As a mother and a physician, I often grapple with mixed feelings about homework. Research suggests that homework in elementary school can be ineffective, and after a long day of learning, children need time to relax, engage in play, and simply be kids. However, as my children grow, I recognize the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility towards their schoolwork. Nevertheless, I believe that traditional homework assignments—like endless worksheets—are not the answer. Creative, project-based homework is far more beneficial.
Whether or not we choose to eliminate homework entirely, it’s clear that the approach to it could use a significant revamp. One forward-thinking educator, Sarah Bennett, from Maple Grove Elementary in Oregon, has implemented a refreshingly flexible homework policy that is truly inspiring. She recently shared her fourth-grade homework guidelines, and I was genuinely impressed by her innovative ideas.
Bennett empowers parents to determine the value of homework for their children. If they agree it’s beneficial, she provides a variety of engaging activities to encourage learning at home. At the bottom of her handout, she explains, “I don’t impose rewards or consequences for homework since I’m not responsible for whether it gets completed. Homework is a family decision. While students will receive a homework grade on their report card, they won’t miss out on class activities or earn rewards for completing assignments.” This philosophy truly resonates with me.
As parents, we know our children best and can usually assess whether homework is helping or hindering their growth. Many educators at Maple Grove, like Bennett, are also parents and understand the challenges of balancing home life and school responsibilities, which is why their homework policies are designed to be flexible.
For those parents unsure about homework’s role, Bennett encourages communication, allowing for discussions about the policy. Her daughter’s experience with this new approach has been positive, especially since the assignments offered are far more appealing than traditional homework.
The brilliance of Bennett’s guidelines lies in the flexibility and creativity afforded to students in what constitutes “homework.” Assignments are categorized into reading, math, and spelling, with a suggested time commitment rather than strict due dates. Students are encouraged to keep a log of their completed work, which is submitted weekly.
For reading, students are asked to complete 100 minutes each week, broken into any increments they prefer. What’s even better is that all forms of reading count, whether it’s reading aloud, silently, or being read to.
In terms of math, rather than monotonous worksheets, students are required to spend 50 minutes weekly. They can engage with enjoyable online math programs or incorporate math into daily family activities, such as cooking. This transforms homework into a fun, bonding experience for families.
For spelling, students receive lists tailored to their developmental levels, and it’s optional whether they choose to study them. The word “optional” itself is liberating, shifting homework from a burdensome obligation to a collaborative decision between parent and child.
Bennett notes that her daughter’s after-school life has improved significantly since this policy was put in place. Their homework experience is now filled with joy rather than frustration. “Cooking together for homework has turned it into a fun activity,” she says, reflecting on the positive changes.
It’s encouraging to see that more school districts are starting to adopt policies similar to those at Maple Grove Elementary. Homework shouldn’t be a struggle; it should enhance learning and family time, and hopefully, more schools will explore such innovative options.
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Summary:
A forward-thinking teacher, Sarah Bennett, has implemented a flexible homework policy at Maple Grove Elementary that empowers parents to choose the relevance of homework for their children. With creative options across reading, math, and spelling, this approach transforms homework from a burden into an engaging family activity, significantly improving students’ after-school experiences.