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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to expect ds' homework to challenge him?

17 replies

Squiffie · 16/09/2013 21:43

DS has brought homework home from school but its naff and doesn't challenge him one bit. Is it unreasonable to expect that if the teacher goes to the bother of setting it that it should at least stretch him a bit?!

OP posts:

EndoplasmicReticulum · 16/09/2013 21:49

Depends how old he is.

We like naff homework, gets it out of the way more quickly.

kim147 · 16/09/2013 21:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Squiffie · 16/09/2013 21:57

Tbh, I'm quite 'anti homework' but I just think if they're gonna make kids do it then it should be worthwhile! He's only 5 so I'm probably being a bit unreasonable but it really was pants (filling in the missing number, counting up in 1s but ds is a bright kid and was a but 'meh' about it).

I suppose you have a valid point endoplasmic!

OP posts:

NewNameforNewTerm · 16/09/2013 22:03

Homework at that age should consolidate what has been covered in class. It is also about getting into good study habits and learning to work independently. If it is too challenging and needs teaching or major support from parents it doesn't fall into that category.

PurpleGirly · 16/09/2013 22:03

He's 5. YABU.

kiriwawa · 16/09/2013 22:04

He's 5?!! :o :o :o

treesntrees · 16/09/2013 22:11

just what I was thinking Newname

Original poster

Squiffie · 16/09/2013 22:18

It consolidates shit though.

I know he's 5, thanks for that! Like I said I'd rather he didn't have it in the first place!

OP posts:

elQuintoConyo · 16/09/2013 22:25

pianodoodle · 16/09/2013 22:31

So give him a challenge!
You're still allowed to have a hand in educating them once they start school.

Original poster

Squiffie · 16/09/2013 22:35

I do give him challenges! He loves problem solving I just don't want him to be put off by crappy homework tasks! Either make it worth it or don't bother.

OP posts:

NewNameforNewTerm · 16/09/2013 22:36

As teachers we acknowledge that we can never make all the parents happy. What is too much homework for one, won't be enough for another. One want challenge, while the next just wants something quick to get over. One wants a hour a night at five, the next wants none.
As a teacher I'm not keen on homework at this age. It has to be something that I can differentiate 5 or 6 ways because that is the range within my class. It has to be something that they can do without much adult input as many parents don't want or have the time to help. (But then some parents want it to be challenging enough to need adult support) I am expected to mark it in depth and provide feedback, but I begrudge spending my time marking work that has been done by a parent, grandma or elder sibling, or has been so well supported by the adult it isn't the child's work any more really.
It is only the first couple of weeks back and I assume your child is in year 1, so it is very early days. If you want harder work, why not google for some or buy a workbook.

pianodoodle · 16/09/2013 22:41

I have no idea what a 5 year olds homework looks like as mine hasn't reached that age yet but I'm guessing they ease them into it gently rather than making it a hateful chore from the outset. If brighter kids want to do more it's easy enough to provide it at home I'd have thought.

TBH I thought they just did some colouring or something

breatheslowly · 16/09/2013 22:57

YANBU - all the way through school (if it is school policy) you will find filler HW set because it was that teacher's turn to set HW or because they have to set 1 a week. Sometimes it will be well differentiated, challenging and relevant. But certainly not all of the time. 5 is a bit too young for anything more than reading or perhaps a few spellings in yr 1 in my opinion, but I am certainly no expert.

Original poster

Squiffie · 16/09/2013 23:18

I'm a teacher by trade, currently taking a sabbatical to have kids and work as a childminder, so appreciate what's involved in setting a homework task. This is in addition to 2 reading books as well! It is a lot I know, but a lot of rubbish. I want him to value home study not get the impression that its pointless! I was crap at homework - would rather take the detention as I learned more copying from the textbook! I suppose I need to chill, lol. I just think why bother at 5 tbh but don't want to pass on my negativity toward homework to ds. Might get an appointment with parent liaison just to vent my concerns (saves me doing it at the teacher) as she'll filter parent paranoia from real issues!

OP posts:

OutragedFromLeeds · 16/09/2013 23:28

I'd say two weeks into the term is a bit early to be complaining about the homework tbh. Give the teacher a chance to get know everyone and what level they're working at.

phantomnamechanger · 16/09/2013 23:32

praise him for being able to do the hwk so easily, and set the "challenge" yourself. Kids don't need challenge all the time, they need to show what they have learnt first. And its as much for the PARENTS to see that too, so they know what's going on, what progress they are making, and what may be appropriate to chat about at home to extend the school work.

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