Every Friday, my first grader brings home a blue sheet detailing her weekly homework. It includes a dozen spelling words, daily reading comprehension tasks, math workbook pages, and an expectation to read for 20 minutes each day while also practicing addition and subtraction facts for a few minutes nightly. A week later, that same blue sheet returns to school with my signature and a checkmark next to each completed task.
If we manage our time well, homework typically takes about 30 minutes each night, excluding reading, which we enjoy together before bed. However, if we skip a night or fall behind—especially when I’m managing three kids alone while my partner travels—the workload accumulates. This often leads to frantic Thursday evenings spent cramming to finish everything. Our Friday mornings have turned into a routine of oral spelling quizzes over breakfast.
I understand the pressures teachers face in our ever-evolving educational system. I want my child to learn to spell, and, truth be told, I actually enjoy working through those Common Core math worksheets with her. In our home, education is a priority that we cherish for all ages; it’s not just about preparing for college or future success but fostering engagement and participation.
Yet, I can’t help but feel discontented. I dislike that children as young as six have homework, and even more so that it consists mainly of repetitive worksheets and memorization. I resent that precious evening hours must be spent seated, pencils in hand, completing assignments that are largely driven by adults rather than inspired by the child’s curiosity. I adore education and teachers, and I truly appreciate the innate ability of children to learn. But homework for young kids? I’m not a fan.
If I could wave a magic wand and reshape the system, I’d follow the pioneering example of schools like P.S. 116 in Manhattan and eliminate homework in the lower grades altogether.
Instead of the typical blue sheet, I’d prefer something along these lines:
- Go Outside
Explore nature—pick petals from flowers, dig in the dirt, and observe the life around you. Get your hands dirty and race snails for fun! - Get Bored
Embrace boredom and let it spark creativity. Start a pretend school, invent an alien language, or even volunteer to help with chores just for the thrill of it. - Spend Time Alone
Enjoy moments without adult supervision. Rearrange furniture in your dollhouse or take a solo bike ride. Experience the world without the pressure of being observed. - Read
Dive into whatever captures your interest—whether it’s cereal boxes, newspapers, or bedtime stories. Read for joy, not for grades. - Make Something
Craft a dirt cake, create a puppet show out of a cardboard box, or mix up a delicious smoothie. Share your creations or simply enjoy the process without the pressure of evaluation. - Write
Write letters to loved ones or create secret stories and poems. Let your imagination flow without worrying about grammar or structure. - Clear the Table
Help out around the house, pack your lunch, or engage in meaningful discussions at the dinner table. Feel empowered by contributing to family life. - Rest
Snuggle up with your favorite toy and drift off to sleep without the worry of homework or tests. Remember, rest is where childhood magic happens.
As a rule-follower who values our school and teachers, I’ve accepted this blue sheet routine week after week. My daughter completes her homework while I provide support, albeit with growing reluctance. I sign off on the assignments, complicit in a system I question as ineffective at best and detrimental at worst.
Ultimately, I long for a childhood filled with exploration rather than homework, for a focus on learning instead of assignments, and for a better educational experience altogether. Do you feel the same way?
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Summary: This article expresses a parent’s frustration with the current homework system for young children, advocating for more engaging and creative childhood experiences instead of traditional assignments. The author wishes for a shift in educational practices, prioritizing exploration and personal growth over rote memorization.
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