As my kids embark on their fourth week of school, the initial thrill of new teachers and shiny school supplies has faded, making way for the reality of homework. The first few weeks were a breeze, especially as I transitioned back to full-time work outside the home. However, now that the homework train has arrived, it’s time for my annual commentary on the subject.
I want to express my admiration for teachers. They are remarkable individuals, and I truly appreciate the hard work they do for our children. Growing up with parents who were educators, I have a deep respect for the teaching profession. However, I would like to propose a few considerations when it comes to assigning homework this year:
1. Purpose of Homework
Homework should primarily reinforce concepts already covered in class and assess a student’s comprehension of the material. If it’s graded, it should be on a credit/no credit basis, focusing on completion rather than accuracy. Assigning letter grades can unfairly penalize students who may not fully grasp the content. Used effectively, homework serves as a tool to identify students who require additional assistance—allowing for timely intervention or parental involvement. As a parent, it’s disheartening to see my child lose points for minor errors, especially when they completed the assignment. If they don’t turn in their homework at all, however, a zero is warranted; I completely agree on that.
2. Reviewing Homework
Please, I beg you, don’t assign homework that requires me to do my child’s work so I can check it. After putting in years of effort to obtain my degree in writing, I didn’t sign up to tackle seventh-grade math again. It was challenging enough the first time! Yet here I am, assisting my son with his algebra homework, struggling to remember formulas and reaching for a calculator. This is becoming a real-life version of a recurring nightmare where I find myself unexpectedly enrolled in math class.
3. Family Homework Projects
Let’s just say it’s a hard pass on family homework. While some may see it as a fun bonding experience, it often devolves into a competition for Pinterest perfection. These assignments typically demand creativity, talent, and crafting supplies to create projects like leprechaun traps or “All About Me” collages. They imply that parents have ample free time, which is rarely the case. Often assigned alongside regular homework and typically over weekends, these projects can penalize students for their parents’ lack of crafting prowess. While I acknowledge that some families may enjoy these activities, I prefer quality bonding time through a nature hike or a marathon of our favorite shows.
4. Appropriate Time Commitment
The amount of homework assigned should align with grade-level expectations. Last year, my third-grader faced two hours of homework, which was excessive, while my sixth-grader only had 20 minutes, which felt insufficient. This discrepancy is simply unacceptable.
5. Balancing Homework and Play
Homework is necessary, but it shouldn’t encroach on children’s free time. After spending a full day at school, the last thing kids want is to come home to more work. I certainly don’t want to spend our evenings nagging them. The lessons learned outside the classroom—through sports, music, or family games like Settlers of Catan—are invaluable. I freely admit to allowing my kids an hour of TV each night if they finish their homework and chores. Whether they watch educational content or comedies like Parks and Recreation, it doesn’t matter to me. They need downtime just as much as they need to hit the books. If homework monopolizes their evenings, it prevents them from enjoying those essential moments of relaxation and play.
I genuinely support the idea of homework; I recognize its importance and encourage it, as it does have its merits. However, I’ve witnessed how it can quickly become a source of stress, creating tension within families and leading to overwhelmed kids and parents alike. As we navigate this new school year, I urge educators to consider the work-life balance we, as parents, strive to maintain when assigning homework.
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In summary, while homework serves a vital role in education, it’s essential to strike a balance that allows children to thrive academically and enjoy their childhood.