As my children embark on their fourth week of school, the initial thrill of new teachers and shiny school supplies has faded, and the reality of homework is beginning to settle in. The first few weeks were smooth sailing, a relief since I started full-time work the same week school began. Now, however, the homework train has arrived, prompting me to share my thoughts on this annual topic.
Teachers, I hold immense respect for you. Coming from a family of educators and having friends who teach, I appreciate the hard work you put into shaping young minds. However, as you assign homework this year, I kindly ask you to consider a few points:
- Homework should reinforce concepts learned in class and gauge a student’s grasp of the material. If it’s graded, it should be pass/fail based on completion, as assigning letter grades can unfairly penalize students who may struggle with the content. Homework should serve as a tool to identify those needing additional support, allowing teachers to provide that assistance or involve parents when necessary. It’s disheartening, as a parent, to see my child lose points on an assignment they completed simply because they missed a few questions. If an assignment isn’t turned in, then yes, a zero is warranted.
- Please don’t make me do my child’s homework. I worked hard to earn my degree in writing and to establish a career in the creative field. I thought my reward for navigating that journey was never having to face seventh-grade algebra again! Yet, here I am, trying to help my son correct his algebra homework before submission, re-learning formulas and reaching for a calculator. It feels like a nightmare I can’t escape!
- “Family” homework? No thanks. I have yet to meet a parent who enjoys this. Often presented as a “fun family bonding activity,” it usually turns into a competition over who can create the most Pinterest-worthy project. Family homework tends to require more creativity and crafting skills than many parents possess, and it’s typically assigned in addition to regular homework and over weekends. While some families might enjoy this type of bonding, I’d much prefer to connect over a nature walk or a Star Wars movie.
- Assignments should be appropriate for each grade level. Last year, my third grader was drowning in two hours of homework while my sixth grader only had 20 minutes. That’s just not right.
- Homework is essential, but it shouldn’t consume so much time that it prevents kids from simply being kids. After spending six hours in school, the last thing they want is to come home to more work, and I definitely don’t want to spend my evening nagging them. Life lessons are learned outside the classroom too—be it through sports, music lessons, or family board game nights. I openly admit that I allow my kids to indulge in an hour of television each night once their homework and chores are done. Whether it’s the evening news or a sitcom, downtime is crucial for all of us. If homework takes over their evenings, they miss out on these valuable experiences.
I genuinely believe in the importance of homework and its potential value. However, it can easily lead to frustration, straining family dynamics and creating stressed-out kids and parents alike. As we navigate the school year, I urge teachers to keep in mind the balance between work and life—the same balance we adults are encouraged to maintain—when assigning homework.
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In summary, let’s strive for a balanced approach to homework, ensuring that it serves its purpose without overwhelming families.