I have a confession to make: homework and I are not friends. I dread the thought of it, whether it’s for myself or when I have to help my son with his. Yes, I have a kindergartner, and believe me, the amount of homework he brings home is no laughing matter.
At the start of each week, he receives a hefty packet, due by Thursday, filled with worksheets. The instructions often seem vague, leaving me scratching my head, unsure of what the teacher is really asking. Then there are those school worksheets that come home marked “please finish,” yet devoid of any guidance. Seriously, how do I help him complete those? Beyond asking, “Hey, Michael, do you remember what you were supposed to do?” I’m at a loss.
Let’s not forget the reading books, poetry folders, and—wait for it—family homework. Family homework? Really? I remember my own kindergarten days, and this wasn’t part of the deal!
I may sound a bit disgruntled, but I’m simply exhausted from the nightly battles over homework. It’s frustrating to teach concepts that should have been covered in class but somehow missed the mark. Between my job, my husband’s job, and the mad dash to get dinner on the table, homework feels like an unwelcome chore. After dinner, it’s bath time, bedtime, and then we do it all over again the next day. My son is often surprised when we announce, “Guess what? No homework tonight!” This usually happens on weekends.
Research suggests that homework in early grades serves little purpose and doesn’t accurately reflect a child’s learning or progress; it often just leads to burnout. The tears, frustrations, and occasional tears (yes, some are mine) leave me wondering: what kind of love for learning will my son have by first grade? What are we really teaching our kids here?
I assure you, I’m not against education. I’m a lawyer, I volunteer at my son’s school, and I genuinely value reading and writing. But I can’t wrap my head around how these endless worksheets and mandatory nightly assignments are beneficial for a five-year-old. And as kids progress, it’s the parents who end up doing the bulk of the work, resulting in minimal learning.
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Summary:
Homework is a source of stress for many parents, especially when it comes to young children. The vague instructions, the nightly struggles, and the question of what it truly teaches our kids can leave any parent feeling overwhelmed. While I value education, the current approach to homework in early grades raises concerns about fostering a love for learning.
Keyphrase: homework frustration
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