To think that primary school children should not be given homework.

[darcymum]

My eldest DC has just started reception and came home one day with three pieces of homework! Ok it was only a few reading books and a picture to draw but still... AIBU to think she should be out playing.

You are absolutely, definitely not being unreasonable. I'm a primary school teacher and I disagree with homework for children. The only exception to this is reading. Schools simply don't have the resources to hear every child read, every day. It's something that parents can generally do easily to support their child.

Why? Think they're prob given it to get used to the idea, to help them learn more & to help link home with school (so parents can be more involved)

Primary school pupils never used to get homework it came about through pressure from parents (I am talking about state education here). If you go to any school meeting you will get a split between parents who want it and parents who hate it. I hate it-and I am a teacher.

I agree Pisces. I think that what parents are really asking for is more information about what their child is doing.

I like how school is helping to teach my DD1 that hard work is important. She still has more than enough time for fun and games.

If she doesn't want to do it, or you don't help her do it, then nothing will really happen. Mine have homework and I support them doing it as it is all to help them in the future.

Agree, I think homework for primary school children is unnecessary bar spellings, reading and possibly times tables.

Kirstie wotsit of Location is apparently heading up a campaign to abolish homework. I wish her luck!

I have been teaching a long time and it only came about because of parental pressure.

I honestly think (admittedly based on absolutely nothing) that her time after school is better spent playing, homework eats into that time. We do read to her at bedtime, but that is reading for pleasure, not learning.

I think they should phase in homework gradually over the primary school years so that by the time they get to y6 they are used to it and secondary school isn't so much of a shock in that respect!

I will look up Kirsty Whatshername's campaign and join it.

Parents have been pushy for a long time then. I had homework from my state primary from what us now called yr3 onwards, and that was in the 1970s.

Friends with DC in both Yr6 & Yr7 are adamant that the Yr6 children are getting massively more Homework than the Yr7 child (who gets little) -- it's not a phase in system at all we have at present. Yr6 has SATs pressure and gets masses as a result (sigh).

Instead of "homework" I would prefer optional "extension" work: so "here's some work you can do at home with your child to extend their learning. It will be marked if they turn it in, it may help consolidate their learning, they don't have to do it. These bits are the most valuable to do at home" (probably reading and times tables and the occasional spelling exercise). I think that's how homework does get done in some schools.

I could live with that... rather than an expectation that homework should be done.

Infant school children really don't NEED homework. BUT lots of them want it - no I'm not joking - maybe its because older brothers and sisters have it.

Parents generally - not all of them but in my experience the vast majority (and I mean almost all really) - are the ones who seem to WANT homework.

I don't know why. Come upper KS2 I can see a value for the child and I think that from year 4 the children can benefit from using homework as a way of learning independent study - but not earlier on.

You don't HAVE to do it during KS1 and KS2 it is your individual choice. Personally I didn't bother for my children unless they wanted to.

When I started teaching parents were requesting homework and I was telling them it was much better to play games,talk, read together for fun etc. At some point it all changed-can't pinpoint it and now I have to set homework-despite disagreeing with it. I certainly can't see a need until top juniors-certainly not reception!
Good for Kirsty Allsopp-I hope she succeeds.

They did that to us in the last year of middle school, Hecate. Didn't stop me being REALLY pissed off about homework and moaning that as far as I could see adults didn't bring work home every night (apart from teachers, I suppose, but then they have shorter days).

One of the leading prep schools, Caldicott, does not believe in homework. The boys still do well and go on to all the top public schools, including scholarships. If they can do that then I really don't see the benefit of homework other than to ruin parents' evenings and weekends.

I think in reception it is excessive however due to the fact that my dd's class is often chaotic we rely on homework so she can work at the correct level.

I would love those shorter days edam I am at my desk from 7 in the morning until at least 6pm and then have to take work home. I thought most professional people took work home.

I like my DS having homework - I really must have a very dull life as I think there is plenty of time to do 20 minutes or so homework each evening - my DS does an after school activity every night (two some night - flame me ) - that still leaves time to eat dinner, have at least an hour or so 'free time' - which this time of year means tv/computer/playstation - so how can it be difficult to do a few minutes of homework?

I do understand it is harder if parents are working long hours/collecting children late from childminders/have lots of children to organise etc but I love homework ! My DS (9) has far too much time to 'chill out'

I used to think that way until i've seen with my own eyes the progress they make with homework.
Yes it's a nightmare but would you really go through 12 spellings a week with her if you weren't provided with them and a deadline ? I wouldn't.
And they are so proud when they get everything right it would be cruel not to help them.

Sometimes prep schools do prep. Which is where the child does the 'homework' silently under supervision from teaching staff. It takes place at the end of the school day before the coaches arrive to take the children home at around 4.30-5.00 p.m. (unless they have some other extra-curricular activity).

It is valuable because then the teaching staff can see which children have grasped the concepts and which have not. Plus the children do need to concentrate and use textbooks rather than asking a teacher for help - so they are able to begin to take responsibility for their own learning.

Also, just as an aside, children in the independent sector frequently turn up with extra projects and work (never set as homework) that they have just done for fun. I always let mine present the work during form time. Sometimes it is really impressive.