I struggle to understand how, despite all the great advice you give and the knowledge you hold on children’s personalities and minds, that you continue to condone – no – support this idea that homework is somehow a worthwhile activity for elementary school children. What is wrong with children coming home to play, to spend time outdoors, to lie on the grass and just do nothing?
They will never get this opportunity again and we are knowingly messing up their childhood. How are you dealing with this? If we all put a stop to it, school systems would improve, teachers would learn to stop palming off their responsibilities to parents and we could find other, much more creative and insightful ways to support our children’s learning. Come on people – will someone take up the challenge of thinking outside the square?
Bashi
Bashi,
Thank you! Thank you! I am so sorry I have not gotten back to you sooner. I have been searching for a great newsletter from Love and Logic that had all these activities that you can do to encourage learning, instead of homework.
I don’t think that homework is really necessary for elementary school children, except to teach them good study habits for high school. In my house there is a 30 minute rule, for elementary school, if it takes you longer than 30 minutes than you can skip the rest of it.
My kid’s teachers have been okay with this.
I love the book “Blessing of a Skinned Knee” by Wendy Mogel. Check it out you will love it.
I struggle to understand how, despite all the great advice you give and the knowledge you hold on children’s personalities and minds, that you continue to condone – no – support this idea that homework is somehow a worthwhile activity for elementary school children. What is wrong with children coming home to play, to spend time outdoors, to lie on the grass and just do nothing?
They will never get this opportunity again and we are knowingly messing up their childhood. How are you dealing with this? If we all put a stop to it, school systems would improve, teachers would learn to stop palming off their responsibilities to parents and we could find other, much more creative and insightful ways to support our children’s learning. Come on people – will someone take up the challenge of thinking outside the square?
Bashi
Bashi,
Thank you! Thank you! I am so sorry I have not gotten back to you sooner. I have been searching for a great newsletter from Love and Logic that had all these activities that you can do to encourage learning, instead of homework.
I don’t think that homework is really necessary for elementary school children, except to teach them good study habits for high school. In my house there is a 30 minute rule, for elementary school, if it takes you longer than 30 minutes than you can skip the rest of it.
My kid’s teachers have been okay with this.
I love the book “Blessing of a Skinned Knee” by Wendy Mogel. Check it out you will love it.
Adina