to not make my kids do holiday homework?

[CokeAndCrispsAndDip]

Every school holiday my kids get holiday homework, its never something quick and simple its always something time consuming and tedious. They are year 3 and 5 and and so far I've done every one. But this Christmas its really just pissed me off. The kids have a packed schedule with me visiting family then they go to their Dads for a week and he's the same. I just don't want to waste a day doing it! It's my holiday to and want to relax and enjoy down time with them.

So, am I unreasonable to not do it?

I don't like holiday work, actually I don't like homework at primary school age.
But there's potentially implications of not doing it. I know with ds he'd be still pointed out that I'd said he did not have to do it, and if he didn't have to do it then, why should he do this equally innane homework at every opportunity for ever.
Then you have what will happen at school. Will they be kept in at lunch to do it? Will the child be upset because others get praised or all others have done it.

All in all, assuming it's just a little it's probably better to do it quickly, and forget about it.

YANBU but the Arctic one sounds like good fun.

I'm a primary teacher. Please keep reading with them and learn times tables. Other than that I think holiday homework isn't necessary. I'd think differently if your children were just sat on an ipad for 2 weeks but it doesn't sound like that's the case.

Then you have what will happen at school. Will they be kept in at lunch to do it? Will the child be upset because others get praised or all others have done it.
I think that depends on the school ethos and how driven it is by inspection/Ofsted any other artificial measure of what makes a school good.

There’s no evidence that homework at primary age impacts outcomes for children at that stage of their learning - the biggest predictor of academic progression is parents reading with their child. Given that, I’m not too worried about homework in term time or in holidays - luckily my kids school take the same stance and set minimal homework usually in the form of activities (eg baking, cooking, nature walks, reading) that I’d be doing anyway.

When there’s a rationale for homework supporting learning (eg P7 into high school) I’ll happily make sure it’s done but until then I’m just not going to stress about it.

My SD is 7 and her holiday homework is just to help her family with chores and. Being good.

Oh blimey, at this age it's always pointless project like build a statue from toilet roll, or make a poster, or grow some cress.

I really wouldn't bother if I was you. That stuff is fine occasionally, and during term time or long summer holiday, but over Christmas? Nah ...

YANBU not to do it... children need a break too, and you're still planning on doing some reading with them.

If your DC like documentary programmes though 'Frozen Planet' the bbc series is on netflix. You could easily fill an afternoon chilling on the sofa with them watching an episode or two if the weather isn't good enough to go out somewhere more fun.

I always made mine do it, it doesn’t take that long and reinforces learning over the break. At senior level they get a lot over the holidays so I’m glad they didn’t see it as optional.

Not a cat in hells chance would I be doing that. There is little point in doing homework other than reading and spells, maybe brushing up on some maths.

Spelling even. Maybe I need the homework.

Whilst DD got homework throughout prep, they never got holiday homework because of the important of testing, recharging and having family time.

She’s now at secondary and they don’t get holiday homework either...

Testing = resting

In primary homework is not compulsory. Why would you want your DC’s to spend their holidays and non school hours doing homework. I would imagine it’s from a teacher worried about a failing school and no benefit to your DC’s.

I'm a teacher and at our school we don't set homework at all during December, and certainly not over the holidays.

We do set holiday homework at other times of the year though, and I have never had a child or parent refuse to do it, although some children submit work that has obviously been very rushed and taken about ten minutes; these usually come with a note from their parents explaining that they were on holiday or very busy.

In your situation, I would commit an hour to it and get it done. It doesn't have to be bells and whistles.

A plasticine arctic animal with 5-6 facts.

A robot made out of an empty bean can and again a few facts.

To be honest I think that the school are being a bit lazy - those are NC objectives that they're addressing through homework (unless it's revision or giving them a head start on next term).

And similar projects in my school are displayed for parents to come and view, and then presented to the class by the child - much fanfare for their hard work!

I'm a Primary teacher and no way would I set, or expect children to complete, homework over the Christmas holiday. Or any holiday for that matter.

All the research shows that homework in primary and infant has no benefit.

I’m a secondary school teacher, we’ve moved away from homework every week and students get one extended piece of homework per term in KS3. It’s different at ks4.

I never pushed my children to do homework in primary. One went in to do a MA. The other is still in secondary and doing just fine.

Neither were pushed to do homework in little school. Homework is never set at the correct level in junior school and ends up being done by parents (robots and Viking warships above) l teach DT. A Viking warship would stretch A level tbh

All our year 5s have been told is to keep reading over the holidays.

Homework in the holidays, especially the Christmas holidays, is barbaric.

They shouldn’t do it and they don’t have to do it. I would ignore it.

@Notsure1978

Year 5 is not an important year!!

I think children should be able to enjoy their holidays without having to do work, just like adults can (should be able to anyway).

Oh no I wouldn't make them do that - I would help them if they were really keen though.

Reading yes, to stop them getting rusty, and tables. Anything else no. They have got loads of time to get into good study habits, that's what KS3 is for.

DS is in Y11 with GCSEs looming and even he won't be doing much over the Christmas holidays. Just sorting out his notes probably and getting his revision timetable ready. My DC are knackered and need some rest.

I was thinking “of course they should do their homework “ until I saw their ages!! Then I realised it was years 3 and 5 and to their ages😖 I think at 7 and 9 I would definitely have them do the homework. They could be embarrassed back in class if everyone else has done it.
I do think it’s ridiculous giving homework over Christmas though.

They could be embarrassed back in class if everyone else has done it.
Why? How? And who cares anyway?

Love the homework set for my 5 year old