Your thoughts on homework?

[flyingspaghettimama]

I've been reading the new Alfie Kohn book, and it's got me to thinkin' (and yes, that's a new and painful concept for me). I was hoping for some anecdotal, personal info on here:

What do you think of homework? Time-wasting impingement on family evenings, stressful but necessary requirement or something you (or your child) couldn't do without? Is it a reason for homeschooling? Is there ever an age too young for homework?

What was your experience with homework when you were a child? When did you first start getting homework? (I didn't until 6th grade) Did you like it? Was it something to get done and out of the way?

Are some sorts of homework better than others? Photocopied sheets? Projects? Projects that you chose? Papers?

If you are a teacher, in the name of full disclosure, please let us know.

I personally think that most teachers and parents are in favor of homework. I would just like to hear more regarding why...but also why you might not be in favor. Does it seem like most of the parents at your child's school favor homework?

Alfie Kohn Interview
Time Magazine article (although this misstates his suggestion for homework - he doesn't actually say to abolish it completely but make it to the exception to the rule rather than the rule...)
Diane Rehm Show - podcast or online (this is very good)

[TinkerBelle]

I think homework is fine. As long as you are not talking 6 hours worth or something like that. My son has about an hour of homework, then he is free to play or do whatever he wants until dinner time.

[arlecchina]

complete and utter waste. my son is now homeschooled, partly due to homework - which he refused to do and was the source of much stress in the household - till I was trying to figure out why we fought so badly over it and he was failing classes for not doing homework WHILE ACING THE TESTS, not ONE test, but ALL tests, 100%. when that fact hit me, I was like...no, this isnt working. he KNOWS the info, as the tests obviously show, so why is he failing classes? isnt the point to learn the info? ridiculous.

I started having homewrok in 3rd grade. right about the time I stopped doing schoolwork.

[teachma]

I am a fourth grade teacher. From my perspective, homework sort of is a waste of MY time...and a BIG infringement on my family time!! I would much rather spend my homework-correcting time playing or reading with my children. Nonetheless, our school district policy dictates the amount of homework we are to assign nightly, and so we do.

And from the working-parent perspective, homework for my own children definitely takes away from our very limited afternoon time together. My son (in first grade) doesn't receive regularly assigned homework this year, nor did he in kindergarten, but he absolutely LOVES it when he does get homework. He hasn't yet asked for my help with any of the assignments (he's pretty self-sufficient in that respect) but he does go up to his room to work at his desk, which takes him away from the family.

As for an appropriate age to initiate homework, I can't say there's an age I feel is too young. My 2.5 year old daughter loves to do "work" with me. Many of us here at MDC homeschool to some extent; is there an age too young to start that? I feel like I've been schooling my children in one respect or another for quite some time, so I think homework is appropriate at any level. Now, the nature of the homework is a different matter. Worksheets for kindergarteners? Blechhh. But MY kid loved them from age 3 on! I guess like anything, homework isn't necessarily a bad thing but it certainly can be, for some children.

Sorry so fragmented.

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

I think homework, in concept, is an important part of school. Of course, it can be mis-used, just like most other things in the world. But in a reasonable amount (for the child's age), complimenting what is done in class, clear and understandable to both kid and parent, challenging but not overwhelming, it is a a good thing. Unfortunately, it seems that few kids get that kind of homework on a regular basis, at least according to rumor.

I think its an important part of school for a couple of reasons. The first is that it helps a child and teacher figure out if they really understood what was done in the classroom. Its one thing to nod understanding in class, and another to be able to do it on one's own. Practicing new skills is important for learning and remembering them.

It also gives students and opportunity to develop independent work habits, time management, and self-discipline. Which, in the end, are probably more important than the ability to actually do whatever was on the assignment sheet. There should also be some pride of accomplishment and workmanship.

Is homework the only way to do this? Probably not. But is it authomatically "evil". I don't think so. Is it always fun and games? No, but then, things that are worth it in the end frequently aren't much fun in the middle.

In the interest of full disclosure, my DS attends a traditional private school with a strong commitment to good homework. As a 1st grader, he has spelling, reading, and math each night, to total about half an hour's worth of work on a regular basis, plus special projects about once every coulple of months or so. I am happy with both the amount and type of homework he has. Which isn't to say that its been a bit of a struggle to get a routine down that doesn't overwhelm him, frustrate me, and make everyone miserable. We're still working on that. But we'll get there.

[Sharlla]

Waste, when I was in school I did great on the tests but never bothered with the homework, talk about boring stuff.

[Storm Bride]

I hated homework when I was in school, because it cut into my reading time. I ended up barely graduating when I should have had the highest marks in my grad class. The fact that my homework was never completed was a major factor in this.

I hate ds1's homework. I've broached the idea of homeschooling, and he doesn't want to do it. He's really into the social side of things, and doesn't want to lose touch with his "established" friends. So...I guess we've got five more years of this stuff.

IME, the homework load breeds resentment of the teachers, dislike of the subject, and interferes greatly with family time. I really wish the only homework ds1 got was drills (eg. spelling and French vocab) and incomplete class assignments to finish.

[flyingspaghettimama]

Teachma (and others who homeschool in preschool), you say your daughter had homework from 2.5 on, your son loved worksheets from age 3. Were these things they chose or you assigned to them with an expectation of a due date, correctness, etc? I know my daughter has also gone through loving cheap-workbook phases, but she chose when, where, and how to do them, and not in any sort of order?

Evan and Anna's mom (and others who appreciate homework), is the homework a source of disagreement or arguing in the home, or something that brings the family together (like playing scrabble or something)? Does he ask to do it right away when he gets home, because he's so excited about it? Are they worksheet-type drill exercises or something different? And for those with older children, has the excitement regarding homework changed as the children get older or stay about the same?

Arlecchina (and others who chose homeschooling or hated homework as kids) - did you ever talk to the teacher about the type or amount of work - ask for no homework or less...how was it received? How do the homeschoolers work at home now - do they like "doing academic work" (i.e. reading, math) in a different way?

Sorry for so many questions. It all makes me think. (ow. ow. ow.):

[7kiddosmom]

I agree that homework for my kids was a waste of time and cut into our family time. That is one of the reasons we are now homeschooling. I was having to re-teach the information as the kids were doing for homework after they had been in school for 8 hours a day. It was just too much stress on the kids.

I remember getting homework in 2nd grade.

[Ruthla]

I think most homework is a complete and utter waste of time and an infringement on family time. I'm so glad I found a homework-free school for my kiddoes (well, there's the occasional project to be completed at home, but no "busywork.")

[snuggly mama]

I don't think homework is always necessary, and I hate it when the kids get assigned homework just for the sake of it being assigned. Meaning, the school rule is x amount of time per night, so teachers assign "busy work" type stuff for the kids -- it's time away from family activities, and frustrating to me as a parent because it makes for a battle every time. I don't mind projects, provided there are some guidelines given.

I do think homework can serve an important role, but for the most part, I don't think there's enough of the creative-type assignments being given.

[liberal_chick]

I teach 11th grade American History and Economics.

I don't assign much homework. We are scheduled on blocks so I have 90 minutes a day to get in what I need to. Usually there is nothing for them to take home b/c I require them to actually work hard during our class period.

I do assign a big research paper during one semester, to be done on my time AND theirs. I take them to the library, usually every other week for about 2 months, and any research or work that they can't complete in that time must be done on their own time. I really think that is a valuable assignment in looking forward to their college careers. I never had a professor take our class to the library or give us time in class to write a paper, and part of my job is to get these kids ready for college. When they are done with my paper, any paper they go to write in college will be a breeze. They also occasionally have a project that they'll have to finish up at home, but that probably only happens once every 6-9 weeks.

I don't like assigning busy work as homework. I never have. So I don't.

[sparklefairy]

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=515453
I expressed some of my thoughts there.

What do you think of homework? Time-wasting impingement on family evenings, stressful but necessary requirement or something you (or your child) couldn't do without? Is it a reason for homeschooling? Is there ever an age too young for homework?

Time-wasting impingement on family evenings, for the most part.

If we absolutely couldn't escape truly awful homework, I would homeschool again, probably.

It depends on the homework. If it's age-appropriate "you might do this with your child" suggestions, that's different. In preschool, we had to do a lot of "find something that begins with this letter" and that was okay. I think my standards for okay homework are that the child can do it independently. Part of homework is developing responsibility, and if we're giving it before kids can take the responsibility, we're actually teaching that it's mom's or dad's responsibility.

What was your experience with homework when you were a child? When did you first start getting homework? (I didn't until 6th grade) Did you like it? Was it something to get done and out of the way?

I think homework began with spelling words and math drill in 1st grade but didn't move beyond that until 3rd grade when we had play parts to memorize (teacher was very into class plays) and then "real" homework in either 4th or 5th grade. I can't say that I liked it, but it wasn't busywork either. I began to see the value by about 8th grade.

Are some sorts of homework better than others? Photocopied sheets? Projects? Projects that you chose? Papers?

Absolutely. As I mentioned above, homework that can be done independently when it is appropriate for a child to be ready for the responsibility is better than others. Homework that expands upon rather than repeats what happened in class is preferable. Choice is preferable.

If you are a teacher, in the name of full disclosure, please let us know.

I personally think that most teachers and parents are in favor of homework. I would just like to hear more regarding why...but also why you might not be in favor.

Does it seem like most of the parents at your child's school favor homework?
No. But part of the school's philosophy is "no homework." I'm surprised that some parents do favor homework -- it seems like there is such a wide world of enrichment to be discovered! Does this make it easier to turn off the tv and the nintendo if someone outside the home says, "do this by when"?

[Daisie125]

What do you think of homework? Time-wasting impingement on family evenings... that about sums it up. Children are already in school too long, IMO. making them take their work home is borderline torture!

What was your experience with homework when you were a child? I hated it, and rarely did it. I was the student who was constantly in trouble for not doing it. When did you first start getting homework? First grade. By 3rd grade I had at least two hours of it a night. Did you like it? Um, no Was it something to get done and out of the way? Never bothered

Are some sorts of homework better than others? Photocopied sheets? Projects? Projects that you chose? Papers? Once in awhile projects are one thing, the rest of the stuff I can do without.

The lack of homework is one thing that is a factor in our decision to (most likely) homeschool.

[sparklefairy]

Originally Posted by TinkerBelle

I think homework is fine. As long as you are not talking 6 hours worth or something like that. My son has about an hour of homework, then he is free to play or do whatever he wants until dinner time.

How old is your son? For my 2nd grader and K kid, an hour every night would be excruciating.

[mata]

What do you think of homework?

I have a first grader. So far, I'm fine with the amount of homework she has. Homework folders go out at the beginning of the week and are due at the end, and she's able to complete the work by doing 15 minutes a day. I don't find it to be an infringement on family time-we do it right when she gets home. The content is fine-a couple of simple math worksheets, some language arts worksheets, and a journaling assignment.

I did feel she was too young to do what was assigned in kindergarten last year, though. I had to end up doing a lot of it-it was just silly, especially since they crammed SO much content into the three hours she was there. I'm amazed she retained anything at all. The busywork was unnecessary-they should have just stuck to the reading log and that's it.

What was your experience with homework when you were a child?


I don't really remember when it started-certainly not in primary school. I loved school AND homework-it was something I could control and I enjoyed doing well.

Are some sorts of homework better than others? Photocopied sheets? Projects? Projects that you chose? Papers?

I personally prefer seeing her do conceptual things that make her think, "research" projects, etc. instead of the three r's. :yawn We do that sort of thing independently.

[teachma]

Originally Posted by flyingspaghettimama

Teachma (and others who homeschool in preschool), you say your daughter had homework from 2.5 on, your son loved worksheets from age 3. Were these things they chose or you assigned to them with an expectation of a due date, correctness, etc? I know my daughter has also gone through loving cheap-workbook phases, but she chose when, where, and how to do them, and not in any sort of order?

Let me clarify. My daughter is very "into" school-type activities. She is the type to pick up a blank notebook and ask me to write some letters, then command me: Mommy, tell me to circle the N. She made up these workbook-like activities and will insist I participate with her over and over. It's not real homework, but if I think about it, it iisn't much different. Ds used to use the workbooks to unwind (he likes the monotony and repetitiveness, along with the clear expectations of an "assignment.") but he also loves any worksheet or project his public school teachers send home for him to complete. Although the teachers and I never placed a firm expectation on him in terms of correctness and due date, he is a huger perfectionist and somehow internalized the "Homework comes first" attitude. And as for correctness, well...he just always has to be... Hope this helps!

[lisac77]

What do you think of homework?

For the most part, I think it is a major infringement on family time, especially if it is stupid busy work. A short, quality activity done with parental involment is as far as it should ever go, as far as I'm concerned.

Is it a reason for homeschooling?

My mother is a teacher and facilitated one of her students to start homeschooling with his mother this year. His 4th grade homework was a nightly battle that could take up to four hours. My mom convinced his mom that she could teach him herself in less time with fewer battles. So, yes, I think it is sometimes a reason for homeschooling.

Is there ever an age too young for homework?

For work done exclusively by the child, I would say no younger than 11/12 (6th grade/middle school). I would have no issue with quick things like "read a story with mom" or "look up x in the encyclopedia with dad." Those things take virtually no time and involve the parents in the kids' education. I think small activites are acceptable from kindergarten on.


What was your experience with homework when you were a child?

Sadly, I had negative experiences with homework almost from day one in school . It became a daily battle with my mother. I would lie to her constantly that I'd done it, then wouldn't have anything to turn in to school. She would get called, I would get in trouble... it was a never-ending cycle. Horrible. It really did a lot of damage to our relationship.

When did you first start getting homework?

Probably 3rd grade.

Did you like it?

No.

Was it something to get done and out of the way?

Most of the time it never got done.

Are some sorts of homework better than others?

As I said above, I see homework more as a way to extend education into the home. So I have no problem with small assignments that foster the child's intellect and involves the parents in a POSITIVE WAY.

I do think that homework has its' place starting in middle school and extending through college. Most of my high school classes were advanced and we had reading and exercises to do that were necessary for the following class. We also had papers and so forth... I really didn't mind doing that stuff. That was good preparation for college, which was the same way. I could do it on my own time and with my own rules. But the stuff they had me doing in elementary school was total crap.

[TinkerBelle]

Originally Posted by sparklefairy

How old is your son? For my 2nd grader and K kid, an hour every night would be excruciating.

The average is an hour. But, sometimes it is much less.

He is 8, going on 9, and in second grade. (we decided to have him repeat 2nd grade~ LONG story) He usually has one worksheet to do, 2 sides, and I have him read to me a few pages from a book. So, about a half hour to 45 min he might spend on the worksheet, sometimes he only spends 15-20 min finishing it. Then we read. He does not mind the work at all. He rarely complains. I think it is a winding-down from the school day for him. Then, he gets to go outside and do what he wants. Considering he gets home right at 3, and gets at least 2 hours outside, or playing inside if the weather is nasty, I don't think it is bad at all. Then, after dinner, the boys play, get cleaned up and ready for bed, and then go to bed around 8.

My son has had some behavioral problems, and quite frankly, having a more structured schedule has helped him tremendously. The worksheets are educational and help him;they are not just "busy work". I also love to have him read to me. His 7 yr old brother has Autism and his other brother is a toddler who both require a LOT of attention. This is our mom and son time, because the toddler is down for a nap and I allow my 7 yr old on the computer so there are no interruptions.

I feel that a half-hour to an hour is not much to ask for. I also think that if they start slow, that when they get to high school, and the real homework begins to come in, they will be used to it and have good study habits. I remember having 2-3 hours of homework some nights when I was in high school.

But, that is just my opinion.

[Brigianna]

We homeschool/unschool, so, well, I guess that basically answers your question. But homework is one of the many problems I have with institutional schools. Specifically, the way schools require parents to act as the schools "enforcers" by making the kids do homework. It can put a big strain on the parent-child relationship, as it did between me and my mom when I was a kid. Basically it turns into a situation where instead of the school acting in loco parentis, the parents have to act in loco ludi (in the place of the school).

Besides that, most homework in the early grades is essentially busywork. It isn't intended to teach the subject but to teach homework-doing. And kids with parents who are willing and able to help with homework (often higher income) are at an advantage over kids whose parents are unwilling or unable to do so (often lower income).

One of the (many) problems I have with increased academics (homework, deskwork, tests) in the early grades is that at that age, so much is dependent on parents, and so much of parenting is influenced by social class. If Johnny gets bad grades in kindergarten because his mom works two jobs and can't help him with homework after school, that label of "problem child" will stay with him for the rest of his schooing years. I don't think teachers should assign homework with the expectation that the kids will get parental help; some kids don't, and you're just further disadvantagizing (is that a word?) the already disadvantaged.