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

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

hear, hear!

[Anonymous]

No, because they really don't consume that much time and are good for establishing work ethic. Some of the projects are fun as well, i.e. getting creative with book reports, etc.

What are your kids doing instead of this "busywork?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, because they really don't consume that much time and are good for establishing work ethic. Some of the projects are fun as well, i.e. getting creative with book reports, etc.

What are your kids doing instead of this "busywork?"

I completely agree. I think just doing what's assigned has taught my kids valuable lessons. Besides homework isn't my responsibility so while I'm available to help I'm not sitting beside my kids as they're doing it.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Are all these things required? My DC has about 1/2 hour a week of homework in early elementary not including reading. It's not worth the effort to complain. There are other things we are given as suggestions, but they are just suggestions.

[Anonymous]

If you disagree with the content of the homework, by all means approach the teacher with your concerns. But simply teaching your child that he doesn't have to do assigned work if mommy doesn't like it is NOT a good lesson.

[Anonymous]

I am a couple years away from having to face this but I fully plan on rebelling against meaningless homework, particularly stuff "we" are supposed to do (because ... I finished with homework when I graduated from law school, thanks!)

I expect my young child to do school in school. After school is for playing, sports, music, reading, chores ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you disagree with the content of the homework, by all means approach the teacher with your concerns. But simply teaching your child that he doesn't have to do assigned work if mommy doesn't like it is NOT a good lesson.

No, I would be teaching him that in our family we do important things wih our time, like exercise, cook healthy meals together, and read.

[Anonymous]

Voice of experience here and I'd be very careful going down this path, OP. My parents believed exactly as you did and it completely backfired with my brother. I went on to value school and overall learning but my brother absorbed a far different message that plagued him throughout his school years. As with many things, your approach may work for a certain type of personality and not with another. After seeing what happened in my house growing up I would NEVER take your approach with my own kids.

[Anonymous]

Kids need to learn that sometimes we do things we don't want to do. There are tasks that are boring, monotonous, and seemingly pointless in most jobs. You are doing your kids a huge disservice by allowing them to "opt out" of projects that everyone else powers through.

Mom of five....three in college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you disagree with the content of the homework, by all means approach the teacher with your concerns. But simply teaching your child that he doesn't have to do assigned work if mommy doesn't like it is NOT a good lesson.

No, I would be teaching him that in our family we do important things wih our time, like exercise, cook healthy meals together, and read.

80% of the homework assigned to lower elementary school is reading.

You're really going to die on the hill of the other 20%. I think you're cutting off your nose to spite your face.

[Anonymous]

Unless you are in the classroom, how do you know what is busywork and what isn't?

Is practicing a skills like addition and subtraction busy work?

Just get the HW done instead of complaining about it. If its taking forever, either the teacher is assigning too much or your child really does need extra practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids need to learn that sometimes we do things we don't want to do. There are tasks that are boring, monotonous, and seemingly pointless in most jobs. You are doing your kids a huge disservice by allowing them to "opt out" of projects that everyone else powers through.

Mom of five....three in college.

Agreed, but I plan to teach them that lesson through chores at home, not meaningless worksheets assigned by school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids need to learn that sometimes we do things we don't want to do. There are tasks that are boring, monotonous, and seemingly pointless in most jobs. You are doing your kids a huge disservice by allowing them to "opt out" of projects that everyone else powers through.

Mom of five....three in college.

Also ... Ugh I don't think my first grader needs to learn how to "power through" the elementary school tps reports! Whatever happened to fostering a love of learning? I'd prefer that he not become a jaded tool of bureaucracy until a little older.