To put a note on DS's homework saying he won't be completing it?

[MrsSnape]

Last week DS1 (10) brought some ridiculous homework home (3+10=) etc...he's 10, not 5.

However I let him complete it, despite feeling it was slightly insulting to his intelligence.

This weekend he brings home another sheet of homework...only the same sheet as last week, the same sums and everything.

DS said "it's because some kids in our class are still struggling with their times tables".

So I'm going to put a note in saying:

"DS will not be completing this homework as he did the same one last week and found it too easy then".

AIBU? I'm feeling paticulary arsey today so perhaps I am?

I let it go last time. The clock face homework really annoyed me and I mentioned it to another parent in a "what did you think of that homework?" kind of way and she turned to me and said "oh I know what you're going to say ... my DS just could not do it! we were at it for ages until we gave up, I'm going to have a word with the teacher"

So I started to think I was being unreasonable last time.

If the homework is the same level he is working at in school then you should talk to the teacher, the work should be differentiated according to ability. If the work is of a suitable level in school and it's just the homework that's easy then I would leave it if it was me! Ok maybe mention it was the same as last week, but my dds would love such easy homework!

Sometimes homework is easy to give students a sense of accomplishment, especially slower ones who struggled to get there. I would love repetitive homework.

It could be that your ds is beyond that and needs more challenging homework. The problem with the note is that it is signalling to your ds that you don't respect the teacher and could in turn undermine her authority to teach your ds. Which won't do at all, unless you were thinking of changing classes or school.

The teacher should know he found the first piece easy because she should have gone through it in class. What is the point of HW just for the sake of it????

I set maths HW on a Fri,to be in on the Mon. During Mon maths, I spend 5-7mins with each group going through their questions and tackings any common problems/mistakes.
It is utterly pointless otherwise and they cannot possibly learn from it.

A good teacher should organised enough to be able to differentiate work according to the individual's needs though I can understand it's probably more awkward with a mixed ability class. Agree that a polite letter might be more effective. She/ he will react better if you approached her with your concerns this way.

I would be happy. Sums even I can do!

myredcardigan, I assume you are a teacher. May I ask how big is your class? This is a genuine question - is it really possible for a teacher to know where each student is at, assuming the class is big?

I teach secondary English, so around 160 pupils a week. I know exactly what level they all are!

It would be the fact that it is the same homework that would annoy me! I am a teacher, and if I made this mistake I would not expect the children to do the work.

Amazing, janiete - I don't mean this sarcastically. So why would people, including teachers, pay for smaller classes then, particularly at secondary level.

It is always better to go in in person and have a friendly word than write a snotty note.

YABU . If it's so easy your kid will whizz through it.
What's the problem?
Maybe it's to teach him we all have to do boring repetitive tasks that are a bit beneath us? A fine lesson in life if you ask me

Dd (12) has been doing maths work that is far too easy ever since she started secondary school (junior school far more demanding). My solution was to wait until parents evening and then go in and ask for extension work. If there wasn't a parents evening coming up I would have made and appointment, or just phrased my note positively ('could ds have some extension work' rather than 'he won't be doing this as it's too easy')

it is very easy to know what stage each child is at. You get to know each child's abilities very quickly. That is an important part of the job.

Smaller class sizes just makes it easier to give each child more attention.

I don't think you are being unreasonable. It is not acceptable for a student to be given homework way below their ability just because other students are working at a lower level - the teacher should therefore differentiate the work. You might find you feel it has been resolved without bad feeling if you could make an appointment to see the teacher; the written word can often be misconstrued...! I agree with Janeite - as a secondary teacher myself, I teach over 400 kids and am expected to know all their current levels and their working towards levels and should be able to provide work to suit their ability. If it was a one off - fair enough, but repeated work below your child's ability should be addressed. And no offence Jasper but "what's the problem?" The problem is, kids who are not challenged begin to work at a lower level and in some (not all) cases, underachieve. If they are given high expectations, they work better and often have higher self esteem.

Blueshoes, all primary teachers should know where each child is at, it's a fundamental part of the job.

I currently have 28 so not too big. Homework should be used to consolidate the weekly learning objective, extend on that or/and to inform planning.