Dear Teacher of Kindergarten/Second Grade,
You may have noticed that we haven’t turned in our “homework packets” lately. I wanted to share the reason behind this, so you don’t think we’ve been careless or oblivious to the neatly stapled worksheets.
Right now, I want my kids to enjoy being kids. I understand that, due to various educational policies in our state, you have limited choices about what and how you teach. I truly wish you had more flexibility in your approach.
While I don’t have an issue with homework in general—after all, as a professor, my college students often complained about the workload—I recognize the difference in context. College students have only a few hours of classroom instruction each week and need to engage with the material independently. My children, however, spend over 35 hours a week in school, which includes recess, specials like PE and art, and lunch.
During our last conference, you mentioned that my kids are doing well academically, so I’m not worried about their progress. However, there’s more to it than that. Numerous studies indicate that homework in the early grades is often unnecessary and does not significantly contribute to long-term academic success. Moreover, excessive homework can lead to burnout rather than instilling responsibility.
Although my kids enjoy their worksheets, we’ve been encouraging them to complete their packets all year. Our lives have become quite hectic lately, and they are beginning to show signs of academic fatigue. They could really use a break.
Instead of homework, here’s what we’re focusing on at home:
- Reading for Pleasure: The moment we get new books from the library, my kids eagerly devour them. We discuss what they’ve read, and they love sharing the stories with us.
- Engaging in Math: My 6-year-old enjoys posing math challenges, like asking, “What is 300 + 400?” We demonstrate how to break it down and also involve them in cooking, measuring ingredients, and discussing costs.
- Exploring the World: On our walks home from school, we talk about nature, like the seeds and pollen that fall from trees, and how they contribute to new growth. We also encourage curiosity about how things work, from cars to computers.
- Learning Geography: They often ask about different places and distances, and we enjoy exploring maps together to learn about climate and geography.
I want to clarify that I’m not interested in homeschooling my children. The social interactions and academic experiences they gain at school are invaluable. However, at home, we prioritize fostering their curiosity and creativity.
In addition to these activities, my kids also enjoy outdoor play, video games that challenge their problem-solving skills, and creating art or imaginative games with toys. You’ve laid an excellent foundation for them, and I appreciate the skills you’ve helped them develop in reading, writing, and math. For now, though, we’ll be stepping back from homework.
We’re managing just fine!
Summary:
This letter explains the decision not to complete homework, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to enjoy their childhood and engage in meaningful activities at home that support their learning in a more natural and enjoyable way.