In a groundbreaking shift towards play-based education, P.S. 119 in Park Slope, Brooklyn, has embraced a no homework policy, opting instead to promote learning through play. Students are encouraged to engage in activities like cooking with family and conducting science experiments at home, rather than slogging through endless worksheets. Can I get a round of applause?
The decision came after parents began sharing research with the school, prompting discussions with educators about the benefits of alternative learning methods. Enter the “Exercise Your Brain” initiative, which allows students to select from a rotating menu of creative tasks. Kids can make flash cards for ten tricky vocabulary words, pen a letter to a beloved book character, or even design their own board game.
Imagine how much more enthusiastic your little ones would be about this kind of homework compared to five tedious pages of worksheets. And picture parents joyfully spending time with their kids, making learning a fun family affair. Seriously, what’s a better way to teach a first-grader about fractions — a worksheet or measuring out ingredients for a delicious meal? I think we all know the answer.
The debate surrounding homework’s effectiveness isn’t new, but it’s gaining momentum. Recently, a teacher in Texas gained attention after announcing no homework for her second-grade class this year. She cited research, including a frequently referenced 2006 meta-analysis from Duke University, showing a minimal correlation between homework and student achievement prior to seventh grade. Homework has been linked to physical and emotional exhaustion, fostering negative attitudes toward learning and cutting into kids’ leisure time.
Now, some may reminisce about their own elementary school days and scoff, “Well, tough cookies! School is tough, and homework isn’t meant to be a blast. Are we really worried about kids having enough ‘fun time’?” We get that.
But here’s the kicker: times have changed, our understanding of learning has evolved, and what kids need for success has shifted — so shouldn’t our education system evolve too? Anything that impacts so many and has persisted for this long must adapt, and it’s high time our expectations surrounding homework for young learners get a makeover.
Yes, altering the school system makes people anxious, especially when it comes to our kiddos. But it’s likely that eliminating homework for younger students and substituting it with engaging activities could be a game-changer for both kids and families. And guess what? As parents, we hold the power to advocate for these changes if we desire them. Just ask P.S. 119!
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In summary, schools like P.S. 119 are recognizing the need for change in homework policies, opting for more engaging and enjoyable methods of learning. By prioritizing play and creativity, they aim to make education a more fulfilling experience for both students and parents alike.