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.

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!

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.

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.

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".

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.