As a parent, I often find myself grappling with the topic of homework. Research indicates that homework in elementary education may not yield significant benefits, and what kids truly need after spending hours in school is time to relax, play, and simply enjoy being children. However, as my children mature, I recognize the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility regarding their schoolwork. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that tedious worksheets should be replaced with more engaging, project-oriented assignments.
While opinions on homework vary, there’s a growing consensus that it could use a fresh approach. One visionary educator in Eugene, Oregon, named Rachel Harper, is paving the way for this change. Recently, she shared her fourth-grade homework guidelines, which have completely transformed my perspective on the subject.
Harper empowers parents to decide whether homework is beneficial for their children. For those who choose to embrace it, she offers a range of creative and stimulating learning opportunities to explore at home. What a breath of fresh air!
At the heart of her guidelines, Harper explains, “I don’t have any in-class rewards or consequences tied to homework completion because it’s not my place to dictate whether it gets done.” She emphasizes that whether or not to engage in homework is a family decision. While students will receive a homework grade on their report cards, they will not miss out on class activities or earn rewards based on homework completion. The choice is left to families, which I find incredibly refreshing.
We all know our children best, and in most cases, we can discern whether homework is beneficial for them. Interestingly, Harper shares that many of her colleagues at the school are parents themselves, which contributes to a more flexible homework policy that acknowledges the challenges of balancing family life and school demands.
For those parents unsure about their child’s need for homework, Harper invites open discussions, ensuring that every family can find the right fit. Her approach has proven effective for her own daughter, who has found the creative assignments far more enjoyable than traditional homework methods.
One of the most remarkable features of these guidelines is the flexibility and creativity they offer. Homework is categorized into three areas: reading, math, and spelling. Instead of daily assignments, students are given a general estimate of time to dedicate to each subject and are required to log their completed work by week’s end.
Reading
For reading, students are encouraged to read for 100 minutes weekly, with the freedom to divide this time however they wish. Harper is open to any form of reading, including being read to or reading aloud.
Math
Math, often a challenging subject for parents, requires just 50 minutes of weekly practice. Rather than relying on tedious worksheets, students can opt for engaging online math programs or integrate math into everyday tasks like cooking, turning homework into a fun family activity!
Spelling
When it comes to spelling, students receive lists tailored to their skill level, and studying them is completely optional. This lovely word—optional—makes the idea of homework feel like a collaborative decision between parent and child rather than a burdensome obligation.
Since adopting this new homework policy, Harper notes that her daughter’s after-school experience has improved dramatically, without compromising her educational growth. “The activities are more enjoyable, like using a cool math app that feels like a game or cooking together as homework,” Harper shares. “In the past, homework was a source of tears and frustration.”
Fortunately, many school districts are beginning to embrace similar homework policies like the one at Harper’s school. Homework should never be a source of overwhelming stress, yet for far too many students, that is precisely what it has become. We need to shift this narrative, and hopefully, more schools will consider innovative approaches like these.
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In summary, Rachel Harper’s flexible homework policy at Howard Elementary School represents a refreshing shift towards a more supportive and engaging approach to learning, allowing families to navigate homework in a way that best suits their needs.