Homework projects over half term?!

[ggmom87]

We are currently on holiday for the whole of half term. Just now saw that my DD (yr 3) was set a HW project. She’s supposed to create a poster about the Stone Age with various bits and bobs. A project of this level will require quite a bit of help from me including buying poster board and other supplies. We are abroad until Sunday night. We have no time to do this. AIBU if we skip this project and send a note on Showbie saying “it’s half term break so we took a break!” It honestly irks me that it’s assumed we have time during half term for projects. She’s 7. She can take a week off.

Have you got a tablet or computer with you? She could type it on there and print it out at home?

I know your point was more that they shouldn't do it, which I agree with, but you are where you are.

I would do exactly what you said, send that message. Half terms and for resting and having a break from school work. And anyway, you're abroad so it physically can't be done. Just send the message, switch your phone off and enjoy your holiday!

Leave it. Year 3 you say? Leave it and have a break. It'll be fine.

It will probably be because another parent has complained about there not being enough homework.

Oh it fucks me right off. They are never projects that can be completed without adult input and like you say, if you're going away then you probably don't have the time. Family time and down time is valuable and schools need to recognise that. When you take annual leave as an adult you don't (or shouldn't!) get given a project to complete while you're gone. It's time to rest and switch off, have other experiences.

I'd do as you've said and just write a note or send a message to say "no project this time as we went away on holiday".

This used to annoy me too, not just from the rest perspective, but because DC's other parent would have them for 3-4 days of that week and would do nothing, so all on me in short space of time.

It's probably not assumed but teachers are made to set homework by heads that feel pressured into it by ofsted.
I loathe setting half term homework but I have to, otherwise I'll get pulled up on it. Despite repeatedly explaining why I think it's a bad idea. I do always tell my children to only do it if they have time. It's also very unfair on the children who have no support at home. I once had 3 facts about the Egyptians written on the back of an envelope for project homework.
Just explain to the teacher and don't worry about it. I highly doubt he or she will be desperate for the extra marking!

No, only my phone!

I also know that all the parents hate me for it but I have to be seen to support the school or risk my job. Can't win!

Also, my DD knew about the half term project because it was discussed last week. She insists “I have to do it, it’s not an option!!” I told her it’s no big deal if it’s not done, and we have no time for it. But she’s the perfectionist type and is super stressed about it. I kept brushing it off thinking surely she was mistaken, until I saw the Showbie post!

I’m assuming it’s coming from the top down and don’t blame the teacher directly. I just hope she’s also understanding when I say “no”.

We have set a half term homework BUT always ask for it to be return on the 2nd Monday back to allow for people who may go on holiday to still have time.

75% of my class won't do it still

The task is to make a poster. Wouldn’t even cross my mind to buy poster board and supplies. You need an A4 piece of paper and some colouring pens or pencils. Your DD could have a go when you’re out for dinner one night. Most restaurants anywhere remotely child friendly would be able to provide you with the necessary materials.

You’re making excuses.

You’re right. I don’t need an excuse. Because the entire concept of setting homework over half term is insanely irritating and stupid. My child deserves a break and I’m going to give it to her.

@NewYorkLassie I was coming on to say the same. A4 paper and write a few things.

This said I NEVER set homework over half term. It's for children (and parents to have a break)

OP this isn't about you but your child. I would have HATED turning up on the 1st day back having not done the homework. If your child wants to do it, help them! You aren't the one having to face the teacher and 29 other kids on the first day back

Sent a note and now signing off to enjoy my holiday. Thanks for letting me vent

YAB a bit overdramatic because you don't need to buy poster board and stuff - just use a bit of paper!

Just tell her she can do it on Monday night if you really don't have time before that, although if you're abroad and she wants to do it, this sounds like a great task to keep her occupied waiting at the ferry/air port to come home surely?

She doesn’t want to do it. She wants to relax. She’s scared of getting in trouble for not doing it. Not the same thing.

You're acting like it will take the whole week! It's one poster! She can have a break the other 167 hours of half term 😂

Fine if you can't be bothered to do it, you won't be the only ones, but it's really not that much of an imposition is it?

My child is younger but I just take the view that outside of essential phonics, maths, literacy that all homework is not essential. We do homework like that when and if we can get around to it, mine and DH's available time and child interest. It's not always possible to do these things.

Came here to say exactly...this!

Don't do it. The more parents that refuse to do holiday homework, the faster the message will get through to the head. Family time together should always be more important than homework.

What a lovely attitude to pass on to your children. Feel so sorry for teachers, hopefully they strike and you can enjoy all the family time you want!