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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally look down on the parents on here who are bitching about some homework in the elementary years. If you don't want to help your kid or check it over, so be it. If you want to bitch about it, though, you're clearly passing that attitude (overtly or covertly) to your kids. What a shame.

Go ahead and look down on me. My kid will be your kid's boss some day, because your child will be so busy internalizing lessons about boredom, paperwork, and compliance with authority that he will not learn the skills of creativity, executive function, and expression that are essential for success in today's economy.

We shall see, won't we? That's quite some statement, about which you have no knowledge. I'm looking down on parents who pass the attitude onto their kids (about homework the parents feel is stupid).

It's called critical thinking ... Mindless respect for authority is very 19th century.

This. Nobody wants to raise mindless automatons. Maybe some PPs don't think homework is worth the battle. Fine. But some of us think it's useless at best. And at times, harmful. I can and will say no when appropriate for my kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally look down on the parents on here who are bitching about some homework in the elementary years. If you don't want to help your kid or check it over, so be it. If you want to bitch about it, though, you're clearly passing that attitude (overtly or covertly) to your kids. What a shame.

Go ahead and look down on me. My kid will be your kid's boss some day, because your child will be so busy internalizing lessons about boredom, paperwork, and compliance with authority that he will not learn the skills of creativity, executive function, and expression that are essential for success in today's economy.

We shall see, won't we? That's quite some statement, about which you have no knowledge. I'm looking down on parents who pass the attitude onto their kids (about homework the parents feel is stupid).

It's called critical thinking ... Mindless respect for authority is very 19th century.

Oh I gotcha...critical thinking allows you to foretell the future. I was confused until you cleared it up. Thanks SO much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally look down on the parents on here who are bitching about some homework in the elementary years. If you don't want to help your kid or check it over, so be it. If you want to bitch about it, though, you're clearly passing that attitude (overtly or covertly) to your kids. What a shame.

Go ahead and look down on me. My kid will be your kid's boss some day, because your child will be so busy internalizing lessons about boredom, paperwork, and compliance with authority that he will not learn the skills of creativity, executive function, and expression that are essential for success in today's economy.

We shall see, won't we? That's quite some statement, about which you have no knowledge. I'm looking down on parents who pass the attitude onto their kids (about homework the parents feel is stupid).

It's called critical thinking ... Mindless respect for authority is very 19th century.

This. Nobody wants to raise mindless automatons. Maybe some PPs don't think homework is worth the battle. Fine. But some of us think it's useless at best. And at times, harmful. I can and will say no when appropriate for my kid.

And some think your reasoning is ridiculous. Making a child do some homework that is assigned is not going to create a mindless automaton. I'm not sure where you're getting this black and white. I believe it IS worth a battle (though my kids don't fight it but even if they did it would be worth it) because it is assigned by a teacher. Enuf' said. That doesn't mean that I may not think it is worthwhile, but regardless of what I believe, my kids are doing it and will know there is no choice about it. Harmful? Doubtful. Unpleasant? Maybe. Such is life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally look down on the parents on here who are bitching about some homework in the elementary years. If you don't want to help your kid or check it over, so be it. If you want to bitch about it, though, you're clearly passing that attitude (overtly or covertly) to your kids. What a shame.

Go ahead and look down on me. My kid will be your kid's boss some day, because your child will be so busy internalizing lessons about boredom, paperwork, and compliance with authority that he will not learn the skills of creativity, executive function, and expression that are essential for success in today's economy.

We shall see, won't we? That's quite some statement, about which you have no knowledge. I'm looking down on parents who pass the attitude onto their kids (about homework the parents feel is stupid).

It's called critical thinking ... Mindless respect for authority is very 19th century.

This. Nobody wants to raise mindless automatons. Maybe some PPs don't think homework is worth the battle. Fine. But some of us think it's useless at best. And at times, harmful. I can and will say no when appropriate for my kid.

And some think your reasoning is ridiculous. Making a child do some homework that is assigned is not going to create a mindless automaton. I'm not sure where you're getting this black and white. I believe it IS worth a battle (though my kids don't fight it but even if they did it would be worth it) because it is assigned by a teacher. Enuf' said. That doesn't mean that I may not think it is worthwhile, but regardless of what I believe, my kids are doing it and will know there is no choice about it. Harmful? Doubtful. Unpleasant? Maybe. Such is life.

Amen. So glad my mom raised me this way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally look down on the parents on here who are bitching about some homework in the elementary years. If you don't want to help your kid or check it over, so be it. If you want to bitch about it, though, you're clearly passing that attitude (overtly or covertly) to your kids. What a shame.

Go ahead and look down on me. My kid will be your kid's boss some day, because your child will be so busy internalizing lessons about boredom, paperwork, and compliance with authority that he will not learn the skills of creativity, executive function, and expression that are essential for success in today's economy.

We shall see, won't we? That's quite some statement, about which you have no knowledge. I'm looking down on parents who pass the attitude onto their kids (about homework the parents feel is stupid).

It's called critical thinking ... Mindless respect for authority is very 19th century.

Sorry, I'm not living in the 19th century and pretty much do expect my kids to have respect for authority. (Whether it is mindless or not is not really my concern). The only exception would be if an adult authority figure atttempt to touch inappropriately...other than that - you respect another adult's rules when on a playdate in his/her home, you respect the school's rules while in school (and out, if outside work is assigned), and you respect your parents' rules. Unbelievable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally look down on the parents on here who are bitching about some homework in the elementary years. If you don't want to help your kid or check it over, so be it. If you want to bitch about it, though, you're clearly passing that attitude (overtly or covertly) to your kids. What a shame.

Go ahead and look down on me. My kid will be your kid's boss some day, because your child will be so busy internalizing lessons about boredom, paperwork, and compliance with authority that he will not learn the skills of creativity, executive function, and expression that are essential for success in today's economy.

We shall see, won't we? That's quite some statement, about which you have no knowledge. I'm looking down on parents who pass the attitude onto their kids (about homework the parents feel is stupid).

It's called critical thinking ... Mindless respect for authority is very 19th century.

This. Nobody wants to raise mindless automatons. Maybe some PPs don't think homework is worth the battle. Fine. But some of us think it's useless at best. And at times, harmful. I can and will say no when appropriate for my kid.

And some think your reasoning is ridiculous. Making a child do some homework that is assigned is not going to create a mindless automaton. I'm not sure where you're getting this black and white. I believe it IS worth a battle (though my kids don't fight it but even if they did it would be worth it) because it is assigned by a teacher. Enuf' said. That doesn't mean that I may not think it is worthwhile, but regardless of what I believe, my kids are doing it and will know there is no choice about it. Harmful? Doubtful. Unpleasant? Maybe. Such is life.

Amen. So glad my mom raised me this way.

What I hear you saying is that you care more about your kid learning to "respect authority" than you do about the quality of his education or, more importantly, your time as a family. The premise here is that too much homework a) does not actually help kids learn; and b) interferes with family life by taking away our already limited time to do important things. We anti-busywork moms are not saying that our kids should be lazy or openly disrespectful to teachers - we are overseeing the quality of our kids educations. It is bizarre to me that you would just unthinkingly accept anything just because a teacher assigned it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally look down on the parents on here who are bitching about some homework in the elementary years. If you don't want to help your kid or check it over, so be it. If you want to bitch about it, though, you're clearly passing that attitude (overtly or covertly) to your kids. What a shame.

I'm not bitching about it, I just don't require my kid to do it. But, since I'm just horrified that you (someone whose opinion I value so highly) look down upon me, I'll immediately change my ways! I do so want to earn your respect!

Rather than take your precious time to respond to posts on this site, why not go and help your kids? Your attitude on homework is directly beig passed on to your kids. Maybe if you did something constructive with them, that will pass to them too. Signed - a working, professional mother, with no childcare, who does her kids' homework with them daily.

Aren't you just special. Where would you like your blue ribbon delivered?

I'm not the one seeking approval for her methods. You're the one seeking approval for shirking responsibilities. I only signed it that way so that you didn't retort saying you didn't have time because you work or don't have childcare, etc. If you have time to be on DCUM, you have time to help your kids with their homework whether YOU think it is necessary or not.

What makes you think I'm seeking approval? If I felt it was important to make sure my kids did busywork, I'd make time for it. But, I don't.

I am interested, though, how a working, 'professional' mother gets by with no childcare? You either have a flexible schedule, a SAHD, extended family or only a part time job. School is only 6 hours a day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally look down on the parents on here who are bitching about some homework in the elementary years. If you don't want to help your kid or check it over, so be it. If you want to bitch about it, though, you're clearly passing that attitude (overtly or covertly) to your kids. What a shame.

I'm not bitching about it, I just don't require my kid to do it. But, since I'm just horrified that you (someone whose opinion I value so highly) look down upon me, I'll immediately change my ways! I do so want to earn your respect!

Rather than take your precious time to respond to posts on this site, why not go and help your kids? Your attitude on homework is directly beig passed on to your kids. Maybe if you did something constructive with them, that will pass to them too. Signed - a working, professional mother, with no childcare, who does her kids' homework with them daily.

Aren't you just special. Where would you like your blue ribbon delivered?

I'm not the one seeking approval for her methods. You're the one seeking approval for shirking responsibilities. I only signed it that way so that you didn't retort saying you didn't have time because you work or don't have childcare, etc. If you have time to be on DCUM, you have time to help your kids with their homework whether YOU think it is necessary or not.

What makes you think I'm seeking approval? If I felt it was important to make sure my kids did busywork, I'd make time for it. But, I don't.

I am interested, though, how a working, 'professional' mother gets by with no childcare? You either have a flexible schedule, a SAHD, extended family or only a part time job. School is only 6 hours a day.

I am an attorney who does contract litigation work, however all cases which don't settle are handled by arbitration (in front of a retired judge). A handful of cases don't settle each year. I work my tush off during the day and am often working for countless hours after the kids are asleep. My husband is a professional as well but doesn't have the flexibility that I have, as I have a small practice of 4 attorneys. I still think you're seeking approval - and I'm not giving it. You're (mis)classifying homework as 'busywork.' You tell yourself that, your kids will know that is what you think about it. Busywork or not - it is assigned by the school and my kid will do it. Just like when my kid brought home an optional journal to work on this trip, we are lugging it to our trip to the Hoover Dam/Grand Canyon and my kid will be writing in it daily. It isn't a punishment and he isn't at all upset about it. (It is largely how you portray it, I believe - and regardless, my kid wouldn't have a choice even if he kicked and screamed over it). It went from backpack to my carry on. Oh and last xmas when we went to Arizona for 10 days, we got about 50 math sheets to do with the instructions to pick any 15 we wanted. My kid did everyone, not because it was a punishment but because if they all reinforce different concepts how can you pick out which ones to do? Was my kid soooo miserable and did she (the younger one) miss out because she had some homework daily? What do you think?

[Anonymous]

http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/edweek/homework.htm

[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.

this old canard. really tiresome. No we do all the homework that is assigned and if I don't think enough has been assigned, we assign our own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally look down on the parents on here who are bitching about some homework in the elementary years. If you don't want to help your kid or check it over, so be it. If you want to bitch about it, though, you're clearly passing that attitude (overtly or covertly) to your kids. What a shame.

I'm not bitching about it, I just don't require my kid to do it. But, since I'm just horrified that you (someone whose opinion I value so highly) look down upon me, I'll immediately change my ways! I do so want to earn your respect!

Rather than take your precious time to respond to posts on this site, why not go and help your kids? Your attitude on homework is directly beig passed on to your kids. Maybe if you did something constructive with them, that will pass to them too. Signed - a working, professional mother, with no childcare, who does her kids' homework with them daily.

Aren't you just special. Where would you like your blue ribbon delivered?

I'm not the one seeking approval for her methods. You're the one seeking approval for shirking responsibilities. I only signed it that way so that you didn't retort saying you didn't have time because you work or don't have childcare, etc. If you have time to be on DCUM, you have time to help your kids with their homework whether YOU think it is necessary or not.

What makes you think I'm seeking approval? If I felt it was important to make sure my kids did busywork, I'd make time for it. But, I don't.

I am interested, though, how a working, 'professional' mother gets by with no childcare? You either have a flexible schedule, a SAHD, extended family or only a part time job. School is only 6 hours a day.

I am an attorney who does contract litigation work, however all cases which don't settle are handled by arbitration (in front of a retired judge). A handful of cases don't settle each year. I work my tush off during the day and am often working for countless hours after the kids are asleep. My husband is a professional as well but doesn't have the flexibility that I have, as I have a small practice of 4 attorneys. I still think you're seeking approval - and I'm not giving it. You're (mis)classifying homework as 'busywork.' You tell yourself that, your kids will know that is what you think about it. Busywork or not - it is assigned by the school and my kid will do it. Just like when my kid brought home an optional journal to work on this trip, we are lugging it to our trip to the Hoover Dam/Grand Canyon and my kid will be writing in it daily. It isn't a punishment and he isn't at all upset about it. (It is largely how you portray it, I believe - and regardless, my kid wouldn't have a choice even if he kicked and screamed over it). It went from backpack to my carry on. Oh and last xmas when we went to Arizona for 10 days, we got about 50 math sheets to do with the instructions to pick any 15 we wanted. My kid did everyone, not because it was a punishment but because if they all reinforce different concepts how can you pick out which ones to do? Was my kid soooo miserable and did she (the younger one) miss out because she had some homework daily? What do you think?

Oh I see - you have a boring ass paperwork laden job and so you don't mind busywork; you value it.

I would be livid at homework assigned over Xmas for a young elementary child.

[Anonymous]

First, I don't consider my job boring or being overly focused on paperwork. I imagine ALL professional jobs have paperwork...but this job is great...it has client interaction, flexibility, research, theatrics (think of a great cross examination, etc.). I make in an HOUR what some make in a week. I would not be upset at all if my kid grew up - if happy - to have a job where he/she could spend as much time w/family as preferred AND have flexibility AND make a lot of money AND be interested in it.

You have such a warped, myoptic thinking it is hard to reason with you. If you don't want to do homework - DON'T...but don't judge me for making my kid comply. You want to revolt - and want others to join the revolution...sorry, honey...you "teach" your kids your way and I'll teach mine, my way.

You would be "livid" about getting homework over a TEN day break from school...are you serious? Wow...low tolereance, my friend.

P.S. I am writing this from the plane. My kid ASKED for the journal and already wrote a page about what we've seen so far. Also asked to take photographs of things mentioned in the journal...such as different state flags, how military personnel were given deference on the boarding process, etc. My kid also has finished one of the two books taken home for the break - a choice, I said nothing. The books were requested last night and while waiting for others to finish boarding.

[Anonymous]

Oh I see - you have a boring ass paperwork laden job and so you don't mind busywork; you value it.

Hope your kid does any work assigned on the use of descriptive words. I don't think he/she will make it far with your adjecties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

this old canard. really tiresome. No we do all the homework that is assigned and if I don't think enough has been assigned, we assign our own.

The answer I guess is, some people are doing it...but I think it is pretty sad you're doing so. I honestly do. My kids have "mastered" a lot of the work they have to do...too bad. I guess though you're the boss...albeit a poor one, IMO on this issue. (FCPS can't even use homework as part of the grade in the lower levels...so you're probably right...why do it at all. NOT).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. First of all, I haven't been posting, so ya'll have been busy casting aspersions at others, FWIW. (Not that I expected anything different on good old DCUMs, lol.
Second, in terms of what and how much homework there is, in addition to the daily worksheets (which, as I've said, are done in aftercare) and reading (which I fully support and always find time to do), there is: making and using spelling word flash cards; making and using math flash cards; doing music homework on-line; doing math homework on-line; doing almost-daily writing assignments; finding and reading specific books at home; and doing monthly family projects, such as making diaramas, creating a piece of art regarding math or a holiday, making a book, etc.
I really would like to have a more constructive dialog about how to handle this overload. Between working full-time, doing the cooking, cleaning, laundry and other house stuff, and trying to do some fun family activities on weekends, I really don't have time to do all this, and my kids are too young to take it on themselves. Plus, one of them has started to really dislike school because it is just too much.

I have one DC, which is key; if I had to multiply the following by 2 or 3, that would be a different story. As it is, I find homework assigned to be an important to DC's classroom learning.

My second grade dc has worksheets and reading, as OP describes. He usually finishes in aftercare, tho I need to check them. I read the Alfe Kohn article with interest and support his approach to education; my dc may be unusual, but I find he does need practice with writing, spelling, and math. In fact, it is like tennis. It takes him several rounds to master calculating perimeter, for example -- make a mark where you're starting to count; count carefully as you go round; make sure you stop at the mark. Always check your work. If my child were brighter, perhaps he would not need this sort of direct instruction and I would be complaining about busywork. As it is, he is plenty creative, and is learning to take a more systematic approach when required. Worksheets/homework also help me track how he's doing -- tho I understand this is an extrinsic benefit. When my child was in K, I would never have believed I would be writing in support of worksheets; but that's the child I've got. It may be that he would have become more diligent and attentive to detail with maturity in any case.

What DC doesn't have at his school are a lot of diarama or other craft projects as homework; he and his classmates recently completed projects like these in class as group projects. I'll bet some teachers gve such projects as homework to "balance" the worksheets, to forestall complaints that homework is not sufficiently creative. What I appreciate about his current teacher is that she sometimes assigns "parent homework" -- for example, we (not the children) are to write a short essay about a holiday memory, or a beloved family member, to be shared with the class. Could take five minutes, but I always spend more time because I love looking back, and sharing details the children will enjoy. Again, I only have one child.

Teacher also seems to be adjusting type/timing of homework and tests according to parent input; this is not a public school, so perhaps a bit more flexibility? Anyway, a diplomatic approach to teacher may be warranted.