The Less Homework Revolution
Information on the Amount of Homework Appropriate for Children
Jan 13, 2009
Many parents dread homework more than their children do. Learn why teachers assign homework, what homework is appropriate and what parents should do if their children have too much homework. Many parents are starting the Less Homework Revolution in search of a more appropriate amount of homework for their children [Parenting Magazine "The Less-Homework Revolution" by Nancy Kalish, accessed on January 13, 2009].
Why do Teachers Assign Homework?
Homework is an established norm in all levels of education. Teachers are faced with growing pressure to have their children pass certain tests as mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act. There is only so much time children spend in school, and teachers attempt to add to that valuable time through homework assignments.
Reading homework focuses on improving reading comprehension and fluency. It is important for children to read each and every day, and teachers assign this as homework because many parents do not do more than what is required by the teachers with their children. To make up for this lack of parental involvement, teachers assign homework that hopefully will get the parent involved in the child’s learning.
Math homework is also important, as there is very little time for students to master each concept in class. Because of the necessity to not leave any student behind, teachers must slow lessons down and find a middle ground that helps to meet most of the levels in the class. Providing homework is one way to help catch slower students up. Unfortunately, many teachers do not differentiate the homework that is sent home, so the advanced students and those who already understand the concepts, are doing drill and practice that provides no additional learning.
How Much Homework is Appropriate?
Every teacher has an opinion on an appropriate amount of homework. The National Education Association endorses a maximum of 10 minutes of homework per grade level. So for example, a first grader should receive no more than a total of 10 minutes of homework and an eighth grader should receive no more than 80 minutes of homework. Teachers should keep in mind that this is a total amount of time and they should not assign a third grader 30 minutes of math homework in addition to thirty minutes of reading homework.
What Can Parents Do about Homework?
First, parents should be sitting down with their children each and every day to go over homework with them. If this is not possible, the parent should find a private tutor or other adult to go over the homework with the children. This is the opportunity for parents to help their children better understand those things taught in school, and is a great opportunity for showing children that learning can be fun.
If parents feel that their children are receiving too much homework, the most important thing to do is set up a meeting with the teacher. Discuss how long homework time is taking, and the struggles that the children are having with the workload. Parents should be honest, but not hostile towards the teacher. Teachers should be open and understanding with parents, and realize that some work may need to be done to help homework time go more smoothly.
Understanding the needs of the children in any given classroom is important to a healthy homework load. Teachers should learn to differentiate the homework assignments just as they differentiate their lesson plans. Assigning an appropriate amount of homework is essential to the educational health of each child.
Learn tips on what to do about incomplete homework assignments.
Read more about homework assignments.
 |
