To not make the kids do the homework?

[LittleMissGerardButlersBaubles]

The head teacher at our school has sent a letter to every child (infants and juniors) with a homework task for the school holidays. It's a learning log which they are meant to complete with a theme.

There is a long letter saying the work must be very neat and tidy blah blah.

Am I unreasonable to not make my kids do it?

They get homework every week in school, and we do that.

I feel very disappointed with the head, I can't see many parents being happy!

[PointyChristmasFairyWand]

DD2 (Yr6) has to make a model of a Victorian house over Christmas. It can be any house, so obviously hers will be a small two up two down poor person's cottage.

DD1 (Yr8) has one piece of history homework about Sir Francis Drake, but it isn't due in until the 8th of January so will not be done until the last weekend of the holidays.

I am not expected to work while on annual leave, so why should my children?

[Peekingduck]

Do you have any idea of how the children in your school are getting on in Writing? Maybe they have concerns about attainment and progress in that area (very common in this country) and have come up with what they think is a relatively simple task to set over the holidays. They might think that parent realise it's an area for concern and will support them in this couple of hours of work.

[wordfactory]

Thing is OP, the ltter is not directed at you personally.

It may be that homework is not usually completed well by many DC. Lots of parents don't much care...so the letter goes out to everyone.

And whilst interaction with family and relaxation is great, is there really not ten mins a day to keep writing skills ticking over? Surely there is enough time for both?

[formerbabe]

I am shocked anyone would whinge that their child gets homework over the holidays...I would never think its OK to tell my dcs that they shouldn't do their homework. What a lazy attitude to have and to project onto your children. No wonder the rest of the world is leagues ahead of the UK in terms of education.

[AmberLeaf]

Yes humiliation. That's why they do it, they know that any child whos name is up there will feel bad.

There obviously is humiliation going on for the children who have their names up.

My son goes to a lovely warm friendly school too, he is also thriving. They don't need to use such tactics though. No child gets humiliated.

[LittleMissGerardButlersBaubles]

I don't know generally but my eldest has struggled with writing for over 2 years and he always tries his best, so I feel a bit sensitive about it I guess, as I worry that his best isn't up to her high standards. She is very target driven which is absolutely not a bad thing, but it feels a bit like what we do isn't good enough.

I'm probably taking this far too personally, but so long as a child tries hard and does their best, that's what matters? The letter goes on and on about how presentation must be perfect, spelling must be perfect etc. I understand that it should be good, but it very much feels like they are looking for work to show to show everyone how good they are, rather than be proud of children's talents and efforts.

I understand the need for neatness etc but its also about building a child's confidence, and enjoyment in their work, not worrying if it is perfect enough.

[Gileswithachainsaw]

Lazy attitude?

It's proven and many teachers agree that homework in primary school is actually counter productive.

If you want kids to evoke reading and writing it might be an idea to not have to push them to do it when they are home tired hungry and need to relax and go to bed.

[Gileswithachainsaw]

To enjoy

[Gileswithachainsaw]

And at any other time it is. But ffs it's the Xmas holidays the time were many see smoky for a few days in a year

[Gileswithachainsaw]

Family iPhone damn it

[formerbabe]

Yes it is a very lazy attitude. Not to mention, the op by saying she doesn't want them to do it, it automatically saying that learning is not enjoyable and that education is a pain, and that they would enjoy their holidays more without it. I find it really strange.

[Nanny0gg]

Utter nonsense.

They all need a rest. Especially the infants. My DGC is exhausted.
They need to have time to play with their new toys, to see relatives and friends, to go out for a couple of days. To just chill and regroup for next term.

They can read their new books. That'll do.

[TheOriginalSteamingNit]

Seems a bit of a fuss about nothing: I would make sure mine did it!
Dd will be revising for mock ASs over the holidays: she'll cope!

[LittleMissGerardButlersBaubles]

Yes they would enjoy their holidays more without it, it's school holidays, therefore a break from the hard work and homework they do all year.

Education is important, but so is family time and getting a break!

You are entitled to your opinion but to call me lazy and strange because I have a different opinion seems a bit harsh.

[OddFodd]

Why everlong? don't you think your school fees are sufficient for your children to learn everything they need to learn during school hours? I'd be really cross if I had to make primary aged children do homework.

DS will read a book brought home from school and that's it. The clue is in the word: holidays. We will both be having a break

[Pooka]

Ds used to enjoy doing learning logs when he was asked to do them, usually over holidays.

[OddFodd]

The OP's children are infants. They wouldn't have even started formal education in most otger countries so there doesn't appear to be much benefit from early homework. Just an education in Britain's long hour culture

[OddFodd]

otger = other

[formerbabe]

I don't see why doing homework stops them from having a rest and enjoying family time. My sons school don't give him homework over the holidays but I would be happy if they did. I find the general attitude towards education in this country is pretty poor.

[Nanny0gg]

Because formerbabe, there will be so much else going on. Other siblings, wider family. Things to do, people to see.

And the world will not end. At 5 years-old it will absolutely not have an effect on their A-level results.

[Rhubarbgarden]

Homework in the holidays used to wind me up no end when I was at school. I worked hard all term time, I got straight As and by the time the holidays came around I needed a break. My heart used to sink in that final week of term when the teachers loaded us up with homework. It was nothing to do with not enjoying education - I used to read reference books for pleasure while lying on the beach on holiday ffs. It was about choosing what I wanted to do and not grinding away at formal exercises. And this was at secondary level - we didn't have homework at primary back then, thank god!

Poor kids. Yanbu, op.