https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:27:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2613312 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 11:21:23 +0000 808love 2613312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaG: That is super practical and fun for kids while reinforcing skills at the same time. The directions seem very clear and age appropriate.<br /> I think the attitude of the parents toward homework can really affect the child's attitude in some cases. Depending on the year, there are usually one to three who struggle with homework completion in my class. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2613269 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 10:28:27 +0000 MamaG 2613269@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've got a Kinder kid, who did a full Pre-K program last year with occasional homework. She was always excited about homework and eager to do it. We got a packet of probably 7 worksheets to do over the 2 week Christmas break. We set to do one each day and they probably took less than 5 minutes each.</p> <p>She got her first Kinder assignment. Find the letters of her name in print (newspaper, magazine, etc) and cut them out and return them in a week. The request was for each of the letters to be at least one inch so she could cut them out well. The goal to recognize the letters of their name and to work on fine motor skills. I tore out pages of magazines that had letters that met the size requirements (not specific to her name), gave her the stack and told her to get to work finding the letters and cutting. She worked on it while DH made breakfast one morning. Again, she was excited to do the work.</p> <p>So all in, so far I don't mind it. The tasks have value (and aren't just busy work) and we have plenty of time allowed to complete the task and the teacher specifically requests that we "help" and not "do". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2613217 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 09:21:57 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2613217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I was just going to ask how the 10 min/ grade actually happens if students have multiple teachers. Was there anything else your school's system helped improve? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2613100 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 01:13:52 +0000 808love 2613100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like that LO can practice independently and/or get support from yet another teacher (her parent). I support limited homework Monday thru Thursdays, 10 minutes per grade level (2nd grade=20 minutes, 3rd grade=30 minutes) up to an hour max. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2613066 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 21:18:31 +0000 Anagram 2613066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Eh....I've been in education for 14 years now and I've slowly changed my homework philosophy and now I prefer for schools to do none in the lower elementary grades, maybe 10 min a night (or one larger project over a week that would take an hour or 2 altogether), and 30 min max in middle school.</p> <p>In my current school, the entire school is on a digital calendar and lesson management system and we are required to post oir assignments and due dates and when you see what each kid is dealing with as a whole, you realize that your "just 10 min" homework adds up to epic proportions. Like even the music tescher requires 30 min practice and the language arts teacher assigns reading logs and notes. And then add in math homework and the occasional science or history or language class homework and it's totally overwhelming.</p> <p>So now most teachers coordinate a little better and the only given homework each night is math. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2613034 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 20:22:19 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2613034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids aren't in grade school yet, but Ive taught K, 1st, and 2nd. When I taught kindergarten and 1st, I have a homework notebook that had a numbered list of activities with a number assigned each day (the calendar was filled out monthly). It included things that were designed to be done with an adult, like "count all your shoes by 2s", "see who can come up with the most words with the ___ sound". There was also an expectation to read a book together before bed. In 1st grade, they also needed to practice spelling words/math facts nightly. Parents signed off on all activities before Friday. My main focus for homework at that age was for parents to interact with kids/show interest in their school work and kids to be responsible for bringing their notebook to &amp; from school.<br /> In 2nd grade, the school had a set homework policy across the board, so each child had to do a reading log, practice spelling, and complete a math worksheet each night. I didn't like this at all and it ended up being a gigantic hassle to get kids to complete their work.<br /> I think some sort of homework is needed. I think parents need to give their kids the message that school is important and needs to be given extra attention (even if it's an extra 5 minutes a night). I think teachers need to make homework meaningful and not just busywork. And, as kids get older, it gives them valuable time-management and work ethic skills. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2613011 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 19:40:08 +0000 LemonJack 2613011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a 7th grade teacher, so I do assign homework, but not particularly often. In a typical week I may assign homework once. My thought process is that it needs to be useful, and it needs to be something most of the kids are actually going to do, otherwise it's a filler and a waste of time for all involved. </p> <p>When my DD is in school I hope she isn't given much homework at the elementary level. I do think children should read every night, and I can understand practicing some math concepts at home too, but wouldn't be thrilled if she was given much more than that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612812 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 14:39:26 +0000 Umbreon 2612812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have kids yet but these are my thoughts - I think homework can be helpful to include the parents in what the child is learning. Like others have said, I also believe that it helps reiterate what was taught. </p> <p>When I was in High School, precal homework was optional. We were assigned homework every night, but it was never checked. It was just up to us to do it. I didn't do it and my grades were terrible. The next year, I made an effort to do the homework assigned and my grade went up over 20%. </p> <p>So I really do believe homework can help with learning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612804 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 14:31:13 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2612804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: ooh, I like the Thursday homework assignment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612784 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 14:03:24 +0000 MrsTal 2612784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have pretty strong feelings on homework, I used to be the coordinator for the after school homework help program at one of our local library branches and I also taught briefly.</p> <p> I think the purpose of homework is to help reiterate the lessons learned in class and help prepare for the next day. However from the teaching standpoint I know that sometimes homework is an extension of the work done in class that day because (due to classroom and behavior management issues) lack of time causes some of the work to be taken home. I think without homework that some students would struggle. I can imagine that without homework kids would have the opportunity to do more activities/"be kids".</p> <p>The majority of my students at the library were K-6 and some weeks they would come in with pages upon pages of homework, we would struggle for 3 hours every single day of that week to get it done and they would get nothing out out of it. Then some days they would have a page or two and have to read a bit and they would really understand what we were talking about and grasp the concept. The past school year they instituted a no homework policy which was interesting to watch. On one hand it was nice that they no longer had 20 pages of homework every night but I also saw students that took a little longer to grasp concepts fall further and further behind which was sad for me. I think that there can be a balance, a page or two here and there so that kids that need that reinforcement get it but also they aren't overwhelmed with work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612766 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 13:41:43 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 2612766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have mixed feelings. My kids aren't in school yet but I think I'd like to see what they are learning in action through homework and maybe see what they need help on. I guess I'm more anti-homework for the younger kids (kindergarten through 3rd or 4th) and pro some homework work load increasing slightly,( not a ton, teenagers need downtime too!) as time goes on. Because it does prepare you for jobs or college and just general life. I think my feelings and thoughts will evolve and change as we get closer to and actually enter into school. I remember homework being something I had to do first thing when I got home but some nights I knew the workload was a lot and wouldn't allow for any free time (I'm talking like 2nd and 3rd grade) and would cry before I even started working because I felt overwhelmed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612763 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 13:39:26 +0000 Kemma 2612763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've seen this floating round on FB lately and I definitely agree with it for younger kids! </p> [attach=1664/16/ocop5r.600x450.image.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612663 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 11:50:16 +0000 Freckles 2612663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: Same here - it will be one of those things to do first.</p> <p>I don't know, growing up my parents never helped me with my homework so i agree that it should be something the kids can do on their own. I also made it a goal to finish up my homework at school so i didn't end up needing to do it at home. I personally don't like that homework forces the parents to be involved - what about parents who work late and can't help their kids? It's an added, unnecessary stress. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612659 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 11:47:11 +0000 sunny 2612659@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO is too young for now, but I recall from when I was in elementary school that homework was all about practicing the concepts learned at school, particularly in math. We would learn the concept at school but there wasn't a lot of time to do the repetition, so that was left to be done at home. </p> <p>Later on, homework became about being able to work on something for multiple hours and present multiple aspects to a topic (think: research projects, book reports). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612648 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 11:37:40 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2612648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Full disclosure that I have an almost 1 and almost 4 year old, so I haven't had to experience homework yet. I do think projects due in a certain amount of time help prepare kids for real life in the business world. Do I think they need them in 1st grade? I don't know...maybe simple ones to help teach time budgeting. I have deadlines now constantly for work and I think starting a foundation in our kids is important for preparing them for real life scenarios. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612627 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 11:22:38 +0000 lamariniere 2612627@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm curious to see how this will go. My son starts school next week and I know there is homework starting the first day. I am under the impression that it's like what @Mamaof2: described, just a one page worksheet. We'll see though. My current thought of how we will approach it is that homework will have to be done first thing when we get home and then he will be free to do whatever he wants with his time. Who knows if that will actually work though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612603 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:52:01 +0000 Mamaof2 2612603@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS has completed K and 1st grade</p> <p>K - it was 1 day a week and took less than 3 minutes - - It was a worksheet</p> <p>1st grade - homework Mon-Thursday - mon-Wed were worksheets that again took maybe 3 mins - he would complain about doing homework for 20 mins but once he sat down it was done in a snap!</p> <p>My favorite homework was Thursdays - it was Called 'ask me" - it has a review of the week such as "Ask me about the Author Jann Brett" or 'Ask me What time the clock reads"? Thursday they also had to practice tying their shoes.</p> <p>Reading was 20 mins a day.</p> <p>So..... I am not anti-homework..... yet.<br /> The school follows the 10 mins per grade so 10 in 1st 20 in 2nd, etc.</p> <p>Very curious to see how 2nd grade pans out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612589 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:43:07 +0000 Maysprout 2612589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a kindergartner starting next week and K homework has been highly complained about at our school so I'm worried. I think full day of school is a long day for kids and parents of older kids say they're routintely sent home with work taking an hour. That's just completely age inappropriate, especially after a long day. I know she's going to be tired so she'd probably rest and then play outside and with her sister before dinner. Not enough outside time is only going to lead to more behavior problems in the classroom. It just seems like this nonsensical negative feedback loop that schools are on </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612585 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:37:24 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2612585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO is in diapers still, but these are my early thoughts on homework. For the record, I am not looking forward to homework struggles.</p> <p>What is the purpose of homework? I think homework has a dual purpose- reinforce the lessons that were taught that day and prepare the student for the next day's lesson. However, in grade school reading a chapter ahead of class was pointless. Nothing made sense until it was explained. LOL Coming prepared in college was essential although I am not sure what the difference was. Maturity or better books?</p> <p>If your child did not have take home assignments (due the next day or projects with several weeks to complete), would they do well on quizzes and tests? I can see how a student who knows how to study by reviewing all materials could find homework helpful on tests, but if I recall correctly my homework assignments were some of the least helpful items I had to review. I think if homework is given ample time in the classroom for review it can be helpful; otherwise it's just busy work.</p> <p>How else would your child use their time after school if they did not have homework? We plan to put LO in activities (academic and sports focused) so his time would be spent going to lessons and practices. I would also have him in the kitchen alongside me as a sous chef. If he takes after his father he will read for pleasure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612583 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:36:17 +0000 looch 2612583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am looking forward to reading what the parents of older children have experienced.</p> <p>I view my role as a supporter, not an executor when it comes to homework. If a child can not complete the vast majority of it alone, my gut tells me it's not appropriate for that age level and I would have no problem talking to the teacher to understand their reasoning for assigning it OR my child has some kind of issue and I need to dig deeper into understanding what is going on (can he not see properly, is he having trouble with letters, numbers, etc). </p> <p>There's a big backlash against homework on social media (it seems) and I truly wonder how many parents have actually said that their kid isnt going to complete the assignments.</p> <p>Regarding activities after school, right now the plan is not do anything and see how the adjustment to a full day pans out. I have no desire to put my son in any kind of acadamic training after school and if he wants to do a sport, we'll have to see what the time committment is. I feel like I sound like a slacker mom, but with bedtime at 7:30 for the forseeable future, there has to be a limit and some downtime. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612566 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:25:39 +0000 Truth Bombs 2612566@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter is still in preschool so I'm not expert. But what I like about the idea of homework is it gives me as the parent an opportunity to engage with my child about what she's learning at school. It keeps me up to date, and gives us the ability to continue the learning at home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homework-what-is-the-point#post-2612564 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:24:37 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2612564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mrs. Train's post on homework inspired this post.</p> <p>What is the purpose of homework?</p> <p>If your child did not have take home assignments (due the next day or projects with several weeks to complete), would they do well on quizzes and tests?</p> <p>How else would your child use their time after school if they did not have homework? </p>