Updated: March 3, 2023
Originally Published: May 26, 2020
Every Friday, my first grader, Lily, brings home a bright blue sheet detailing her homework for the week. It lists a dozen spelling words, daily reading comprehension tasks, math workbook pages, and a requirement for her to read for 20 minutes each day while practicing her addition and subtraction facts for a few minutes every night. The following Friday, that same blue sheet is returned to school, signed by me, with check marks indicating all assignments are complete.
If we manage our time well, homework takes about 30 minutes each night, not including the reading we enjoy together at bedtime. However, if we miss a night or fall behind—especially when I’m solo-parenting while my partner travels and the demands of our other two kids take precedence—the workload accumulates, leading to frantic Thursday nights filled with cramming. An oral spelling quiz over a bowl of cereal on Friday mornings has become our routine.
I understand the pressures teachers face in today’s budget-constrained educational system. I want Lily to master her spelling, and I even find enjoyment (shhh, don’t let on!) in working through those Common Core math sheets with her. In our home, learning is a cherished value for both kids and adults; we prioritize education, not just as a pathway to future success, but as a means to keep our children engaged and participatory in their growth.
Yet, I can’t help but feel frustrated. I resent that 6-year-olds even have homework, especially when it primarily consists of worksheets, rote memorization, and repetitive tasks. I dislike that between pickup and bedtime, precious moments are consumed with pencil in hand and bottoms in seats. Most of this time is adult-directed, not child-led—after all, what 6-year-old would voluntarily do worksheets after a day in school? Don’t misunderstand me: I have immense respect for educators and adore the natural curiosity of children. But the concept of homework for young kids? Not a fan.
If I could magically reshape the system, I’d take inspiration from schools like P.S. 116 in Manhattan and eliminate homework for younger grades entirely. Instead of the blue sheet, I envision something like this:
- Explore the Outdoors
Discover the wonders of nature! Pick petals from flowers and mix them with mud to create your own concoction. Get your hands dirty, race snails across the picnic table, and name them. - Embrace Boredom
Experience true boredom! Let it inspire you to create an alien language, or perhaps start a pretend school for your siblings. Learn to find joy in spontaneous, inventive play. - Enjoy Solitude
Spend some time alone without adult supervision. Rearrange the toy room, ride your bike until you’re out of breath, and relish in the freedom of being yourself. - Dive into Reading
Read anything and everything—cereal boxes, newspapers, or even bedtime stories to your little sibling. Don’t count pages or minutes; just enjoy the adventure of reading. - Create Something
Make a backyard dirt cake, craft a flower crown, or even film a short movie with your parent’s phone. Share your creations or toss them aside; just remember, there are no grades for this! - Express Yourself Through Writing
Write letters to distant relatives or doodle just for fun. Let your imagination run wild without worrying about grammar or neatness. - Contribute at Home
Help fold laundry, pack your lunch, or even stir up a lively debate at dinner. Experience the thrill of being an active participant in your home. - Prioritize Rest
Snuggle up with your favorite stuffed animal and allow yourself to drift into a peaceful sleep, free from thoughts of homework or tests. Rest is where the magic of childhood happens.
Because I value our school and respect the teaching staff, I adhere to the blue sheet’s demands week after week. Lily completes her homework, and I provide the necessary support, albeit with growing reluctance as time goes on. I sign my name, fully aware that I am partaking in a system I believe may not be the most effective for young learners.
Ultimately, I yearn for a childhood filled with exploration rather than assignments. I wish for more authentic learning experiences and fewer worksheets. I hope for better, don’t you?
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