Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love this! DS has a debate tournament coming up and homework should be banned in ES is one of the topics. Keep it coming, because I plan to pass along a link to this thread.

ha ha. A perennial discussion topic.
Here is some good information for your son: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar07/vol64/num06/The-Case-For-and-Against-Homework.aspx

Is another topic about students having cell phones at school? Just curious.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PreK and kindergarten homework should be limited to things like:

Go outside and count how many bees and butterflies you see. Draw a picture of them pollinating a flower.

Count the numbers of windows and doors in your house. Which number is greater?

Have a grown up help you cook a recipe. How many fractions did you use when cooking? What other types of numbers did you need to know to make your recipe?

Read for 20 minutes and draw a picture about your favorite part of the story. Explain why you liked it, either by writing it and reading what you wrote to a grown up or telling them why you liked the story.
Etc.

Drill and kill worksheets should not be part of homework at that age.

I don't think worksheets have a place in PreK at all, and ideally not in K bit the kinds of assients you propose that not only take time but require parents to take kids to specific locations are absolutely unacceptable.

You don't have an outside? Windows? Doors? You don't cook dinner?

All of these ideas are perfect "homework" for early childhood education and take no extra effort or resources from parents (assuming you cook dinner in your home at least occasionally).

Being a parent takes lots of extra effort. If you are not willing to put in the effort, why have kids? The things that you do while the kids are young, set the example they will live by. Learning should be both at home and at schools. Schools cannot provide everything.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's a difference between studying and busywork. Most of what kids are assigned for homework is busywork. When kids get to college and they are expected to study with nobody collecting assignments, they often struggle. Elementary homework should be read for minimum of 30 minutes, ideally an hour in upper elementary and probably done math fact practice (but not necessarily by worksheet). Spelling words can be practice by going over them with a parent, no need to do a word search or crossword puzzle. And don't even get me started on teachers who assign students to write every word in a sentence without stipulating quality and approx. length of sentences. I've seen students write the sentence "I am hopeless" as their sentence and they weren't being sarcastic.

Some kids like the word searches and crossword puzzles. We do spelling tests where everyone takes the test and make it fun. Busy work creates good work habits. It also shows them they can be successful. I see the benefit with my child.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the pp, that is because preschoolers shouldn't be given homework. Elementary school children could do some homework. Your example is one of those bad homework assignments. That is why this research is useless. If homework assignments are inappropriate, the research of its efficacy is by necessity useless.

Of course they COULD do some homework. But, the question is - is it really beneficial.
I am with the experts who say it isn’t.
The research I have seen have looked at what many consider “appropriate” homework. And, they still find that there is no benefit.

What do you believe to be appropriate homework?

I see a lot of benefit of having a little homework, the simple fact of keeping track of it and turn it in the next day or next week is good exercise of the executive function. And if the homework is reinforcing learning at all is just a bonus. What is wrong with a worksheet on math facts everyday. It takes a few minutes and it is good practice.

And Harris Cooper is cited as an anti-homework expert. But he is not. He just want them to be less not none.

The issue I have with something like a sheet of math facts is that kids who know their facts, don’t need it and kids who don’t know their facts often practice them wrong, thus leading to incorrect learning. Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect. And, too often, kids don’t have perfect practice.
If parents want their kids to do work at home, I am ok with them having their kids do something. As long as it is not worksheet after worksheet - these simply teach kids that learning is tedious and boring. And, the worksheets are usually math-related which is doubly bad since we want kids to like learning mathematics - too many think it is boring already. Some kids actually ask for some kind of homework. Best thing to do, IMO, is to READ with your child and TALK about what you’re reading. Ask questions. Discuss alternate endings. What I am really against is teachers assigning mandatory homework that impinges on family life.
If a teacher wants to have parents fill out a reading log or something very simple to help kids get in the habit of keeping track of it - that is ok by me. But, don’t make kids write something about everything they read, because then kids do not look forward to reading. This happened to my son. He still, today, does not read for enjoyment (and he is in his 30’s).
There are so many things parents can do with their kids to help them learn that are much more beneficial than the homework they bring home. Give them time to do these things.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Being a parent takes lots of extra effort. If you are not willing to put in the effort, why have kids? The things that you do while the kids are young, set the example they will live by. Learning should be both at home and at schools.

This is true, but what does this have to do with homework??

Anonymous wrote:
Schools cannot provide everything.

I don't see anyone saying they should! Please explain this remark -- what made you write it? Did you think someone wants school to 'provide everything'?

Helping your kids with homework is part of parenting. Most parents who complain about it do not want to sit down and help their kids. They'd prefer homework when the kids are older so they do not have to deal with it. That is lazy parenting.

Yes, lots of people expect the schools to provide everything.

It is part of parenting because that is what you grew up remembering. It doesn’t mean it HAS to be part of parenting. And, those that complain about it do so because they see little benefit - NOT because they are lazy. As a teacher, I resent the statement you made.
I truly believe one of the reasons we have such an obesity problem today is because homework, a generally sedentary activity, has become the norm. Students are being assigned more and more homework and have less and less time to be physically active.

+100000

Kids should be outside running around after school. Not cramming in busy work because some knucklehead parents think their kids need piles of worksheets to get ahead.

You don't need to assign worksheets to Kindergarteners to ensure good study habits in older grades. That is ridiculous. The ONLY thing it could accomplish is driving out the joy of school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: My son spends a lot of time playing and studying chess for tournaments and his time is better spent on chess than school busywork. DS is above grade level academically across the board and I don't see how homework adds anything for elementary schoolers.

He won't be hurt by the five minutes he spend on homework either if they are at his level.

He has 2 reading and writing assignments a week in two different languages - immersion school that takes him about 30-40 minutes each to do. I think it is appropriate for 3rd grade. That's about it for homework at our school although there is a nightly 40 minute reading, 20 minutes each language, that we don't bother doing. There use to be more homework in earlier grades but no longer probably due to complaints from parents. He brings home worksheets (similar to homework assignments in previous grades) fully completed from school.

I am the pp you respond to. I have never made my son read the number of minutes every day either. He is in 1st grade and reads about 2-3 grades above. I don't feel like we need to change much. His other homeowork takes 2-5 minutes depending on how much he did at after care. That is it. I think this is totally appropriate amount of assignment. But I think it is good that he has the structure of having homework. I also like to see homework coming home. Because it is really the only way for me to figure out what they are doing in school and how he is doing in school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: My son spends a lot of time playing and studying chess for tournaments and his time is better spent on chess than school busywork. DS is above grade level academically across the board and I don't see how homework adds anything for elementary schoolers.

He won't be hurt by the five minutes he spend on homework either if they are at his level.

He has 2 reading and writing assignments a week in two different languages - immersion school that takes him about 30-40 minutes each to do. I think it is appropriate for 3rd grade. That's about it for homework at our school although there is a nightly 40 minute reading, 20 minutes each language, that we don't bother doing. There use to be more homework in earlier grades but no longer probably due to complaints from parents. He brings home worksheets (similar to homework assignments in previous grades) fully completed from school.

I am the pp you respond to. I have never made my son read the number of minutes every day either. He is in 1st grade and reads about 2-3 grades above. I don't feel like we need to change much. His other homeowork takes 2-5 minutes depending on how much he did at after care. That is it. I think this is totally appropriate amount of assignment. But I think it is good that he has the structure of having homework. I also like to see homework coming home. Because it is really the only way for me to figure out what they are doing in school and how he is doing in school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: My son spends a lot of time playing and studying chess for tournaments and his time is better spent on chess than school busywork. DS is above grade level academically across the board and I don't see how homework adds anything for elementary schoolers.

He won't be hurt by the five minutes he spend on homework either if they are at his level.

He has 2 reading and writing assignments a week in two different languages - immersion school that takes him about 30-40 minutes each to do. I think it is appropriate for 3rd grade. That's about it for homework at our school although there is a nightly 40 minute reading, 20 minutes each language, that we don't bother doing. There use to be more homework in earlier grades but no longer probably due to complaints from parents. He brings home worksheets (similar to homework assignments in previous grades) fully completed from school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: My son spends a lot of time playing and studying chess for tournaments and his time is better spent on chess than school busywork. DS is above grade level academically across the board and I don't see how homework adds anything for elementary schoolers.

He won't be hurt by the five minutes he spend on homework either if they are at his level.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I disagree. Homework has some value, one of which is preparing the expectation to do homework. Also, especially in math it does help reinforce the concepts taught in class.

Homework is not "wrecking" schools -- such nonsense and hyperbole. I swear parents today want to coddle kids with their demands for four/five recess and less pressure. Good Lord, expect more from your children. They are capable and want to learn.

+1

I figure that the many anti-homework complainers on DCUM are mostly parents of elementary kids or kids even younger than elementary; OP, that seems to be you.

OP, your child is in pre-K. No pre-K has any business sending worksheets home; find a new pre-K since the one you're using sends homework. Or just say that your child is not doing it. It's pre-K. There are no grades.

But beware if you give your child the idea that when "real" elementary school starts, it's fine to not do things you don't like and to treat homework as optional. That's not what you want an elementary kid to pick up as the message here. You've dragged all of elementary into your issues with one pre-K program.

If kids have zero homework until they begin middle school (or if their parents tell them, "Ignore the teachers and don't do what they ask"), they will be utterly slammed by the idea of required homework when they hit middle school. They need to learn that the expectation of doing regular homework is important -- and in MS and HS, homework assignments are part of the class grade. Doing the homework consistently and with real effort can help a kid's overall class grade, both because the assignments themselves get graded, and because they help the kid understand concepts that will turn up on tests and classroom assignments.

If kids don't learn how to deal with homework gradually as they move into older elementary grades, they will be overwhelmed in middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the pp, that is because preschoolers shouldn't be given homework. Elementary school children could do some homework. Your example is one of those bad homework assignments. That is why this research is useless. If homework assignments are inappropriate, the research of its efficacy is by necessity useless.

Of course they COULD do some homework. But, the question is - is it really beneficial.
I am with the experts who say it isn’t.
The research I have seen have looked at what many consider “appropriate” homework. And, they still find that there is no benefit.

What do you believe to be appropriate homework?

I see a lot of benefit of having a little homework, the simple fact of keeping track of it and turn it in the next day or next week is good exercise of the executive function. And if the homework is reinforcing learning at all is just a bonus. What is wrong with a worksheet on math facts everyday. It takes a few minutes and it is good practice.

And Harris Cooper is cited as an anti-homework expert. But he is not. He just want them to be less not none.

The issue I have with something like a sheet of math facts is that kids who know their facts, don’t need it and kids who don’t know their facts often practice them wrong, thus leading to incorrect learning. Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect. And, too often, kids don’t have perfect practice.
If parents want their kids to do work at home, I am ok with them having their kids do something. As long as it is not worksheet after worksheet - these simply teach kids that learning is tedious and boring. And, the worksheets are usually math-related which is doubly bad since we want kids to like learning mathematics - too many think it is boring already. Some kids actually ask for some kind of homework. Best thing to do, IMO, is to READ with your child and TALK about what you’re reading. Ask questions. Discuss alternate endings. What I am really against is teachers assigning mandatory homework that impinges on family life.
If a teacher wants to have parents fill out a reading log or something very simple to help kids get in the habit of keeping track of it - that is ok by me. But, don’t make kids write something about everything they read, because then kids do not look forward to reading. This happened to my son. He still, today, does not read for enjoyment (and he is in his 30’s).
There are so many things parents can do with their kids to help them learn that are much more beneficial than the homework they bring home. Give them time to do these things.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Being a parent takes lots of extra effort. If you are not willing to put in the effort, why have kids? The things that you do while the kids are young, set the example they will live by. Learning should be both at home and at schools.

This is true, but what does this have to do with homework??

Anonymous wrote:
Schools cannot provide everything.

I don't see anyone saying they should! Please explain this remark -- what made you write it? Did you think someone wants school to 'provide everything'?

Helping your kids with homework is part of parenting. Most parents who complain about it do not want to sit down and help their kids. They'd prefer homework when the kids are older so they do not have to deal with it. That is lazy parenting.

Yes, lots of people expect the schools to provide everything.

It is part of parenting because that is what you grew up remembering. It doesn’t mean it HAS to be part of parenting. And, those that complain about it do so because they see little benefit - NOT because they are lazy. As a teacher, I resent the statement you made.
I truly believe one of the reasons we have such an obesity problem today is because homework, a generally sedentary activity, has become the norm. Students are being assigned more and more homework and have less and less time to be physically active.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the pp, that is because preschoolers shouldn't be given homework. Elementary school children could do some homework. Your example is one of those bad homework assignments. That is why this research is useless. If homework assignments are inappropriate, the research of its efficacy is by necessity useless.

Of course they COULD do some homework. But, the question is - is it really beneficial.
I am with the experts who say it isn’t.
The research I have seen have looked at what many consider “appropriate” homework. And, they still find that there is no benefit.

What do you believe to be appropriate homework?

I see a lot of benefit of having a little homework, the simple fact of keeping track of it and turn it in the next day or next week is good exercise of the executive function. And if the homework is reinforcing learning at all is just a bonus. What is wrong with a worksheet on math facts everyday. It takes a few minutes and it is good practice.

And Harris Cooper is cited as an anti-homework expert. But he is not. He just want them to be less not none.