWORK. Especially under grade 3. As your working up toward junior high yes some is good if you don’t finish it in class. Some outsdie projects as long as they are not too long.
The other half of me thinks it’s good that they have some homework just to get them used to doing it and realize that they do have to work abit to get through it. Now Nathan has NOT gotten anything yet. BUT School has just started. I’m expecting that there will be home reading to do, which is where he brings home a book and I read to him. Did it with Miranda and it helps them get into the idea that they may have some homework. Also they have told us at no matter what age that if they are struggling with the homework to stop after 20 min and write a note. Sleep and rest are more important than finishing the sent homework.
This is something we have had to struggle with, with Miranda. She is a A type personality and want to finish everything and do above what is required or even needed and will work till 3 in the morning to do it. We limit it to 11 o’clock. 8 when she was in the later years of elementray school. And she is a good student. NO, A great Student.
So I guess I’m saying some within reason. Some sort of READING for sure with the parent. And in relation to the age. NO MORE than 10 min for sure under grade 2 or 3. The world does not fall apart if you don’t get it done. At some point you have to say WOAH!
I remember doing homework and crying becasue Mom was making me do it and I didn’t want to. Spelling words and finishing my math homework. Drove me nuts and I was tired. I was never a great student. No kids needs to be driven to tears for this.
Interesting Dani. Miranda for sure is doing too much but that is her personality. Her Boyfriend does NOTHING and still gets ok grades. And that is his personality.
As you know I’m the mom of both a soon to be high school graduate and one entering into a system here in Quebec that has changed radically in the last 4 years.
But that’s not your question and a Rant for another day.
Homework. I’ve got 2 minds about it. One part of me says NO HOMEWORK. Especially under grade 3. As your working up toward junior high yes some is good if you don’t finish it in class. Some outsdie projects as long as they are not too long.
The other half of me thinks it’s good that they have some homework just to get them used to doing it and realize that they do have to work abit to get through it. Now Nathan has NOT gotten anything yet. BUT School has just started. I’m expecting that there will be home reading to do, which is where he brings home a book and I read to him. Did it with Miranda and it helps them get into the idea that they may have some homework. Also they have told us at no matter what age that if they are struggling with the homework to stop after 20 min and write a note. Sleep and rest are more important than finishing the sent homework.
This is something we have had to struggle with, with Miranda. She is a A type personality and want to finish everything and do above what is required or even needed and will work till 3 in the morning to do it. We limit it to 11 o’clock. 8 when she was in the later years of elementray school. And she is a good student. NO, A great Student.
So I guess I’m saying some within reason. Some sort of READING for sure with the parent. And in relation to the age. NO MORE than 10 min for sure under grade 2 or 3. The world does not fall apart if you don’t get it done. At some point you have to say WOAH!
I remember doing homework and crying becasue Mom was making me do it and I didn’t want to. Spelling words and finishing my math homework. Drove me nuts and I was tired. I was never a great student. No kids needs to be driven to tears for this.
Interesting Dani. Miranda for sure is doing too much but that is her personality. Her Boyfriend does NOTHING and still gets ok grades. And that is his personality.
Sorry. I’m about to hijack your comments. 🙂
I used to roll my eyes at kiddie homework, as I come from the same era you do. I don’t remember doing much, and I certainly don’t remember my parents helping me. I did fine. 🙂
We got homework last year for the first time (Emma/grade one) and I’ve since come to accept it as something positive.
The way it works in our school is this: the kids receive a homework package on Friday, and have until the following Friday to complete it. There’s maybe 5 or 6 pages of different little assignments: some math, fun learning games, and some reading and spelling practice.
I admit, we help her along a little, and there have been times when I’ve gnashed my teeth in frustration, but on the whole it has been a good thing. I think our job is to oversee, not overtake*, and definitely not mess with the teacher’s system of teaching things.
It’s up to the kid (and the parent) to decide when they do it. This is the idea behind the package. It gives you some wiggle room if your kid does any afterschool/evening activities.
The homework is easily completed if you space it out and give the kid about 20 minutes every night. (The first thing the experts will tell you is to establish a routine, this is so true!)
I see the homework as extra practice. It gives the kids a kickstart, especially in families who don’t do this kind of stuff on their own. For example, we do a lot of reading and writing with our kids, and incorporate science and counting into our everyday lives (“Let’s count how many steps to the park!”). Some kids need the homework more than others. And ultimately it takes some pressure off the teachers. That’s why it’s there.
* One of my pet peeves is when parents do their kids projects for them. Emma had a big project last year where she had to plan and build a miniature playground out of things around the house, cardboard etc. She made a great little model, but you wouldn’t believe what the other kids brought in. It was so obvious the work wasn’t theirs…
Sorry. I’m about to hijack your comments. 🙂
I used to roll my eyes at kiddie homework, as I come from the same era you do. I don’t remember doing much, and I certainly don’t remember my parents helping me. I did fine. 🙂
We got homework last year for the first time (Emma/grade one) and I’ve since come to accept it as something positive.
The way it works in our school is this: the kids receive a homework package on Friday, and have until the following Friday to complete it. There’s maybe 5 or 6 pages of different little assignments: some math, fun learning games, and some reading and spelling practice.
I admit, we help her along a little, and there have been times when I’ve gnashed my teeth in frustration, but on the whole it has been a good thing. I think our job is to oversee, not overtake*, and definitely not mess with the teacher’s system of teaching things.
It’s up to the kid (and the parent) to decide when they do it. This is the idea behind the package. It gives you some wiggle room if your kid does any afterschool/evening activities.
The homework is easily completed if you space it out and give the kid about 20 minutes every night. (The first thing the experts will tell you is to establish a routine, this is so true!)
I see the homework as extra practice. It gives the kids a kickstart, especially in families who don’t do this kind of stuff on their own. For example, we do a lot of reading and writing with our kids, and incorporate science and counting into our everyday lives (“Let’s count how many steps to the park!”). Some kids need the homework more than others. And ultimately it takes some pressure off the teachers. That’s why it’s there.
* One of my pet peeves is when parents do their kids projects for them. Emma had a big project last year where she had to plan and build a miniature playground out of things around the house, cardboard etc. She made a great little model, but you wouldn’t believe what the other kids brought in. It was so obvious the work wasn’t theirs…
There is homework for the mom in the Kindergarten years (believe it or not, I was required to cut and paste the activities for the class and at times it was 3 – 4 hours per week). In grade one, we received the same packages as Andrea. Less in grade two but I am told to expect quite a bit in grade three.
Your approach totally depends on how you perceive school. *Personally* I see school as an addition to what I am teaching at home. Not the ONLY part of learning for my kids. As that, I think homework is very positive. There is simply not enough time in a classroom of 25 kids for the teacher to ensure that each child grasps the concepts necessary.
My kids each have their own Scholastic work book that we work at 10 – 20 minutes most days. We do pages during the summer to keep their skills up. We do this in addition to homework.
Is there wailing and gnashing of teeth? Sometimes, yes. For the most part, the kids accept it as part of their routine. Sort of like brushing your teeth and putting away your laundry. It is part of what you need to do in order to get out to the park with your friends.
So far, I am only gauge how my grade three student is doing as the others are too young. He is a bright kid with mostly As on his report card. We don’t focus too much on the report card though – more on his abilities at home and his willingness to learn. Report cards will become more important at the higher grades I figure.
There is homework for the mom in the Kindergarten years (believe it or not, I was required to cut and paste the activities for the class and at times it was 3 – 4 hours per week). In grade one, we received the same packages as Andrea. Less in grade two but I am told to expect quite a bit in grade three.
Your approach totally depends on how you perceive school. *Personally* I see school as an addition to what I am teaching at home. Not the ONLY part of learning for my kids. As that, I think homework is very positive. There is simply not enough time in a classroom of 25 kids for the teacher to ensure that each child grasps the concepts necessary.
My kids each have their own Scholastic work book that we work at 10 – 20 minutes most days. We do pages during the summer to keep their skills up. We do this in addition to homework.
Is there wailing and gnashing of teeth? Sometimes, yes. For the most part, the kids accept it as part of their routine. Sort of like brushing your teeth and putting away your laundry. It is part of what you need to do in order to get out to the park with your friends.
So far, I am only gauge how my grade three student is doing as the others are too young. He is a bright kid with mostly As on his report card. We don’t focus too much on the report card though – more on his abilities at home and his willingness to learn. Report cards will become more important at the higher grades I figure.
I don’t know.
I think learning should be fun. I think kids are naturally curious, and that a learning routine that is too structured or intense can stamp that curiosity out. So it should depend on the child and their stage of development etc.
I can see that homework, properly structured, can be a really positive thing for a lot of kids. I can also see that it could be really negative for other kids.
I never had to do homework, not because we didn’t have any but because I always finished the class lessons early and just did it then. If I’d been forced to do the extra assignments at home, it would have driven me flipping mad.
I don’t know.
I think learning should be fun. I think kids are naturally curious, and that a learning routine that is too structured or intense can stamp that curiosity out. So it should depend on the child and their stage of development etc.
I can see that homework, properly structured, can be a really positive thing for a lot of kids. I can also see that it could be really negative for other kids.
I never had to do homework, not because we didn’t have any but because I always finished the class lessons early and just did it then. If I’d been forced to do the extra assignments at home, it would have driven me flipping mad.
I never minded my older kids having homework – it gave me a chance to see what they were doing in school, and a way to be connected to that part of their lives – especially if you are a working parent.
It also gave me a chance for some one on one time when they needed help – some kids need more help than others.
It also gives you (and the system) a chance to identify any weaknesses that your child may have. I don’t think a teacher with 30 kids (and maybe a split grade) can possibly spend enough time with each child individually. This is not a critique of the teachers, just a reality. If you had 30 children at home, how much attention could you give each of them.
Personally, I feel that education is a 24 hour a day process, and teaching comes from the home and the school – always in different formats and different styles, but sooner or later things will click. E.G. if a kid is having problems with math word problems (Train A leaves at…) then you could have this as a supper table discussion, but not in the same presentation as at school.
So… I think homework teaches them structure, that extra work is an OK thing, to be productive, that learning is fun, to take pride in their school work by bringing it home, and that their parents care about them.
just make sure there is still lots of play time!
I never minded my older kids having homework – it gave me a chance to see what they were doing in school, and a way to be connected to that part of their lives – especially if you are a working parent.
It also gave me a chance for some one on one time when they needed help – some kids need more help than others.
It also gives you (and the system) a chance to identify any weaknesses that your child may have. I don’t think a teacher with 30 kids (and maybe a split grade) can possibly spend enough time with each child individually. This is not a critique of the teachers, just a reality. If you had 30 children at home, how much attention could you give each of them.
Personally, I feel that education is a 24 hour a day process, and teaching comes from the home and the school – always in different formats and different styles, but sooner or later things will click. E.G. if a kid is having problems with math word problems (Train A leaves at…) then you could have this as a supper table discussion, but not in the same presentation as at school.
So… I think homework teaches them structure, that extra work is an OK thing, to be productive, that learning is fun, to take pride in their school work by bringing it home, and that their parents care about them.
just make sure there is still lots of play time!
OH Andrea…That’s one of my pet peeves too.
One of Miranda’s closest friends is very bright, top of the class, but Staying there was important to her parents. I found this out after they left grade school. They used to write the oral speeches and do the science projects for them. And you’d think they would learn, for the teachers knew this and they would not win anything for the parents effort. And the parents never said a word because they would have to admit they did the work while the kid watched.
I have to say I noticed this when Miranda had won the board finals with her speech she wrote in Grade 4. Her mother called the Judges to fine out WHY Miranda won so she could coach her daughter the next year. And she told me this. SIGH.
So what did this girl really learn. How to let you parents win for you?
SIGH. Double Sigh.
OH Andrea…That’s one of my pet peeves too.
One of Miranda’s closest friends is very bright, top of the class, but Staying there was important to her parents. I found this out after they left grade school. They used to write the oral speeches and do the science projects for them. And you’d think they would learn, for the teachers knew this and they would not win anything for the parents effort. And the parents never said a word because they would have to admit they did the work while the kid watched.
I have to say I noticed this when Miranda had won the board finals with her speech she wrote in Grade 4. Her mother called the Judges to fine out WHY Miranda won so she could coach her daughter the next year. And she told me this. SIGH.
So what did this girl really learn. How to let you parents win for you?
SIGH. Double Sigh.
Oh that comment above was me.
Oh that comment above was me.
You got me thinking about how much time my girls spend on homework, on average, because I’ve never actually sat down and tried to figure it out.
It’s hard to say, between tests, projects and just plain worksheets and writings.
Take, last night, for instance, Emma (3rd grade) had a math worksheet and that was it. It probably took her about 10 minutes to do, so that was fine. Not too much. Anna (5th grade) had a story to write using all of her vocabulary words for the week (words that went together in no way, shape, or form . . ‘bushel’ and ‘paralyzed’ for instance. WFF?). She also had to study for a social studies test, which we did for about 30 minutes, but that probably wasn’t nearly long enough.
The thing is, when you have more than one child, and a full-time job, there’s just.not.enough.time. That’s it. I like to allow them to go outside and play for a while, and then there’s baths, supper and whatnot and the evening is gone.
What’s the ideal amount of homework? I wish I had the answer, but I’m leaning more towards ‘less is more’.
You got me thinking about how much time my girls spend on homework, on average, because I’ve never actually sat down and tried to figure it out.
It’s hard to say, between tests, projects and just plain worksheets and writings.
Take, last night, for instance, Emma (3rd grade) had a math worksheet and that was it. It probably took her about 10 minutes to do, so that was fine. Not too much. Anna (5th grade) had a story to write using all of her vocabulary words for the week (words that went together in no way, shape, or form . . ‘bushel’ and ‘paralyzed’ for instance. WFF?). She also had to study for a social studies test, which we did for about 30 minutes, but that probably wasn’t nearly long enough.
The thing is, when you have more than one child, and a full-time job, there’s just.not.enough.time. That’s it. I like to allow them to go outside and play for a while, and then there’s baths, supper and whatnot and the evening is gone.
What’s the ideal amount of homework? I wish I had the answer, but I’m leaning more towards ‘less is more’.
My baby is 18 months old so we are a long way off from homework.
But, like you, I never did much homework. In elementary school, I never had much homework. When I got to high school there was much more but I had an amazing memory (where did that go?) and I grasped things quickly. When I did do homework it was mostly sitting in front of my locker, finishing that composition I had 2 weeks to do. It all worked out well for me and I graduated with high a high 80 average. Then I got to cegep. Uh oh. I was totally lost. No work ethic. Papers were late, half done. I was drowning in the work from 7 classes. And studying, hah!
So I think *some* homework is good to start teaching the habit early. However, I think it should be more about reviewing what you learned and applying it in a small way. *shrugs* I will be screaming about it when Amelia brings home her French and math homework and Jaimie has bailed to the basement. But that’s an arguement for another day.
My baby is 18 months old so we are a long way off from homework.
But, like you, I never did much homework. In elementary school, I never had much homework. When I got to high school there was much more but I had an amazing memory (where did that go?) and I grasped things quickly. When I did do homework it was mostly sitting in front of my locker, finishing that composition I had 2 weeks to do. It all worked out well for me and I graduated with high a high 80 average. Then I got to cegep. Uh oh. I was totally lost. No work ethic. Papers were late, half done. I was drowning in the work from 7 classes. And studying, hah!
So I think *some* homework is good to start teaching the habit early. However, I think it should be more about reviewing what you learned and applying it in a small way. *shrugs* I will be screaming about it when Amelia brings home her French and math homework and Jaimie has bailed to the basement. But that’s an arguement for another day.
Homework. UGH. I live in the states so my experiences are probably different. My oldest is in the seventh grade and, surprisingly, the homework load has gotten lighter. I’d say we were pretty maxed out in grades four and five. My husband and I both work and we have two kids. We allow them each one extracurricular activity. It doesn’t seem excessive, but when you add in homework it’s practically unbearable!! As someone said earlier, there’s just not enough time!
Homework assigned as “homework” on a regular basis is, in my opinion, not a good thing. Homework because it didn’t quite get finished in class is totally fine. The latter is what we’re seeing now.
BUT, I just sent my youngest to kindergarten so I’m prepared to go through it all again. And who knows what high school will be like? The thought of sitting and getting two boys to do homework is just overwhelming.
And while we’re on the subject of learning…I’ve recently read The Minds of Boys by Michael Gurian and Kathy Stevens. It is, I think, a must read for those of us with sons. Quite honestly, I think it should be a must read for all teachers!!
Homework. UGH. I live in the states so my experiences are probably different. My oldest is in the seventh grade and, surprisingly, the homework load has gotten lighter. I’d say we were pretty maxed out in grades four and five. My husband and I both work and we have two kids. We allow them each one extracurricular activity. It doesn’t seem excessive, but when you add in homework it’s practically unbearable!! As someone said earlier, there’s just not enough time!
Homework assigned as “homework” on a regular basis is, in my opinion, not a good thing. Homework because it didn’t quite get finished in class is totally fine. The latter is what we’re seeing now.
BUT, I just sent my youngest to kindergarten so I’m prepared to go through it all again. And who knows what high school will be like? The thought of sitting and getting two boys to do homework is just overwhelming.
And while we’re on the subject of learning…I’ve recently read The Minds of Boys by Michael Gurian and Kathy Stevens. It is, I think, a must read for those of us with sons. Quite honestly, I think it should be a must read for all teachers!!
How much homework my kids have depends on the night of the week, whether they have projects to do etc… This year we have one in SK, one in Grade 3 and one in Grade 5.
Some of their teachers have had weekly homework. A package brought home on Monday and to be sent back completed by Friday. I liked this idea. It taught them time management. None of the required work was more than ten minutes long.
Other teachers use homework only as a tool to complete unfinished class work.
I’ve found, for all teachers, reading is always required. They’ve all had reading logs which I like. It challenges them to read more. We also get a note encouraging us to quiz them on what they’ve read. Cause it’s one thing to rack up books you’ve read, but if you don’t retain what you’re reading, why do it?
Our daughter in SK started JK in a new school from her sisters. There was no homeowrk in JK/SK in the old school. In the new one, Meg did have a Sound And Letter book. She had to paste a sound card in a book and then draw pictures of items that started with that sound. She loved working on her homework with her sisters!
I don’t mind homework. It can be a drag, but so far we haven’t had an unreasonable amount of it.
How much homework my kids have depends on the night of the week, whether they have projects to do etc… This year we have one in SK, one in Grade 3 and one in Grade 5.
Some of their teachers have had weekly homework. A package brought home on Monday and to be sent back completed by Friday. I liked this idea. It taught them time management. None of the required work was more than ten minutes long.
Other teachers use homework only as a tool to complete unfinished class work.
I’ve found, for all teachers, reading is always required. They’ve all had reading logs which I like. It challenges them to read more. We also get a note encouraging us to quiz them on what they’ve read. Cause it’s one thing to rack up books you’ve read, but if you don’t retain what you’re reading, why do it?
Our daughter in SK started JK in a new school from her sisters. There was no homeowrk in JK/SK in the old school. In the new one, Meg did have a Sound And Letter book. She had to paste a sound card in a book and then draw pictures of items that started with that sound. She loved working on her homework with her sisters!
I don’t mind homework. It can be a drag, but so far we haven’t had an unreasonable amount of it.
Oh crap you just reminded me that my 5th grader was supposed to bring in 10 small items from around the house. I knew, he knew – we forgot. And guess what? He’s going to lose five points over it. Seems a bit silly to me – I mean, even adults forget things sometimes. I’m all for consequences but there are nights when you get busy or preoccupied and it doesn’t happen. But the kids lose points (5 per assignment!) if/when this happens.
Here in the states, it varies so much from place to place. My son has had homework, almost nightly, since kindergarten. Has it done him good? Some, I’m sure. But for the most part it’s just made our evenings difficult. I’m a single mother, I work, I have another child… I don’t really have the time/mental room/whatever to keep up with 5th grade homework. I have friends who are married-stay-at-home moms who can and do keep on top of it all. And their kids never lose the 5 pts. Mine does. And while I realize he should be responsible for his own work, it’s simply not a fair system for all kids all the time. What works for one family won’t work for another, yet the kids lost points if, for whatever reason, they can’t get to everything every night.
Yeah, the amount of homework, the emphasis, just… the homework frustrates me.
Did any of that make sense?
Oh crap you just reminded me that my 5th grader was supposed to bring in 10 small items from around the house. I knew, he knew – we forgot. And guess what? He’s going to lose five points over it. Seems a bit silly to me – I mean, even adults forget things sometimes. I’m all for consequences but there are nights when you get busy or preoccupied and it doesn’t happen. But the kids lose points (5 per assignment!) if/when this happens.
Here in the states, it varies so much from place to place. My son has had homework, almost nightly, since kindergarten. Has it done him good? Some, I’m sure. But for the most part it’s just made our evenings difficult. I’m a single mother, I work, I have another child… I don’t really have the time/mental room/whatever to keep up with 5th grade homework. I have friends who are married-stay-at-home moms who can and do keep on top of it all. And their kids never lose the 5 pts. Mine does. And while I realize he should be responsible for his own work, it’s simply not a fair system for all kids all the time. What works for one family won’t work for another, yet the kids lost points if, for whatever reason, they can’t get to everything every night.
Yeah, the amount of homework, the emphasis, just… the homework frustrates me.
Did any of that make sense?
Weighing in from the Ottawa area…two kids – one in preschool (no homework but a co-op) and one in SK French Immersion. Not really any actual homework to report on firsthand.
I started French Immersion elementary school in the mid 70s and I remember having quite a bit of homework from about Grade 2 or 3.
Not that I always loved it, but I continue to feel homework was about reviewing and reinforcing what we had learned that day (i.e. times tables, spelling, reading and conjugating verbs). And even sometimes working ahead (eek! scandalous!!)
I believe in homework. There. I’ve said it. I don’t mean the “busy work” assigned so that *certain* teachers can define/validate themselves. I see the purpose of homework as two-fold: (1) reinforcing the day’s lessons and (2) teaching study/focus skills.
Ever wonder why your kid knows that jingle for a product you’ve never heard of? Because it’s repeated ad nauseum. Kids are in school for several hours a day but virtually only minutes are spent on the various subjects. There must be some review work at night so it can all sink in and so that kid can start to see they are an active participant in their own learning process.
I believe we can help even the youngest of our kids to learn healthy study habits (useful in all aspects of life requiring focus on task) and organize themselves and their work. And before you get your panties in a bunch, I’m talking baby steps people. It’s a gradual process where both the child and the parent “learn the ropes”.
I think the 10-20 minute rule is fair. And I really REALLY like the idea of getting a regular sense of what my kids are being taught; what they might be struggling with; what they enjoy.
Can we really expect that kids who do ZERO homework will be in a position to succeed when there is no choice (i.e. high school, university, licensed trades)? Studying is a learned skill as valuable, or maybe more so, as any other.
I do not, however, believe that homework should take the place of sleeping, eating or family/play time.
We are a generation in search of balance and if we don’t teach our kids about it early, how can we ever expect them to attain it?
Weighing in from the Ottawa area…two kids – one in preschool (no homework but a co-op) and one in SK French Immersion. Not really any actual homework to report on firsthand.
I started French Immersion elementary school in the mid 70s and I remember having quite a bit of homework from about Grade 2 or 3.
Not that I always loved it, but I continue to feel homework was about reviewing and reinforcing what we had learned that day (i.e. times tables, spelling, reading and conjugating verbs). And even sometimes working ahead (eek! scandalous!!)
I believe in homework. There. I’ve said it. I don’t mean the “busy work” assigned so that *certain* teachers can define/validate themselves. I see the purpose of homework as two-fold: (1) reinforcing the day’s lessons and (2) teaching study/focus skills.
Ever wonder why your kid knows that jingle for a product you’ve never heard of? Because it’s repeated ad nauseum. Kids are in school for several hours a day but virtually only minutes are spent on the various subjects. There must be some review work at night so it can all sink in and so that kid can start to see they are an active participant in their own learning process.
I believe we can help even the youngest of our kids to learn healthy study habits (useful in all aspects of life requiring focus on task) and organize themselves and their work. And before you get your panties in a bunch, I’m talking baby steps people. It’s a gradual process where both the child and the parent “learn the ropes”.
I think the 10-20 minute rule is fair. And I really REALLY like the idea of getting a regular sense of what my kids are being taught; what they might be struggling with; what they enjoy.
Can we really expect that kids who do ZERO homework will be in a position to succeed when there is no choice (i.e. high school, university, licensed trades)? Studying is a learned skill as valuable, or maybe more so, as any other.
I do not, however, believe that homework should take the place of sleeping, eating or family/play time.
We are a generation in search of balance and if we don’t teach our kids about it early, how can we ever expect them to attain it?
I’m in BC, and I work as a special ed paraprofessional in schools 🙂 So I see the homework thing.
Mostly I haven’t seen (or experienced) kids getting any extraordinary homework. Often it depends on the teacher though, and can differ from class to class. When my son was in grade one, his teacher was sending home 1 HOUR of homework a night (he wasn’t finishing things in class). Well, he wasn’t finishing them because he had a learning disability. We finally stepped in and refused to do it.
Last year he did maybe 1/2 hour of homework a night in grade five. His teacher often assigned outside play and fresh air as their homework. Now THAT is my kinda teacher. 🙂
I’m in BC, and I work as a special ed paraprofessional in schools 🙂 So I see the homework thing.
Mostly I haven’t seen (or experienced) kids getting any extraordinary homework. Often it depends on the teacher though, and can differ from class to class. When my son was in grade one, his teacher was sending home 1 HOUR of homework a night (he wasn’t finishing things in class). Well, he wasn’t finishing them because he had a learning disability. We finally stepped in and refused to do it.
Last year he did maybe 1/2 hour of homework a night in grade five. His teacher often assigned outside play and fresh air as their homework. Now THAT is my kinda teacher. 🙂
I’m also in the Ottawa area (Carp) and have a daughter starting JK (staggered entry date: tomorrow) and a daughter in Grade One. As of yet, no homework, but I’m dreading it. As Renee says above there’s.just.not.enough.time. I’m a single working parent who commutes. When work’s over, I drive 45 minutes home to pick the girls up from the babysitter and then try to deal with dinner/baths/trips to the park, library, next door to play with friend/bedtime stories/teethbrushing in the short hours before bedtime. Oh, and they both want to take swimming lessons, which will have to be on a weeknight, as their father and I have them on alternate weekends and he lives in Quebec. I have no idea how I’m going to deal with throwing homework into the mix.
I guess I feel that schoolwork should, by definition, be done at school. I don’t have problems with learning/practising spelling words at home, or projects with a two-week timeline — stories or reports; but what I don’t like is the idea that just because a child is in Grade X then he/she should be doing y hours of homework just because.
I’m also in the Ottawa area (Carp) and have a daughter starting JK (staggered entry date: tomorrow) and a daughter in Grade One. As of yet, no homework, but I’m dreading it. As Renee says above there’s.just.not.enough.time. I’m a single working parent who commutes. When work’s over, I drive 45 minutes home to pick the girls up from the babysitter and then try to deal with dinner/baths/trips to the park, library, next door to play with friend/bedtime stories/teethbrushing in the short hours before bedtime. Oh, and they both want to take swimming lessons, which will have to be on a weeknight, as their father and I have them on alternate weekends and he lives in Quebec. I have no idea how I’m going to deal with throwing homework into the mix.
I guess I feel that schoolwork should, by definition, be done at school. I don’t have problems with learning/practising spelling words at home, or projects with a two-week timeline — stories or reports; but what I don’t like is the idea that just because a child is in Grade X then he/she should be doing y hours of homework just because.
I do agree with a little bit of homework. And I really like what Andrea’s school does.
Experiencing the school system here in our community with A has been a little odd to say the least. He spent the first four or five years with more homework than I could ever imagine, then all of a sudden he stopped getting it. There was the odd project and the odd piece here and there, but overall he had very little. This year he starts high school, and now I am a little afraid that he won’t be able to keep up. Or worse he won’t understand how to do the homework.
I would much rather see the kids spending time in class doing the work like we did back in the ’70s. Like you we love to spend time outside in the evenings, this is Dad time for the boys, so I won’t be looking forward to lots and lots of homework that takes the time away from family.
I do agree with a little bit of homework. And I really like what Andrea’s school does.
Experiencing the school system here in our community with A has been a little odd to say the least. He spent the first four or five years with more homework than I could ever imagine, then all of a sudden he stopped getting it. There was the odd project and the odd piece here and there, but overall he had very little. This year he starts high school, and now I am a little afraid that he won’t be able to keep up. Or worse he won’t understand how to do the homework.
I would much rather see the kids spending time in class doing the work like we did back in the ’70s. Like you we love to spend time outside in the evenings, this is Dad time for the boys, so I won’t be looking forward to lots and lots of homework that takes the time away from family.
I think homework for kids in the early grades is inappropriate, and for the most part is just busy work. Encourage them to read, yes, but homework, no.
I know that as they get older they need to learn to work independently, and homeowrk may be more appropriate, but honestly, I’d favor a longer school day with more time to do assigments in school. With more families with both parents working that would take the pressure off a bit and let everyone relax at home.
The Kid is in high school and he has lots of homework every day…and he’s not good about getting it done; there is lots of nagging and imposing consequences around here. But what I really hate is that there is never a vacation when he doesn’t have homework of some sort. Gah. Everyone needs a break sometimes with nothing hanging over their heads waiting to be done. The Kid loves to read, but having summer homework, vacation homework, etc. actually makes it less likely that he is going to read for pleasure.
I think homework for kids in the early grades is inappropriate, and for the most part is just busy work. Encourage them to read, yes, but homework, no.
I know that as they get older they need to learn to work independently, and homeowrk may be more appropriate, but honestly, I’d favor a longer school day with more time to do assigments in school. With more families with both parents working that would take the pressure off a bit and let everyone relax at home.
The Kid is in high school and he has lots of homework every day…and he’s not good about getting it done; there is lots of nagging and imposing consequences around here. But what I really hate is that there is never a vacation when he doesn’t have homework of some sort. Gah. Everyone needs a break sometimes with nothing hanging over their heads waiting to be done. The Kid loves to read, but having summer homework, vacation homework, etc. actually makes it less likely that he is going to read for pleasure.
ooops that anonymous is from me…
ooops that anonymous is from me…
Homework is evil. It leaves no time for real-world learning and family fun. It puts kids and parents in a bad mood.
Homework is evil. It leaves no time for real-world learning and family fun. It puts kids and parents in a bad mood.
I’m late to this party, but I want to declare my position as anti-homework. Homework increases the divide between children who have stable home lives and children who don’t. Often, that divide runs right down class lines. If a child is from a single parent home, and that single parent works second shift, then the child is at a disadvantage when it comes to homework. It doesn’t take more than a couple of failed assignments for a kid to give up altogether with school. So, that’s my argument: Homework is a tool of The Man to keep the poor kids down. Or, at least, that’s the effect it has, intended or not.
I’m late to this party, but I want to declare my position as anti-homework. Homework increases the divide between children who have stable home lives and children who don’t. Often, that divide runs right down class lines. If a child is from a single parent home, and that single parent works second shift, then the child is at a disadvantage when it comes to homework. It doesn’t take more than a couple of failed assignments for a kid to give up altogether with school. So, that’s my argument: Homework is a tool of The Man to keep the poor kids down. Or, at least, that’s the effect it has, intended or not.