The mere mention of a weekend homework assignment can send shivers down a child’s spine. Yet, one teacher has garnered international praise for her ingenious approach to easing the pre-test jitters. Mrs. Jenkins, a dedicated educator at Maplewood Primary School near London, has crafted a homework list that many are calling the best ever. This thoughtful assignment arrives just in time for the students facing their sixth-grade SATs—equivalent to the standardized tests we see in the U.S., which are notoriously disliked.
Research from the BBC reveals that nearly 90% of children aged 10 and 11 feel immense pressure to perform well on these exams. In response, a movement dubbed “Let Our Kids Be Kids” recently prompted many parents to keep their children home from school for a day to protest the testing pressures. In light of this, Mrs. Jenkins decided to take a different route.
“Mrs. Jenkins is accountable for the stress, not you. You are all exceptional, and I couldn’t be prouder of each one of you,” she reassured her class, setting a supportive tone. Her viral list of homework assignments encourages students to indulge in activities that promote relaxation, such as enjoying ice cream, watching their favorite shows, or simply reading a good book. The intent is clear: to distract students from the looming tests and help them unwind.
In her note shared on the Facebook page Education Matters—a community of educators focused on child-centered teaching—Mrs. Jenkins humorously suggested, “If you feel compelled to study, you may do so for no more than one hour.” The post has gained traction, amassing over 60,000 shares and attracting thousands of comments. Many parents expressed their admiration for the unique homework tasks like “laugh until your belly hurts” or “get outside and enjoy the sunshine.”
“What a fantastic teacher! I was moved to tears while reading this,” commented one parent. “I feel so lucky that my son is in Mrs. Jenkins’s class. We’ve had a wonderful day checking off many of those fun activities!” another parent chimed in.
While no homework can entirely eliminate stress, Mrs. Jenkins’s supportive message serves as a comforting reminder to her students: the focus should be on their well-being rather than just test scores. The best homework ever, from what seems to be one of the most caring teachers in the country, is a refreshing take on education.
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In summary, Mrs. Jenkins’s creative homework assignment showcases the importance of prioritizing mental health and happiness over academic pressures.
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