There has been much attention given to the subject of homework. Do you know the view of your child's school? Using the following questions as a guide, you may be able to figure it out:
Does your school system feel that homework should take advantage of the opportunities outside of school to practice a skill learned at school?
If so, then your child does not bring home work sheets for homework because those are abstract and can be done at school. Rather, he comes home with concrete assignments. For example: He is to bake a cake either following the directions or doubling the directions in order to serve more people; he is to prepare a dinner that includes comparison shopping and working within a budget; he is to build a birdhouse using the correct measurements, he is to defend his point of view with adults on a subject learned at school.
Does your child's school view homework as a golden opportunity to reinforce concepts already learned in the classroom?
The child, in this case, knows what to do, he just needs more practice doing it. Not all students need the same reinforcement, so all students may not have the same assignment.
Does your school system view homework as an opportunity for the child to share with his parents the joy and satisfaction of a job well done?
In this case, the child may be assigned to read – to his parent – books he has successfully completed at school.
Does your school give assignments that require skills not yet covered in the classroom, thus involving parents as teachers?
In this case, family harmony is in jeopardy. A parent coming home from work should be able to look forward to a relaxing evening, not a child frustrated because he was never taught the skills needed to solve 20 math problems. In an attempt to teach him, the parent becomes as frustrated as the child.
Does your system give assignments that have a reasonable time limit, leaving your child time to dream, to meditate, think, be creative and be involved in activities of his own choosing?
Linus, from the “Peanuts” cartoon, was worried about this, so he asked Charlie Brown what happens after kindergarten. Charlie Brown says they make you go to elementary school. Then what? They make you go to middle school. Then what? They make you go to high school. Then what? They make you go to college. Then what? Then they let you do what you want to do.
There is a great deal of misunderstanding between parents and schools about homework. Some parents feel the more, the better in order for their child to get into the best college. These parents sometimes come in conflict with schools, which may have a more realistic view of the benefits and pitfalls of homework. It is a very important topic and its implementation should not be left to chance or to the views of a vocal minority.
You should know your school system's homework policy. Not only for your child's sake, but for your own. As your child's advocate, if you disagree with it, let the administration know and be ready to offer alternatives. If there is no policy, you might want to start a dialogue to create one.
(You may visit Nancy Devlin's website at www.nancydevlin.com.)
