Dear Teacher,
I hope this note finds you well! You may have noticed that we haven’t been submitting our homework packets lately, and I wanted to clarify our reasoning behind this decision, as I wouldn’t want you to think we’re simply forgetful or overlooking the neatly organized assignments.
Right now, I want my children to enjoy their childhood more fully. I understand that the homework you assign is influenced by state policies and guidelines, and I empathize with your position. I wish you had more flexibility in determining what and how to teach.
While I appreciate the concept of homework, my perspective differs when it comes to younger kids. As a professor, I often assigned a fair amount of homework to my college students because our class time was limited. They needed to engage with the material outside of class to gain a deeper understanding. In contrast, my children are in school for over 35 hours each week, which already provides ample learning opportunities.
At our last parent-teacher conference, you noted that my children are doing well academically and are ahead in both reading and math. My concern isn’t their academic performance; rather it’s about their well-being. Research consistently indicates that homework in the early grades doesn’t significantly contribute to a child’s long-term academic success, and excessive assignments can lead to burnout at a young age.
For most of the school year, we encouraged them to complete their worksheets, but our family life has become increasingly hectic. The kids are beginning to feel the weight of academic fatigue, and they deserve a break.
Instead of traditional homework, here’s how we spend our time at home:
- Reading Together: My kids love to read, and they often dive into new library books. We engage in discussions about the stories, helping them express their thoughts and ideas.
- Math Conversations: My youngest has a knack for math questions, and we enjoy solving problems together. We incorporate math into everyday activities, like cooking, where they measure ingredients, or counting money as we pay for chores.
- Exploring Our World: On our walks home, we observe things like seeds on the ground and discuss their role in nature. We encourage their curiosity about how various things work, whether it’s cars or technology, and tackle questions together.
- Geography Fun: They love to explore maps and learn about distances and climates, which has opened up discussions about travel and geography.
Please don’t misunderstand my intentions. I am not advocating for homeschooling; I value the social and educational experiences they gain in school. However, at home, I want them to experience the joy of learning in an engaging and relaxed environment.
In addition to all this, they enjoy outdoor play, video games for problem-solving, and creative activities like art or building with Legos—fostering their creativity and critical thinking skills.
You have provided a solid foundation for their academic journey, and for that, I am truly grateful. However, for the remaining weeks of school, we will be stepping back from homework. We’re focused on nurturing their inquisitive nature and ensuring they have the time to just be kids.
Thank you for your understanding!
Best wishes,
Samantha