Like many parents, I have a love-hate relationship with homework. Research has shown that homework for elementary students can be less effective than we think, and frankly, kids need time to relax and play after enduring a full day of school. However, as my children mature, I recognize the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility regarding their schoolwork. That said, I absolutely detest the idea of my kids spending hours on monotonous worksheets. Instead, I believe in the value of creative, project-based assignments.
While opinions on homework vary, it’s clear that traditional approaches could use a serious revamp. One forward-thinking educator from Eugene, Oregon, might just have the solution we’ve all been searching for. Sarah Jenkins, whose daughter attends Maplewood Elementary, recently shared her daughter’s fourth-grade homework guidelines, and we were truly impressed.
The essence of Jenkins’ policy allows parents to determine the value of homework for their children. If they believe it is beneficial, she provides engaging and creative options for students to continue their learning at home. At the bottom of the handout, Jenkins succinctly explains her philosophy: “I do not implement in-class rewards or consequences for homework, as I believe it is a family decision.” While students do receive homework grades on their report cards, there are no penalties for not completing assignments, ensuring that families can prioritize homework in a way that works for them.
Isn’t that refreshing? We all know our children best and can gauge whether homework is helping or hindering their progress. Jenkins notes that many teachers at Maplewood are parents themselves, which makes them more attuned to the challenges of balancing school and home life—one reason why their homework policies tend to be flexible.
For those parents unsure about the homework policy’s impact, Jenkins encourages open communication. She is willing to discuss any concerns, which is a fantastic approach for fostering collaboration between teachers and families.
Jenkins shared that her daughter’s experience with homework improved significantly under this new policy. Instead of the usual tedious assignments, she was offered a more enjoyable approach. The guidelines include three categories: reading, math, and spelling. Rather than assigning daily homework, Jenkins provides an estimate of the time required for each subject and asks students to log their completed work to turn in weekly.
Reading
In the reading category, students are encouraged to read for a total of 100 minutes a week, broken down however they choose. Jenkins emphasizes that any form of reading counts, whether it’s reading aloud, silently, or being read to by someone else.
Math
Math, often a source of stress for parents, is similarly reimagined. Students are asked to spend 50 minutes a week on math, free from mundane worksheets. Instead, they can engage with fun online math programs or incorporate math into everyday activities like cooking, transforming homework into a delightful family experience.
Spelling
As for spelling, students receive customized lists tailored to their skill levels, and studying them is entirely optional. Yes, you read that right—optional! This concept of homework being a shared decision between parent and child rather than an obligatory chore is invigorating.
Jenkins notes that her daughter’s after-school life has improved dramatically since implementing this flexible homework policy, without compromising academic growth. “She enjoys using a fantastic math app that feels like a game. Cooking together as a family has become an enjoyable homework task,” Jenkins explains, reflecting on the tears and frustration they used to face with traditional homework.
Thankfully, more schools across the country are adopting similar policies, aiming to alleviate the overwhelming burden that homework has become for many students. It’s time for a change, and by embracing innovative approaches like Jenkins’, we can make homework a positive part of our children’s education.
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