When Should Homework Begin?

Reading for pleasure is a better lifelong habit than homework.

Reading for pleasure is a better lifelong habit than homework.

This country is fed up with excessive homework.  I know, because every day people stumble on my blog by typing in google searches such as "why there should be no homework" and "are there teachers who disagree with homework?"

Some of the searches make my heart cry:

I've written about our family's "no homework" stance for elementary school.  How hard it is to buck the system, and how important it is for the sake of true education, our children and our families.

So when should homework begin?  Should we have homework at all?  Here's my answer:

I do think a healthy homework substitute is asking kids to read on their own.  This is best after children are already fluent readers (sometime in 1st-3rd grade) so reading time is a joyful routine, not 'painful.'

I also like the idea of "homework for parents" to help bridge the gap between school and home learning.  One good assignment for parents is to read a bedtime story to their kids every night (yes, even into older grades).  The other is simply a chance to talk together about what kids are learning in school.  (Be careful this remains a give-and-take and doesn't turn into Interrogation Time.)  Simply find a regular time when you ask questions and show interest. This naturally leads to conversations and ideas for deeper engagement.  "Oh?  You're studying reptiles? Let's go to the zoo this weekend and visit the reptile house." Or "You're moving into Civil Rights?  Let me tell you the story of your Uncle Harry...."

My stance is that homework becomes important in high school simply because there are so many in-depth subjects to cover and not enough time in school periods for deep reflection (ex: a thoughtful essay) or practicing complex concepts (ex: advanced algebra, calculus).  However, as any parent of a high schooler knows, high schoolers are super busy.  Early school start times, after school sports, clubs, drama, music, etc., jobs, family responsibilities and teen social life.  Even high school homework needs to be coordinated among teachers and not become excessive.

Middle school is a tender, in-between time.  Kids this age can do so much, but they're often grappling with social pressure and the complex task of growing up.  This takes a lot of emotional energy. There's no need for homework in 6th grade.  During 7th and 8th grade it's healthy to add occasional home assignments mainly so kids can get used to planning and time management, figuring out their personal homework routines, remembering assignments and working independently.  These skills will be needed in full force in high school, so middle school homework should be considered a training ground.

No matter when homework comes, homework should be 100% the child's responsibility.  No parent signatures.  No required parent involvement.  No parent nagging or reminding.  This doesn't mean there shouldn't be family courtesy - "Do you have a busy night tonight?" or "We're going to Aunt Hilda's this weekend - what do you need to get done?"  It also doesn't mean parents or siblings can't help out.  "I see you're looking frustrated with those spelling words.  Would it help if I read them out loud with you?"  That's called engagement.

Families teach in every interaction.  How to care for each other and be part of a healthy family.  How to care about education and the world around us.  How to take responsibility.  How to do our best and seek challenges.  How to love learning.

Homework sometimes clouds the issue, but we need to keep clear in our minds -- and remind teachers and school administrators -- that there are all kinds of learning.  Families need family time to teach kids to wash the dishes, sweep the floor, help their siblings, exercise outside, make music/art/other creation and cuddle together with a good book.  School assignments shouldn't shoulder out other types of learning.  And they shouldn't shoulder out good sleep.  Sleep deprivation hurts kids much more than homework ever helps them.

Our job is to grow our kids.  Grow them into who they are.  Sometimes that means keeping homework at bay.

What age do YOU think homework is healthy to start?  Should there be homework at all? What types of learning "needs" be done at home that can't fit into the school day?

Ready to learn more about homework and ideas for reducing it and opting out? Heather Shumaker's new book "It's OK to Go Up the Slide" devotes multiple chapters to homework. Pick up a copy to find a healthy alternative.

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