Homework in lower elementary school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:just wondering why the worksheets are bad? mine enjoys doing them and generally takes 10 minutes.

They are not bad for your child.

They are bad for the many children — and the families of children — who don’t enjoy them, because then it’s a struggle with no benefit. (Research says it doesn’t help learning.)

But is that because the worksheets are "bad" for these kids or is it because these children are struggling with something on the worksheet, which is what makes them unpleasant? So for instance, if a kid struggles with letters or numbers (maybe simply because they are still working on these concepts, which is fine, or because they might have an LD like dyslexia) doing a worksheet could be really not fun. But then that's useful information for a parent that they might not have gotten if a teacher had not sent home a worksheet. And you now have the opportunity to explore why this feels frustrating or why it's a struggle, and that's probably something that needs to happen if a kid is struggling to complete a worksheet with some basic concepts.

Also, for kids who DO like worksheets, they might not be learning directly from them, but I have observed that the process of successfully completing worksheets can feel really satisfying to them and encourage a love of learning. People always talk about worksheets like they are drudgery, but I've watched kids complete a phonics or math worksheet and get very excited, or ask for another. That doesn't seem like "no benefit" to me.

[Anonymous]

We moved from a charter to a DCPS this year (2nd). No homework at either beyond the 20 minutes of reading. I was actually hoping there might be something this year because my kid could benefit just from an executive functioning standpoint of having to keep track of things but we find other ways to work on that at home.

[Anonymous]

At this age, the child is very curious, exploring. learning through playing. Forcing 3-6 year olds to sit in class and do worksheets and do worksheets at home is a sure fire way to kill their curiosity and love of learning at school.

[Anonymous]

Yeah - it just kind of depends on your child. I have a boy that was young for kindergarten and having to make him do homework every night after a long day of school really caused a lot of stress and bad feelings for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:just wondering why the worksheets are bad? mine enjoys doing them and generally takes 10 minutes.

They are not bad for your child.

They are bad for the many children — and the families of children — who don’t enjoy them, because then it’s a struggle with no benefit. (Research says it doesn’t help learning.)

But is that because the worksheets are "bad" for these kids or is it because these children are struggling with something on the worksheet, which is what makes them unpleasant? So for instance, if a kid struggles with letters or numbers (maybe simply because they are still working on these concepts, which is fine, or because they might have an LD like dyslexia) doing a worksheet could be really not fun. But then that's useful information for a parent that they might not have gotten if a teacher had not sent home a worksheet. And you now have the opportunity to explore why this feels frustrating or why it's a struggle, and that's probably something that needs to happen if a kid is struggling to complete a worksheet with some basic concepts.

Also, for kids who DO like worksheets, they might not be learning directly from them, but I have observed that the process of successfully completing worksheets can feel really satisfying to them and encourage a love of learning. People always talk about worksheets like they are drudgery, but I've watched kids complete a phonics or math worksheet and get very excited, or ask for another. That doesn't seem like "no benefit" to me.

I completely agree with this. My first grader doesn't mind worksheets because they're easy and quick for her. And "new math" is so different that I feel like I need to see what AND HOW they're doing things to have any clue as to what's going on. It's all pretty straightforward at this stage, but I know that I'll be totally lost in a few years if I'm not familiar with the foundational techniques they're building now. And if she was struggling, I would want to see with what exactly so I could help. How else would you get that understanding if not through homework? Ours is optional and we skip it if we just run out of time, but at least it's there if we need it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah - it just kind of depends on your child. I have a boy that was young for kindergarten and having to make him do homework every night after a long day of school really caused a lot of stress and bad feelings for us.

We switched to doing homework over breakfast and it went from a frustrating struggle to a quick and pleasant morning check in. We're all tired after a long day, I think that's a human struggle not a kid-specific struggle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:just wondering why the worksheets are bad? mine enjoys doing them and generally takes 10 minutes.

They are not bad for your child.

They are bad for the many children — and the families of children — who don’t enjoy them, because then it’s a struggle with no benefit. (Research says it doesn’t help learning.)

But is that because the worksheets are "bad" for these kids or is it because these children are struggling with something on the worksheet, which is what makes them unpleasant? So for instance, if a kid struggles with letters or numbers (maybe simply because they are still working on these concepts, which is fine, or because they might have an LD like dyslexia) doing a worksheet could be really not fun. But then that's useful information for a parent that they might not have gotten if a teacher had not sent home a worksheet. And you now have the opportunity to explore why this feels frustrating or why it's a struggle, and that's probably something that needs to happen if a kid is struggling to complete a worksheet with some basic concepts.

Also, for kids who DO like worksheets, they might not be learning directly from them, but I have observed that the process of successfully completing worksheets can feel really satisfying to them and encourage a love of learning. People always talk about worksheets like they are drudgery, but I've watched kids complete a phonics or math worksheet and get very excited, or ask for another. That doesn't seem like "no benefit" to me.

You can’t be serious. Kids this age don’t want to do worksheets. Maybe you might have a self driven perfectionist that is an outlier and like to do them but that is an outlier.

To say that worksheets are good for young kids is completely false. Much more effective for a child to learn things from playing and games than drill and kill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:just wondering why the worksheets are bad? mine enjoys doing them and generally takes 10 minutes.

They are not bad for your child.

They are bad for the many children — and the families of children — who don’t enjoy them, because then it’s a struggle with no benefit. (Research says it doesn’t help learning.)

But is that because the worksheets are "bad" for these kids or is it because these children are struggling with something on the worksheet, which is what makes them unpleasant? So for instance, if a kid struggles with letters or numbers (maybe simply because they are still working on these concepts, which is fine, or because they might have an LD like dyslexia) doing a worksheet could be really not fun. But then that's useful information for a parent that they might not have gotten if a teacher had not sent home a worksheet. And you now have the opportunity to explore why this feels frustrating or why it's a struggle, and that's probably something that needs to happen if a kid is struggling to complete a worksheet with some basic concepts.

Also, for kids who DO like worksheets, they might not be learning directly from them, but I have observed that the process of successfully completing worksheets can feel really satisfying to them and encourage a love of learning. People always talk about worksheets like they are drudgery, but I've watched kids complete a phonics or math worksheet and get very excited, or ask for another. That doesn't seem like "no benefit" to me.

I completely agree with this. My first grader doesn't mind worksheets because they're easy and quick for her. And "new math" is so different that I feel like I need to see what AND HOW they're doing things to have any clue as to what's going on. It's all pretty straightforward at this stage, but I know that I'll be totally lost in a few years if I'm not familiar with the foundational techniques they're building now. And if she was struggling, I would want to see with what exactly so I could help. How else would you get that understanding if not through homework? Ours is optional and we skip it if we just run out of time, but at least it's there if we need it.

This is hilarious. So you are justifying homework in this age to know what math the child is learning? You mean the addition and subtraction and grouping that you can pick up in a few minutes by looking at examples?

Just ask the teacher for links or to send home some things they have done in class. That’s what our teachers do at our charter if parents want more details of what the child is learning. Absolutely no need to subject kids to daily busy worksheets that is inappropriate for that age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:just wondering why the worksheets are bad? mine enjoys doing them and generally takes 10 minutes.

They are not bad for your child.

They are bad for the many children — and the families of children — who don’t enjoy them, because then it’s a struggle with no benefit. (Research says it doesn’t help learning.)

But is that because the worksheets are "bad" for these kids or is it because these children are struggling with something on the worksheet, which is what makes them unpleasant? So for instance, if a kid struggles with letters or numbers (maybe simply because they are still working on these concepts, which is fine, or because they might have an LD like dyslexia) doing a worksheet could be really not fun. But then that's useful information for a parent that they might not have gotten if a teacher had not sent home a worksheet. And you now have the opportunity to explore why this feels frustrating or why it's a struggle, and that's probably something that needs to happen if a kid is struggling to complete a worksheet with some basic concepts.

Also, for kids who DO like worksheets, they might not be learning directly from them, but I have observed that the process of successfully completing worksheets can feel really satisfying to them and encourage a love of learning. People always talk about worksheets like they are drudgery, but I've watched kids complete a phonics or math worksheet and get very excited, or ask for another. That doesn't seem like "no benefit" to me.

I completely agree with this. My first grader doesn't mind worksheets because they're easy and quick for her. And "new math" is so different that I feel like I need to see what AND HOW they're doing things to have any clue as to what's going on. It's all pretty straightforward at this stage, but I know that I'll be totally lost in a few years if I'm not familiar with the foundational techniques they're building now. And if she was struggling, I would want to see with what exactly so I could help. How else would you get that understanding if not through homework? Ours is optional and we skip it if we just run out of time, but at least it's there if we need it.

This is hilarious. So you are justifying homework in this age to know what math the child is learning? You mean the addition and subtraction and grouping that you can pick up in a few minutes by looking at examples?

Just ask the teacher for links or to send home some things they have done in class. That’s what our teachers do at our charter if parents want more details of what the child is learning. Absolutely no need to subject kids to daily busy worksheets that is inappropriate for that age.

If it takes your child more than 2 minutes to do a worksheet, that’s a different story. But for many of our kids, early elementary is very easy and the benchmarks are pretty mindless. Why bother the teacher and give them more to do when you can get daily updates in their backpack? If it’s that burdensome to your family, just don’t do it. Nobody’s forcing you to do it at this age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:just wondering why the worksheets are bad? mine enjoys doing them and generally takes 10 minutes.

They are not bad for your child.

They are bad for the many children — and the families of children — who don’t enjoy them, because then it’s a struggle with no benefit. (Research says it doesn’t help learning.)

But is that because the worksheets are "bad" for these kids or is it because these children are struggling with something on the worksheet, which is what makes them unpleasant? So for instance, if a kid struggles with letters or numbers (maybe simply because they are still working on these concepts, which is fine, or because they might have an LD like dyslexia) doing a worksheet could be really not fun. But then that's useful information for a parent that they might not have gotten if a teacher had not sent home a worksheet. And you now have the opportunity to explore why this feels frustrating or why it's a struggle, and that's probably something that needs to happen if a kid is struggling to complete a worksheet with some basic concepts.

Also, for kids who DO like worksheets, they might not be learning directly from them, but I have observed that the process of successfully completing worksheets can feel really satisfying to them and encourage a love of learning. People always talk about worksheets like they are drudgery, but I've watched kids complete a phonics or math worksheet and get very excited, or ask for another. That doesn't seem like "no benefit" to me.

I completely agree with this. My first grader doesn't mind worksheets because they're easy and quick for her. And "new math" is so different that I feel like I need to see what AND HOW they're doing things to have any clue as to what's going on. It's all pretty straightforward at this stage, but I know that I'll be totally lost in a few years if I'm not familiar with the foundational techniques they're building now. And if she was struggling, I would want to see with what exactly so I could help. How else would you get that understanding if not through homework? Ours is optional and we skip it if we just run out of time, but at least it's there if we need it.

This is hilarious. So you are justifying homework in this age to know what math the child is learning? You mean the addition and subtraction and grouping that you can pick up in a few minutes by looking at examples?

Just ask the teacher for links or to send home some things they have done in class. That’s what our teachers do at our charter if parents want more details of what the child is learning. Absolutely no need to subject kids to daily busy worksheets that is inappropriate for that age.

If it takes your child more than 2 minutes to do a worksheet, that’s a different story. But for many of our kids, early elementary is very easy and the benchmarks are pretty mindless. Why bother the teacher and give them more to do when you can get daily updates in their backpack? If it’s that burdensome to your family, just don’t do it. Nobody’s forcing you to do it at this age.

If it is so easy for your kid then they don’t need it either, they know the concept already.

[Anonymous]

I think PP is so upset because they either don’t understand that any homework, including reading practice, is voluntary. Or their child needs to work harder and things like worksheets take effort and are a struggle to get done. FWIW, we have second and third grade workbooks for my first grader and she picks them up and does them on her own. She much prefers workbooks to coloring books right now. Do I care if she spends a minute or two on a first grade worksheet? Absolutely not. If you do, then good thing they’re voluntary and you’re welcome to skip them completely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:just wondering why the worksheets are bad? mine enjoys doing them and generally takes 10 minutes.

They are not bad for your child.

They are bad for the many children — and the families of children — who don’t enjoy them, because then it’s a struggle with no benefit. (Research says it doesn’t help learning.)

But is that because the worksheets are "bad" for these kids or is it because these children are struggling with something on the worksheet, which is what makes them unpleasant? So for instance, if a kid struggles with letters or numbers (maybe simply because they are still working on these concepts, which is fine, or because they might have an LD like dyslexia) doing a worksheet could be really not fun. But then that's useful information for a parent that they might not have gotten if a teacher had not sent home a worksheet. And you now have the opportunity to explore why this feels frustrating or why it's a struggle, and that's probably something that needs to happen if a kid is struggling to complete a worksheet with some basic concepts.

Also, for kids who DO like worksheets, they might not be learning directly from them, but I have observed that the process of successfully completing worksheets can feel really satisfying to them and encourage a love of learning. People always talk about worksheets like they are drudgery, but I've watched kids complete a phonics or math worksheet and get very excited, or ask for another. That doesn't seem like "no benefit" to me.

I completely agree with this. My first grader doesn't mind worksheets because they're easy and quick for her. And "new math" is so different that I feel like I need to see what AND HOW they're doing things to have any clue as to what's going on. It's all pretty straightforward at this stage, but I know that I'll be totally lost in a few years if I'm not familiar with the foundational techniques they're building now. And if she was struggling, I would want to see with what exactly so I could help. How else would you get that understanding if not through homework? Ours is optional and we skip it if we just run out of time, but at least it's there if we need it.

This is hilarious. So you are justifying homework in this age to know what math the child is learning? You mean the addition and subtraction and grouping that you can pick up in a few minutes by looking at examples?

Just ask the teacher for links or to send home some things they have done in class. That’s what our teachers do at our charter if parents want more details of what the child is learning. Absolutely no need to subject kids to daily busy worksheets that is inappropriate for that age.

If it takes your child more than 2 minutes to do a worksheet, that’s a different story. But for many of our kids, early elementary is very easy and the benchmarks are pretty mindless. Why bother the teacher and give them more to do when you can get daily updates in their backpack? If it’s that burdensome to your family, just don’t do it. Nobody’s forcing you to do it at this age.

We get weekly updates with links to see what the kids are doing. It is sent to all families in the grade, not class specific. It’s not burdensome for the teachers because the charter school is organized and have processes in place like this that is clear communication.

Of course parents can email or ask teachers more specific questions if they want.

[Anonymous]

If young kids are getting worksheets homework everyday, you can bet that they are doing worksheets everyday in class and likely a significant portion of the day. Not a good sign. Ask me how I know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:just wondering why the worksheets are bad? mine enjoys doing them and generally takes 10 minutes.

They are not bad for your child.

They are bad for the many children — and the families of children — who don’t enjoy them, because then it’s a struggle with no benefit. (Research says it doesn’t help learning.)

But is that because the worksheets are "bad" for these kids or is it because these children are struggling with something on the worksheet, which is what makes them unpleasant? So for instance, if a kid struggles with letters or numbers (maybe simply because they are still working on these concepts, which is fine, or because they might have an LD like dyslexia) doing a worksheet could be really not fun. But then that's useful information for a parent that they might not have gotten if a teacher had not sent home a worksheet. And you now have the opportunity to explore why this feels frustrating or why it's a struggle, and that's probably something that needs to happen if a kid is struggling to complete a worksheet with some basic concepts.

Also, for kids who DO like worksheets, they might not be learning directly from them, but I have observed that the process of successfully completing worksheets can feel really satisfying to them and encourage a love of learning. People always talk about worksheets like they are drudgery, but I've watched kids complete a phonics or math worksheet and get very excited, or ask for another. That doesn't seem like "no benefit" to me.

You can’t be serious. Kids this age don’t want to do worksheets. Maybe you might have a self driven perfectionist that is an outlier and like to do them but that is an outlier.

To say that worksheets are good for young kids is completely false. Much more effective for a child to learn things from playing and games than drill and kill.

Some do, some don't. Worksheets sent home in K or 1st are virtually always optional and it's not like they are being factored into a grade or something. So what is the harm in sending them home since some kids might enjoy doing them?

It sounds like you had a kid or kids who hated worksheets, which is totally fine, but what people in this thread are saying is that some kids actually enjoy them and it gives parents a chance to see what they are working on.

[Anonymous]

Here’s the thing, I actually want to see examples of word problems and the various techniques they use. We get a blurb weekly and completed work quarterly, but it’s helpful to know what they’re working on in the moment so we can put it in context and expand on it at home. My daughter was asking how old I was when she was born, then how old grandma was when I was born, then how old grandma was when she was born. She figured all of that out on her own once I prompted her to use number bonds and break down the big numbers. I had no idea what a number bond was until I saw it in her schoolwork, but she sure did. Maybe I could watch a YouTube video on elementary math, but seeing examples on worksheets gave me enough context to help her apply the concept in practice. So no, she may not “need” to do extra work outside of school, but it doesn’t hurt and helps me help her, so win win for OUR FAMILY. You do what is best for yours.