Homework that is busywork - does anyone else just say no?

[Anonymous]

I don't mind worksheets. Kids need then practice. I hate projects that are really assigned to parents. Teachers, please do not assign them.

[Anonymous]

I agree with OP. Any "assignment/project" that becomes some sort of art project I don't worry about my child completing. I don't say it doesn't have to be done, I just don't care, especially when I don't see the "value" . This is not a blanket position for me, I carefully look at each project and try to determine the skill, learning aspect for it, and what the teacher is trying to get the child to understand. If I think it's a bunch of BS, I let my child do whatever she wants to do/or not do. Also, if the project "requires" me to do work, I just refuse and let the child do the assignment to her ability(I will usually send a note to the teacher explaining why I didn't assist, which is usually something along the lines as "I don't think I should be require to do this project and the grading should be based on DD's work and not my lack of it".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As the years go by, I find myself more often "opting out" of doing special projects and homework assignments that are just plain busywork, meaning work that my kids have already done and mastered. I realize that once they hit the higher grades (perhaps by 3rd), they'll have to be responsible for doing whatever is assigned to them. But for now, I resent the expectation that I should spend my weekends (I work full-time) running out to buy supplies and then supervising and doing projects that aren't going to benefit my kids. I believe that teachers of early elementary grades should be fine with this decision, and should accept that parents know what is best for their family life and for their kids (some kids thrive doing extra work, while others need to play after a long school day). Is anyone else doing this? I've had some teachers who are accepting and some hostile, but I think it is best for my kids and family.

What is an example af such an assignment that won't benefit your kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with OP. Any "assignment/project" that becomes some sort of art project I don't worry about my child completing. I don't say it doesn't have to be done, I just don't care, especially when I don't see the "value" . This is not a blanket position for me, I carefully look at each project and try to determine the skill, learning aspect for it, and what the teacher is trying to get the child to understand. If I think it's a bunch of BS, I let my child do whatever she wants to do/or not do. Also, if the project "requires" me to do work, I just refuse and let the child do the assignment to her ability(I will usually send a note to the teacher explaining why I didn't assist, which is usually something along the lines as "I don't think I should be require to do this project and the grading should be based on DD's work and not my lack of it".

OMG, with three kids that would take me ten times longer than just having them get the work done.

[Anonymous]

I assume that in early elementary most of what kids learn from daily homework is the discipline of doing it and that what they learn from projects are some planning and organizational skills. I, too, err on the side of letting my kids do projects independently even if the results are not great, but that is very different from ok-ing not doing it, which I think sends a message you may regret.

[Anonymous]

OP here. (And this is my first response, so anything written above is not from me.)

Interesting set of views. FWIW, I'm not talking about regular, daily homework - my kids know that that is their responsibility to do, that they are responsible to their teachers for how well they do it, and that they should get it done in aftercare (which they do). I'm fine with that - I get the ideas of discipline and responsibility behind it, though I think the worksheets are pretty useless. My beef is with all the additional projects, work, and suggestions piled up on top of everyday homework, which I think is completely inappropriate for early elementary years. (I refer to it as "busywork" because it is repetitive of what they've mastered or projects they've already done.) My kids are smart and in a high-achieving school - if they can't learn what they need to during the school day, then something is wrong, IMO. I do work with them on areas that I see they need help, or have an interest. For example, if I see that they haven't mastered a phonics sound or a spelling work or an addition fact, I'd work with them on that. But I resent being told that we have to do family projects during our weekend time together. Frankly, I'm really frustrated with one of their teachers this year, and I'm not sure how to handle it. A discussion isn't going to get me anywhere, as she's not interested in hearing parents views.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. (And this is my first response, so anything written above is not from me.)

Interesting set of views. FWIW, I'm not talking about regular, daily homework - my kids know that that is their responsibility to do, that they are responsible to their teachers for how well they do it, and that they should get it done in aftercare (which they do). I'm fine with that - I get the ideas of discipline and responsibility behind it, though I think the worksheets are pretty useless. My beef is with all the additional projects, work, and suggestions piled up on top of everyday homework, which I think is completely inappropriate for early elementary years. (I refer to it as "busywork" because it is repetitive of what they've mastered or projects they've already done.) My kids are smart and in a high-achieving school - if they can't learn what they need to during the school day, then something is wrong, IMO. I do work with them on areas that I see they need help, or have an interest. For example, if I see that they haven't mastered a phonics sound or a spelling work or an addition fact, I'd work with them on that. But I resent being told that we have to do family projects during our weekend time together. Frankly, I'm really frustrated with one of their teachers this year, and I'm not sure how to handle it. A discussion isn't going to get me anywhere, as she's not interested in hearing parents views.

Give an example of the family project.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP that it would help if you could give a specific example. It sounds like you might be having a clash with a particular teacher/teaching style rather than the broader approach to homework at your kids' school.

[Anonymous]

When my oldest was in K/1st grade, homework was a huge battle. When he was in 1st grade, I got some very welcome advice from his teacher that homework wasn't worth the battle. If he didn't do his homework at home, he could do it when other kids were doing independent activities during class. We later learned he (and his younger brother) have learning disabilities and low muscle tone. My kids are mentally and physically exhausted by the time they get home from school. I don't blame them for not wanting to do homework and, frankly, it has very little value since they're tired. At the beginning of each year, we discuss this with the teachers and arrange to have homework due on Mondays so they can work on it over the weekend.

I don't think they've missed out on anything and are doing well in school. When they come home from school, they spend 15 minutes cleaning up the house and then doing whatever they want (no screen time) for about 1 hour, they eat dinner and go to bed. There's not much time between when the get home from school and when they go to bed. They're doing the best they can and I see no need to push them more than they already are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. (And this is my first response, so anything written above is not from me.)

Interesting set of views. FWIW, I'm not talking about regular, daily homework - my kids know that that is their responsibility to do, that they are responsible to their teachers for how well they do it, and that they should get it done in aftercare (which they do). I'm fine with that - I get the ideas of discipline and responsibility behind it, though I think the worksheets are pretty useless. My beef is with all the additional projects, work, and suggestions piled up on top of everyday homework, which I think is completely inappropriate for early elementary years. (I refer to it as "busywork" because it is repetitive of what they've mastered or projects they've already done.) My kids are smart and in a high-achieving school - if they can't learn what they need to during the school day, then something is wrong, IMO. I do work with them on areas that I see they need help, or have an interest. For example, if I see that they haven't mastered a phonics sound or a spelling work or an addition fact, I'd work with them on that. But I resent being told that we have to do family projects during our weekend time together. Frankly, I'm really frustrated with one of their teachers this year, and I'm not sure how to handle it. A discussion isn't going to get me anywhere, as she's not interested in hearing parents views.

I'd be careful about YOUR decision to opt out of these projects. Sometimes the kids really look forward to sharing these projects, and are proud of the finished result. Did I love trying to come up with a family artifact? Or helping my child 1st grader write a 15 page autobiography? It surely wasn't on the top of my list for a weekend activity. But, its not about you. Your child might feel very left out when the other children share the things they created with their family in front of the class (also an important skill), and your child has nothing to share because Mommy thougth it was stupid!

[Anonymous]

Which school has a 1st grader writing a 15 page biography?

[Anonymous]

I never buy this argument from parents.

If it is truly busywork and so easy for a kid to do - then it is not going to take that much effort or time from the kid so why complain. Better for him to do that for an hour a week then play video games or watch tv.

[Anonymous]

I don't always like doing "family projects" but I don't want my kid left out. My parents didn't believe in helping out with any homework. They were not willing to buy any supplies beyond pencils and crayons. As a result I didn't turn in several projects and felt terrible. Now I go overboard with my kids. One son had to build a leprechaun trap in kindergarten. It was fun to look for a spring loaded toy part, find a shoe box, cover it, etc. it took a couple of days to finish so he learned about time management. He was so proud to turn it in. Everyday he comes home to say the leprechauns left glitter, or a little shoe, or there were little footprints by his trap. How sad for the kid who doesn't have a trap. Think about how your kid will feel, OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't always like doing "family projects" but I don't want my kid left out. My parents didn't believe in helping out with any homework. They were not willing to buy any supplies beyond pencils and crayons. As a result I didn't turn in several projects and felt terrible. Now I go overboard with my kids. One son had to build a leprechaun trap in kindergarten. It was fun to look for a spring loaded toy part, find a shoe box, cover it, etc. it took a couple of days to finish so he learned about time management. He was so proud to turn it in. Everyday he comes home to say the leprechauns left glitter, or a little shoe, or there were little footprints by his trap. How sad for the kid who doesn't have a trap. Think about how your kid will feel, OP!

Yeah, I think some of these parents who resent doing projects with their kids aren't seeing the forest for the trees. They're probably the sort who let their kids veg in front of the TV while they sleep in until 11 a.m. on Saturday rather than get up and engage their children. I mean, seriously, the chutzpah of second-guessing teachers! Only in this area does this happen. The arrogance is astounding. Oh my God? You have to spend a couple of hours with your child CREATING something? How irritating and inconvenient for you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'll agree that some of the worksheets are c-r-a-p but we do them anyway-- I don't want to open a can of worms either in the classroom ("My mom said I don't have to if I don't want to!") or at home after third grade or so ("I don't want to write my spelling words! You didn't make me do the family tradition project!")

Please consult with the teacher instead of trying to assert your kid's "rights." Yes, there needs to be more playing less working for young ones. But you need to address this with the teacher and/or school and try to effect some positive change before just balking and refusing.

+1