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!

[wordfactory]

Forty the best way to make homework painless IME is to be entirely positive about it.

Like brushing teeth or not eating too much crap or writing thank you cards or whatever really.

If you convince your DC that it's important, that it's fine once you crack on, you shouldn't have any whining from them.

But if they sniff out that you think it's silly or boring or pointless or difficult, then it will become a bone of contention.

Children know hypocracy when they see it!

[FortyDoorsToNowhere]

Nothing will work for DS.

He has major SEN, and his teacher even agree with me homework is pointless for him.

[delbee]

My dd (7 years) gets homework every day, she had some during the autumn term as well. If she gets some to do over Christmas she will be doing it. Telling a child it is ok not to do it, is not setting a very good example IMO. Where would a child stand without rules, regulations and even orders if we told that they didn't matter. I feel the same thing applies. Btw I am not a harsh mother although I sound like one

[OddFodd]

I think we're going round in circles. I work really hard (I have my own business) and I need a break during the holidays. And that means a complete break - I have told all my clients that I won't be checking emails and won't be back at work until Jan 6th. I want the same for DS. And yes, I suppose you're right BeerTricks, I don't want the coming two weeks spoiled for either of us by having to do something that's dull and a total waste of time.

And yes, respecting authority is important. But questioning it is equally valid

[LittleMissGerardButlersBaubles]

I agree that they need to respect people, but they are also entitled to form am opinion.

I have told them that if they wish to do it, then I am happy to help them, but as it is the holidays and they do all their homework all year, then I think giving them the choice in this instance is ok.

I absolutely believe in rules and boundaries, but I also believe that they can learn though going out to the park, or by sharing a book etc.

He has got some activities to do in the holidays to help with his writing, but these are games, so it's not like we are doing nothing.

[LittleMissGerardButlersBaubles]

It is something that needs doing in one go, something to sit down and concentrate on, so unfortunately can't just be done a bit at a time.

[FortyDoorsToNowhere]

10 minute for some children can easy turn into an hour.

Although I would agree if it was the summer holidays, which are 6 weeks long.

[wordfactory]

Ah well forty a child with SEN is a different issue entirely.

One sometimes has to taker a very different stance in those circumstances.

[ilovesooty]

So the HT has taken over from a HT who sounds as though she was a little complacent. An Ofsted inspection is imminent. Hardly surprising that she wants to evidence ongoing learning.

I think you'd probably be unhappy if the school got a poor Ofsted report.

If the work is going to take a couple of hours I don't really see a problem.

[mrsWast]

not...concentrating!? won't anyone think of the CHILDREN?

for reals, OP, you seem a bit precious. how is this setting an example to your kids that sometimes we have to do things that might seem unreasonable, or unnecessary? we're not talking about sending kids up chimneys or down the mines.

i hope you get a grip for christmas. you appear to have mislaid yours.

[bumblebeader]

If we can't take our children out of school in term time, then they shouldn't be giving homework when the holidays roll around!

[schmee]

If you're happy to give your kids the message that homework is optional, then good luck with that in the future.

[LittleMissGerardButlersBaubles]

The last inspection rated us outstanding, I think we will get good if we are lucky, or more likely needs improvement.

I don't think the school is currently outstanding, and yes I think they are panicking, and rightly so.

And I'm not saying we won't ever do homework, just we won't do this piece. It they want us to do it the first week back, that's fine.

[mrsWast]

that makes literally no sense.

if the school is setting homework for the holidays, does it not follow that they will also set it once the kids are back? is your holiday going to be literally so packed full with rosy-cheeked cheer and wholesome family fun that you can't find 60 minutes? you could even...make it fun!

good lord.

[LittleMissGerardButlersBaubles]

Writing neatly is not fun for my son who has been referred to an OT as he struggles so much with it. It would take him a long time.

As I said we have games and things we can play instead.

[LittleMissGerardButlersBaubles]

If it said your best effort or similar, maybe, but its the fact it states clearly it must be very neat, and states presentation must be very neat etc.

I know hard work, presentation etc is important, and yes it may be something the school needs to improve on, but not all children find it easy to write nearly and spell words correctly, even when they put their effort in.

Unfortunately I feel that whatever his effort is, it will not be up to the very high standard outlined in the letter, even though he has done his best, which is all I ever ask of him, as I know how much he struggles.

I won't go into detail on here as I don't want to out myself too much, but the things which have been done so far by her, have not been inclusive.

[LittleMissGerardButlersBaubles]

I hope so too, he does try his hardest bless him, and I'm worried that he might take some work in, and be told its not up to standard.

He is absolutely exhausted, he hates writing as he finds it so hard, he needs a break, I feel guilty enough pushing him to do his writing homework during term time.

We have some fun activities that the SENCO suggested, and I am happy to do these in the holiday.

[BackforGood]

I'm with you OP.
Don't know if it's relevant but I'm a teacher as well as a parent.
There is no way I would be making Primary aged children complete homework in the holidays - that's what a holiday is, a complete break, a rest, a chance to do different things or do nothing at all.

[mrsWast]

soooo, it's your perception of the requirement that's troubling you?

just get the kids to do what they can. takes an hour. everyone happy.

otherwise, if you're going to insist they won't do it, for goodness' sake don't tell them. it will backfire spectacularly when they're older.