When I dropped off my oldest daughter, Lily, for her first day of kindergarten a month ago, I had a completely different reaction than most parents. While other moms were dabbing at their tears with tissues, I was practically sprinting to my car, blasting my favorite playlist. I mean, let’s be real—kindergarten is a win-win for us. Lily is thrilled to have new friends to chat with all day, and I finally get a break from the constant chatter at home with her and her younger brother, Max.
However, amidst my excitement, I can’t help but wonder why there seems to be an overwhelming amount of homework for a kindergartener. I’m not trying to be that parent who complains about everything, but let’s take a closer look here. Back in my day, kindergarten was part-time—just three hours a day, totaling 15 hours a week. Lily, on the other hand, is in school for a whopping 6 1/2 hours each day, amounting to 32 1/2 hours a week. Add in her homework, and she’s clocking nearly 40 hours a week on school-related activities—essentially a full-time job!
Now, you might think I’m exaggerating when I say she has around 8 hours of homework each week. But let’s break it down:
- Homework Packets: These consist of various worksheets that we need to complete throughout the week, primarily focusing on writing, drawing, and counting. Getting Lily to sit down and concentrate takes a good 30 minutes daily, adding up to about 2 1/2 hours weekly.
- Reading Time: We’re big advocates for literacy, and we typically read together before bed. However, the teacher recommends reading for 20 minutes every day, which often stretches to 30 minutes with a talkative 5-year-old. That’s another 2 1/2 hours to account for. And don’t get me started on the dreaded reading log—I absolutely loathe those!
- Flashcards: We have a set of 72 flashcards that we’re supposed to review twice a week. This endeavor usually takes about an hour, or until one of us starts crying (it’s usually me). That’s an additional 2 hours.
So, if you’re keeping track, that brings us to a total of seven hours of homework, piled on top of the 32 1/2 hours she’s already in class. Does that not seem a bit excessive? After all, she’s only 5 years old! She needs time to play with Max and just be a kid. Can’t we allow the kids to focus on their studies while at school and let them unwind at home?
Now, you might think I’m just a bit lazy when it comes to helping with homework, and I can’t say you’re entirely wrong. I do have a rambunctious 3-year-old and a full-time job, so yeah, I’m pretty worn out from helping Lily with her schoolwork. And she’s just as tired as I am. Have you ever tried going through 72 flashcards with a child who has the attention span of a goldfish? It’s a struggle—torturous for all involved.
I’m not against a reasonable amount of homework, but an excessive workload can be overwhelming for kids and parents alike. I don’t want Lily to feel burned out at such a young age, nor do I want to deal with my own frustration when we tackle her assignments. She loves learning and enjoys school, but I wish there could be a bit more balance, allowing her some time to relax and play in the evenings.
After all, childhood is fleeting, and we should cherish every moment of it.
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Summary
The author reflects on the surprisingly heavy homework load for kindergarteners today, comparing it to their own experience. Despite the joy of starting school, the amount of schoolwork can seem overwhelming for both kids and parents. Finding a balance between educational tasks and playtime is essential for a child’s development and happiness.