In August, a second-grade teacher named Sarah Lawson sent a letter to her students’ parents announcing her decision to eliminate homework. She explained, “Research has not demonstrated that homework enhances student achievement. Instead, I encourage you to spend your evenings on activities that truly foster success: share family meals, enjoy reading together, play outdoors, and ensure your child gets enough rest.”
As a parent of two elementary school kids, one in second grade and the other in fourth, and an educator in higher education for many years, I find myself reflecting on this approach. Since beginning my teaching career in Minnesota in 2009, I’ve worked with college students at various state institutions in Oregon, fulfilling roles from instructor to academic counselor. Throughout my experiences, I’ve observed a concerning pattern: each year, a growing number of freshmen face challenges in managing academic workloads outside the classroom. Many seem to struggle with the concept of work itself.
I must clarify that my insights come from years of direct interaction with students rather than formal research. As a college educator, I worry my children may not acquire the essential skills needed to thrive in higher education. This anxiety stems from witnessing many students who, despite their intelligence, find it challenging to navigate the demands of college life due to a lack of preparedness in terms of effort and time management.
I won’t contest Mrs. Lawson’s assertion that current research shows minimal benefits of homework for young children. It’s true that some studies indicate that early homework can lead to emotional burnout, negative feelings towards learning, and reduced free time for kids. However, I can’t help but compare my children’s experiences to my own childhood in the 1980s, where hard work was a significant part of daily life. I grew up on a modest farm in Utah, where chores like mowing, tending to animals, and other labor were commonplace. Admittedly, I often resisted these responsibilities, but they instilled a work ethic that has served me well as an adult.
Today, my family resides in a suburban neighborhood with a smaller yard, devoid of livestock. While my children do have chores, they lack the extensive manual labor opportunities I had as a child. They help with basic tasks, but I fear they might not understand the true value of hard, hands-on work. The question arises: what does “real work” look like in their world? My father valued a strong work ethic and practical skills, but now, higher education holds the key to securing a stable livelihood.
In transitioning from physical work to cognitive tasks, I wonder if we’ve lost something essential. Does eliminating homework truly benefit our children? I grapple with this notion, especially when I see my daughter stubbornly resisting her assignments, reminiscent of my own childhood arguments over chores. While she prefers playing on her tablet, I can’t help but feel that a balance must be struck.
I genuinely don’t know what the right amount of homework is for elementary students. Perhaps it’s the oft-cited 10-minute rule, but I’m concerned about the implications of setting the homework bar to zero. This could leave children unprepared for the challenges they will face in college, where the ability to manage time and effort is crucial.
As we navigate a world that values resilience and determination, I want my children to develop a strong work ethic. They need to learn that academic success is less about innate intelligence and more about perseverance. Most importantly, I want them to recognize that learning extends beyond classroom hours; it culminates in mastering concepts. Consequently, I believe that homework still has a role in their education.
In conclusion, while the debate around homework continues, it is essential to consider the broader implications of its removal. Balancing the need for downtime with the cultivation of a strong work ethic may ultimately prepare our children for the rigors of both education and life.
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