Before reading my No Homework Policy below, click on the red links and take a few minutes to read a blog post I wrote last December for Ethical ELA which was then published in The Washington Post.
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For years educational researchers
have debated the impact that homework has on children of all ages. After spending countless hours studying the
research and reflecting on my experiences as a classroom teacher, I came to the decision that I will not assign homework. If you read the articles above you will see my reasons, which are research based. I invest a lot of time working with my students in the classroom to promote learning and success. By the end of the day, we are all exhausted. Asking your child to do more work is equivalent to asking you to work longer hours with no pay or on weekends. We need a break and during this break from learning you can reflect/relax/refresh on what you learned.
Often times teachers will assign homework in the form of worksheets or have students answer questions from a textbook. My question for you is:
Often times teachers will assign homework in the form of worksheets or have students answer questions from a textbook. My question for you is:
- Do you value a worksheet over authentic learning experiences?
- Does a worksheet provide your child with deeper understanding, as opposed to providing authentic learning at home?
- Does forcing/arguing/fighting over completing homework make your child more successful in school?
If you answered yes to any of the questions than I will, by all means, print worksheets for your child, but please know that I will NOT grade them or hold your child accountable for turning them in. Why? Because I do not believe in worksheets. I believe in hands on, authentic learning experiences that engage your child and involve you.
The only request I have is for your child to read 20 minutes each night from a book of their choice, at their reading level. They do not have to document the reading. I simply want them to read for pleasure! I want them to read books on their reading level and share their reading with you, either through conversation or through shared reading with you. By reading, your child will increase their fluency, comprehension, and expand their vocabulary.
The only request I have is for your child to read 20 minutes each night from a book of their choice, at their reading level. They do not have to document the reading. I simply want them to read for pleasure! I want them to read books on their reading level and share their reading with you, either through conversation or through shared reading with you. By reading, your child will increase their fluency, comprehension, and expand their vocabulary.
Along with the links above, the following links will provide some insight into why I choose not to give homework. Enjoy!