I wrote this article one year ago and I still feel the same way about homework. It’s unnecessary and creates more chaos in my household than I would like to admit. The debate over whether kids should have homework has been a hot topic for quite a few years. It generates opinions on both sides. Some argue that homework is a crucial part of a child’s education, while others argue that it is unnecessary and can cause stress and anxiety in children. As a mom of an elementary student, a mom of a middle school student, and a teacher of high schoolers, I am not a fan of homework.
Yes, I said what I said. I do not like homework in any way, shape or form. Homework is seriously the worst!
I understand that proponents of homework may argue that it helps students reinforce what they learned in class. It could even be a way for students to practice new skills and help them develop good study habits. Homework can also be a helpful way to get parents involved in their child’s education. However, if parents are asking their kids questions about school, reading newsletters, and checking messages from teachers, parents should already be involved with their child’s education. Parents should not have to Google information in order to be involved with their child’s education. This year, I have not only had to Google information for 5th and 8th grade science and social studies, but I have had to turn to AI to help solve 5th grade math problems. It’s definitely looking like I am not smarter than a 5th grader. We have spent many late nights trying to get homework assignments done and it’s not worth the lack of sleep it has caused. I just don’t feel like my kids learn anything academic from homework assignments except maybe it helps them be more responsible students. They are responsible kids anyway, they don’t need to complete homework to prove it.
My perspective as a mom is that families with kids are busy, no matter the age. After school, some younger kids have practice, whether it be related to sports, music, or any hobby they may have. We live in a society that is go-go-go. Older students may have jobs. They also have social lives. Kids need some downtime from their long days at school. If you add homework assignments to the mix, there can definitely be some stress and anxiety. Students sit at school all day long, so they should not be required to do lots of extra work outside of school. There are some exceptions: if students do not finish their classwork, it could possibly become homework. And, of course, if they are absent, they are expected to make up the work on their own time, with teacher or parent guidance, if needed. Other than that, students should not have homework. Honestly, as a high school teacher, of the times I have asked students to complete a homework assignment, I would estimate that only about 10% of students have actually completed it and bought it back the next day, which is why I stopped giving homework assignments. They simply don’t do it anyway.
My perspective as a teacher is that many kids do not like school as it is, so why give them extra work? Homework is often counterproductive. Teachers teach a lesson, then students practice in class by completing some type of activity from the lesson, only to also have to complete something else at home to reinforce the lesson? It’s not necessary, as students should be able to master the majority of material in class. Homework usually involves paper and pencil tasks, and it is not highly engaging or relevant to the real-world. In addition, giving homework adds more to a teacher’s plate and becomes one more thing that has to be graded. It’s not fun for anyone involved in the homework process: kids, parents or teachers.
While homework has its potential benefits, the reality is that it can be a source of stress and anxiety for both kids and their families. As a mom and a teacher, I believe that in lieu of homework, kids should be encouraged to read and study. Kids need time to relax, engage in extracurricular activities, and spend time with their families. Instead of assigning homework, teachers can encourage students to read for pleasure and review class material in their own time, without the pressure of completing extra assigned tasks.
So let’s stop giving kids homework so parents can avoid those late night Googling sessions and kids can have more time to be kids outside of school. Encourage good study habits instead.
