At the start of the school year, Mrs. Emma Wright, a second-grade teacher in a quaint Texas town near Fort Worth, issued a letter to her students that has since taken the internet by storm. In this note, she declared that there would be no homework assigned throughout the year.
“After conducting extensive research this summer,” Mrs. Wright explained, “I’m trying something different. Homework will only include tasks that your child didn’t finish during school hours. There will be no formal homework this year.” The letter was shared on social media by a parent, Lisa Thompson, and within a week, it garnered over 65,000 shares.
Mrs. Wright continued her message by emphasizing that studies show little to no positive correlation between homework and academic performance. Instead, she encouraged families to spend their evenings engaged in activities that truly promote student success. “Enjoy dinner together, read aloud, play outside, and make sure your child gets to bed early,” she advised.
Lisa expressed her excitement to Scary Mommy about the change, noting that last year her daughter faced an hour of nightly homework, making the new policy a welcome relief. The homework debate has raged on for years, with education expert Alfie Kohn telling The Washington Post that “there’s no evidence supporting the assignment of homework for elementary students. In fact, there’s no positive correlation between the amount of homework assigned and any measure of achievement.”
Healthline states that both the National Education Association (NEA) and the National PTA advocate for a standard of “10 minutes of homework per grade level,” yet recent studies reveal that younger students often receive nearly triple the recommended amount. Homework can create stress for families; many parents dread the evening homework battle. As a parent of school-aged children, I can attest that our nightly 15-20 minutes of homework often turns into a whine-fest, leaving us all frustrated. On more than one occasion, I’ve found myself reaching for a calculator to assist with my son’s second-grade math while contemplating a little day drinking – no fun at all!
Not only is homework a headache for many, but the added pressure can be more challenging for families who may not have a college education. Research indicates that disputes over homework are 200% more likely in such households.
So here’s a round of applause for Mrs. Emma Wright for her “unconventional” approach to ditching homework and allowing kids to simply be kids! She’s not just won the hearts of her students and their families, but she’s also made parents across the nation green with envy.
“Only time will tell how this policy unfolds,” Lisa commented, “but it’s definitely kicked off the school year on a high note!”
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In summary, a Texas teacher’s no-homework policy has gone viral, capturing the admiration of parents everywhere, as it offers a refreshing shift from traditional homework expectations. Mrs. Wright’s initiative encourages family time and reduces stress, setting a positive tone for the school year.