Excellent homework debate
The argument about homework assignments has been raging for years, with discussions going back and forth between less and more homework for students. Currently, the debate is louder because there is a perception that children get more assignments in lower level grades. Research shows that the homework quantity for children between six to nine years has increased as of the late 1980s. Homework critics cite studies that show homework assignments have no benefits to children in elementary grades. The research notes that young children are not ready to learn work habits and time management that evening homework teaches. Also, having scores depends on homework disadvantages children from low-income communities who might not have resources to complete evening homework assignments. Supporters of homework are parents and educators who see homework assignments as necessary for buttressing lessons learned in the classroom during the day. They also argue that homework prepares children for higher learning levels like college, high school, and middle school.
Very young for night homework
Supporters of this argument, contend that homework assignments informative school years are probable to drive children away from learning and boost academic outcomes. They also argue that time spent on homework assignments is not utilized on significant events such as family, rest, and playtime. Research shows no relationship between homework and academic performance, particularly in elementary grades.
According to Heather Shumaker, homework assignments, to some extent, assist high school students but do not confers academic advantages to children in elementary schools. The irony is that teachers are piling more and more homework on younger children. A couple of elementary schools in recent years have adopted no-homework rules. For example, an elementary school in Maryland called Gaithersburg abolished homework assignments in 2012, and the place of it requested students to read every evening. The same year in a letter to parents, Principal of elementary school PS from New York explained the no-homework policy. Across the US, it is not clear how prevalent the no-homework trend is.
Supporters of homework
The majority of parents support reducing or abolishing homework for elementary grade children. Some teachers prefer not giving homework assignments, but they are under immersed pressure from either parents or administrators. All parents desire their children to have the best, and most think homework is the best thing for children. Besides, some equate the quantity of homework to academic rigor. Not all homework is harmful, with an extremely motivated child who happens to like mathematics; research shows they tend to get considerable benefit from homework. Homework assignments have positive impacts on particular students in certain circumstances.
In support of focused homework
Despite the debate, lower grade level homework assignments will not end immediately. However, children should not struggle with homework beyond a considerable amount of time.
The 10-minute policy, joint by national PTA and national association education, suggests 10 to 20 minutes of home assignments per night to grade one and extra 10 minutes per grade for other grades.
Liaise with the teacher to ensure your children receive homework relevant to their level. Homework assignments ought to be challenging and thought-provoking instead of keeping children busy. You should also understand the objective of allocating homework. Homework that is purposeful and allocated at difficulty level and in quantity relevant to the child, and then it will be easy to integrate into household life.