I just don't want to do the kids' half term homework.

[GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal]

And it would be me doing it, to a large extent, because they've both been given "science experiments" that involve a lot of parental input and support.

The DC are in y3 and y5, and both do very well academically. We've never not done homework before - a fairly large chunk of our weekends are spent getting it done. We homeschooled throughout every lockdown and did all the work required of us. I just don't want to do this. I frankly can't be bothered, and don't see why we can't have just one week off without homework.

How bad would it be to just talk the topics through with them, but not produce anything to hand in? I'd let their teachers know it was a parental decision and not the DC's fault, as it's not something they could get on with independently.

i do not think primary school kids should have weekend or holiday homework ever
there is evidence that nothing other than reading is of any benefit long term
my personal opinion for primary school kids is

1. reading 10 minutes Monday-Thursday evening ( friday is the weekend)
2. 10 spellings
3. one maths sheet per week to consoildate / test what's learnt like times tables etc

nothing should require any equipment from parents except common stationery ie pens pencils crayons and a ruler

I would do that. If they’ve been set something they can’t do semi-independently, it’s too much of an imposition on parents.

Homework is something the children should be able to do without parental input. The teachers need to know what the children have and haven’t understood during the week.

But seeing as homework doesn’t even seem to get marked at our school now I just focus on reading tbh

My Y4 has to write poems (not a poem but poems )

Sigh.

If it's science experiments then I assume it involves equipment - bicarbonate soda, vinegar etc.
Don't do the homework and simply say "we did not have what was needed at home and unfortunately we could not get hold of them during the holiday".
It's primary school.... it's not like the children are going to 'fail' a class or anything.

I think a lot of holiday homework is to give desperate parents an activity they can legitimately force their kids to engage with. I strongly doubt the school actually cares about the finished product.

I think some teachers forget that a lot of parents still have to work through the holidays and the children are in childcare. I'm a childminder and take them on lovely days out where they are still stimulated and we play games and bake and learn other things together. I can't do individual projects with them and the parents don't have time in the evenings. It's ridiculous.

I once had to make salt dough, while trying to work from home, and the dog ate it and ended up at the vets…. YANBU

Look what the learning outcomes are (learn to plan? See how chemicals interact?) and then do sone thing you actually want to do that achieves the same ends: instead of bicarbonate /vinegar = volcano, yeast and warm milk = lovely bread buns that they can make into whatever shapes they want for dinner. Bespoke learning!

Everything you say is really sensible, thank you.

I just feel guilty! I was the swotty kid who always did my homework, my two are the same - I don't want them to feel bad at not having anything to hand in.

Everybody else is staying in and watching the rain. I want to know what other exciting things you have planned that prevent you from doing some science experiments!

It is their homework, not yours. If it needs so much adult input then it is not appropriate. Tell them you couldn't get the stuff.

What is the science experiment? Is it fun? How long will it take? And how will they feel not having something to hand in?

DS would be fine with having nothing, his best friend would be heart broken. A few hours our of a week to do something cheap and fun, yababu. Six days, lots of stuff needs buying, kids can barely keep their eyes open whilst you talk about it, not so much.

The reason teachers set homework is because parents complain if we don’t! It’s not like we WANT the extra marking!

Is it model making? My DC's school loved that. My Ds was the least creative child ever and hated arts and crafts. I sat by myself in the kitchen at night and made a model of an air raid shelter/ancient Egypt. Absolute pisstake looking back

What are the experiments? I'm wondering if we can give you some pointers/short cuts?
I absolutely agree with not wanting to give up your half term to this... but know that you will also not want the kids to be the only ones not handing it in (mum guilt here too!)

Can you find any youtube videos of the experiments that you have been set? Just get DC to watch them.

Google it - watch other people - like science teachers - shepherd their students through the very same experiment you have been asked to duplicate. Then write it up with useful phrases like "and then it all fizzed up". Personally I taught my son about reactive and inert gases by watching footage of the Hindenberg airship disaster - there is radio commentary paired to film of the event (and contrary to popular views the majority of the passengers survived). He never forgot that hydrogen was very reactive compared to the harmless helium birthday balloons.

Watch the experiment on you tube and write about what they saw.

Oh yeah, the half-term project billed as fun.
In reality, it just ruined the holiday.

YANBU. I hate homework! Mine are upper primary and it’s the bane of each and every weekend in our house. Mine are amongst the eldest in their years, ahead of expectations and it brings zero benefit to anyone. Let kids be kids! I didn’t do homework until high school and it didn’t affect my academic outcomes at all!

I actually think those of you saying watch it on YouTube are somewhat spoiling the excitement of science in the kids..... (says a science graduate who is gutted about how little practical science my secondary kids are doing in school now let alone primary!)

@senua

Everybody else is staying in and watching the rain. I want to know what other exciting things you have planned that prevent you from doing some science experiments!

Nowt. Our plans for a day out have been scuppered by Eunice, hence my thoughts leaning towards "we really have no excuse not to do that bloody homework now."

Why don't you just let them do it? You say they couldn't do it alone but what's the worst that would happen if they did? It's not going to be dangerous, if it's going to be messy get them to do it outside. If it's a disaster because they didn't have parental help then that's fine, they can research on the internet, take pictures, write down what went wrong and why.

If you don't want to be involved then that's fine but I'd at least let them have a go if they want to.

Don't overthink it, I spent years stressing over homework with my older children. Now if we have plans and can't fit it in I just let the teacher know and it's fine.