Homework in Kinder-Advice Needed

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much! 30-45 minutes at home??? For kindergarten??? There has to be some explanation. This is extreme...and, for me, it would be completely unacceptable.

Talk with the teacher. Is he not doing his work at all at school, so he's bringing it all home? Is he an extra-slow worker?

In Kindergarten, we are to read one book per night. It takes no more than 5-10 min. Later we will probably have spelling that takes maybe 5 min. per night. In contrast, my 4th grader has about 45 min. per night of homework. I do not think that a kindergartener should have that much homework, especially at the beginning of the school year!

I used to teach K, and that much time is against most districts' guidelines. I also believe that much homework in one sitting for a kindergartener is developmentally inappropriate.

I am a teacher and have a 6 year old in first grade. Our teacher said to do 15 min of reading with your child a night - in kinder you can read to him and have him learn to enjoy reading. Try getting a chapter book to read to him each night - go over words that he may not know as you read to increase his vocabulary.

My son has 15-20 min of reading a night where he has to work on the essence of learning how to read better and then he has 10-15 min of writing or math homework. He is in Richardson ISD at an exemplary elementary school and I think for his age it is an appopriate amount of time. He is learning to love school and that is SO important at this age.

45 min of homework for an adult is a lot... for a 5/6 year old I think it's too much. Maybe break it up in 15 min increments if it is required by the teacher. Do math when he gets home then let him play and do reading before bed. As a teacher I see students bogged down with SO much homework. Don't undervalue a child's time to run around outside and be a child. This increases their creativity and gives them positive endorphines that made them happy and feel good. Hope this helps!

My son didn't have homework in kindergraten. Is he in half day or full day? If it's a half day program, maybe the teacher is trying to make up for what's impossible to get done during the day. If it's a full day program, I'd have a problem with it. I used to teach first grade. My first couple years, I didn't do homework with my kids except for spelling and reading which is left up to the parent. But, I was pressured by the rest of my team and made to feel I wasn't doing my job by not giving homework. Also, consider if it's work that should only take 5-10 min. but takes your son longer. I know that my nephew would drive my sister nuts. He'd take an hour to do something that should have taken 10 min, but he stalled and fooled around so much it took longer. My son, now in first grade, didn't have homework in kindergarten except to read 20 min. a night which we'd been doing anyway with his bed time stories. About once a 6 weeks, we had a project sent home, but he was always given a week to do it. Now, in first grade, he has that requirement as well as a guided reading book and spelling which takes us 15-20 min. tops.

Personally, I don't think kindergarten should have homework. It was a big enough adjustment to be in school all day. Once he got home, he only had about 4 hours until bath / bed time and that usually included dinner in there as well. He needed that time to relax and just be a kid.

I'd talk with the teacher. Make sure your calm and objective when you do it. Don't ever confront her when you're irritated. That will put her on the defensive rather than thinking through what you're saying and considering it. Maybe she's doing what the other teachers are doing. My guess is she doesn't have kids in school of her own. I never gave homework a thought until I had a kid in school and had to do it on the parent side. Now, I realize what a pain in the rump it really can be. Good luck!!! Let us know how it turns out. I'll be watching for an update!

Stephanie,

I have a friend who teaches first grade at a charter school in Arlington and her son is in K there. He has homework. I personally don't think K should have homework daily. But then, I don't really think 1st should have homework either, daily. I think kids spend that many hours at school should get their work done at school for the most part. But I understand it is difficult to work with that many kids and get everything done.

I would check with the other moms and moms in other K classes at your school and see what they are doing to see if it is the same across the board.

Too much homework is just a sore subject for me. That is one reason I homeschool my kids. That and the fact that I LOVE having them home and teaching them!

T.

Homework should be reading with a parent or playing a game with the parent at this age. We usually send home math games or guided reading books...at most these activities should only take 30 minutes, if that. To clarify the activities we send home home are not worksheets and they are not intended to be anything other than age appropriate and developmental in nature. They are meant to encourage families to spend quality time together in a non-threatning manner. Activities such as math games and children and parents reading to one another encourage quality conversations and family time if done appropriately. Another poster stated that homework was ridiculous or something to that degree...I agree if it is not done appropriately, but if done with good intent and it is well thought out, it prepares our children to be life long learners. I wouldn't want anything else.

I teach KG and my kids read 60 minutes/week. They can split this up how they wish. (ie) 15/night or double up- whatever works best for their schedule. Also, I usually have 1-2 short review pages that they have the whole week to do. My son is in KG. He usually does his pages on Monday and they take about 30 minutes total (if that), but he really has the whole week to do them. We just do it early to get it over with and read the rest of the week. What kind of homework is your teacher giving that takes so long? You should talk to the teacher- she may not realize how long it is taking. Also, some kids take longer to complete work than others. She may modify the amount of work and/or have you stop at 30 minutes- I've done that before when I taught 2nd grade. I would set up a conference about your concerns- not a gripe session, but that you are concerned that it is taking so long. Ask her if he is taking awhile to do his work at school too. Of course, she may just be giving wayyyyyy too much- not sure. Send me a message and tell me what all he usually gets each night... I know I gave a lot more homework to my students before I had kids of my own! My daughter is in 2nd now and we have had several stressful, tired nights over homework.

Oh, one more thing- I do think kids should have homework, but a reasonable amount. One of the other posts said it was ridiculous to have homework... Parents do need to work with their child at home. It helps you see how your child is doing, plus just gives them that extra one -on -one attention. You would not believe how many parents think it's just the teacher's job to teach kids. The more teachers working with your child, the better. Parents are their child's first teacher and most important one. Also, KG is SOOOOOOOO much different that it was when we were kids. It is not playtime and centers anymore. It is pretty much how first grade used to be. The standards in TX have been raised big time. Sorry that was a teacher soap box! ;)

I am glad you are spending that time working with your son. GREAT JOB! I do agree it's a bit long though... Kids should still have plenty of time for family time, play time, and just plain down time too! The most important thing you can do with your child is read and make learning fun, so they don't even realize your "learning". They just think they are having fun with their parents! To review letters, break out some play doh and have him make the letters/his name/sight words/shapes/numbers... Go on letter hunts around the house or in the grocery store. :) Oooh! A favorite- squirt out some foamy shaving cream on a table or tray and have him practice writing with his finger in it- so fun! :) Ok, that wasn't one more thing...

I think they give too much homework (Plano schools) for all the elementary levels. I would just say to complete what you think your child needs, but cut out the busy work. Kindergarten grades don't go on college transcripts, so just do what you think is best for your child.

Not sure this was much help, just after three kids (my youngest is in kindergarten too!), I'm tired of all the homework that stresses elementary kids out!!

30-45 min per night is too long IMO for a kinder to spend doing "homework" unless it's a fun project. Talk to the teacher--it should be no more than 15-20 minutes to practice letters, one sheet of simple math, something like that seems reasonable. I teach 1st and 2nd and two old kids.

My son had to read a book (once a week) and do sight words (nightly) and that was it. Never took longer than five minutes. Sounds like way too much. I bet there is an explanation, like your child may not be finishing class work. Either way, the teacher needs to communicate this to you. Set up a conference and communicate to her/him that homework is taking this long. That is too long for this age. That is a normal time for a 4th grader!!!

Hi Stephanie,

Check with the district to find out what the regulations are for HW. I know in Allen, the district has a rule where KG has no HW, 1st grade has 10 min. 2nd has 20 min, 3rd has 30 min. and so on. SOme schools dont follow the rule, but if you bring a copy of the regluation from district and take it to the school, they cannot argue. (Unless this is work your child is not getting done in class.

Hope that helps.

That sounds like too much homework to me. My son just started kinder at a private school. He has homework one night a week and it takes about 10 minutes.

Homework varies from school to school and teacher to teacher. A friend's son just finished kinder at DISD and I know he had homework every night (and his parents thought it was too much). I don't know what you can do about it though. Just think how well prepared he'll be for 1st grade.

Hello,

That seems like a lot to me! My son just started Kindergarten in Mckinney ISD and there is not any official homework, although the teacher sends home several books every week and we are supposed to read to him 15 minutes a night. I don't really consider that homework since we would read to him before anyway.

I remember when I was in Kinder it was all fun and games. I am really glad they learn so much now, but since they are in school all day which is new for them, I think they shouldn't be pressured to do so much at night. They will have enough "real world" the rest of their life.

I think anything less than 30 minutes would not be worth assigning for homework.

Hi Stephanie,
I have a daughter in Kindergarten and the only homework that she will have is once a week if at all. She might bring home a sheet to practice writing her name or letters. She also has a calendar, each day has an activity to do, and she chooses 3/week. For example, have an adult read a story to you and predict the ending or write down 10 things in your classroom. She will also bring home special projects--like decorating a person to represent herself. What is your son bringing home?

The homework seems about right - I do think alot more is expected of our kids at a younger age. The schools are so focused in getting rated "exemplary" they lose sight that these kids are still so young. On the flip side our school does go the extra mile to ensure no kid is left behind and they offer tutoring direct from the teacher.

I'm a first grade teacher and wouldn't expect my kids to spend that much time on homework so yes I'd say that is too much. I would talk with the teacher about it and maybe check with other parents and see if they are spending that much time too. You also have to keep in mind is that the actual time your son is spending seated and working the whole time or is some of that time just trying to get him going and finished. But all-in-all that is too much for a five or six year old.

We get one worksheet a day at for my sons kinder...
And then we read a book everyday. When its all said and done we MIGHT spend 45 min. But not on one assignment.
I would talk to the teacher...

I agree with most of the others. Its way too much. Check the policies and get proactive.
This is a little off the subject but The best advise I got early on is that the more active & present that you are in your childs school, the better it is for your child. Volunteer for as much as your time allows, get to know the teacher, pricipal and other staff ie; secretaries. And join your child for lunch once a month. They LOVE it til about the 5th grade then they think they are too old for lunch with mom. The teachers appreciate the parents that take the time to be active in their childs education.
Good luck to you.

My youngest is in Kinder, we get homework M-Th as well, sometimes it takes us an hour, sometimes 5 minutes. It depends on the assignment and his skill level. Basically we have a sheet of homework - writing 2 days a week. math 1 and reading 2.

I think its normal.

My K'er has to read some sounds every night. I also make him redo or complete any assignments that were not done in class, but that is the teacher in ME. We also read a little book together at night.

Adding all of it up - we might spend 30 minutes on homework, but only 10 (or less) is assigned by the teacher. 30-45 minutes is a little excessive, IMO.

S.

My son was in kinder last year and it is recommended that they read 15 min/night. The homework usually took 5-8 minutes and I had him do enrichment. All together it was about 30 minutes. I didn't feel that it was excessive. I think that is a perfect start. Kinder isn't like it was when we were in kinder. We used to play and my son left there knowing multiplication. I am not complaining. :) You have to do what is best for your family though.

I think it's ridiculous that a kindergartener would have ANY homework. Yet another reason why we're thankful to be able to homeschool!

My son was in Kinder. last year and that's what it was like for him as well only he had homework Mon-fri and strted having spelling tests last year not long after school started. So I assume it's pretty normal. It does seem like a lot though.

I would talk to the teacher too (soon) and inquire through the district's website/email address what their policy on Kinder homework is. Homework is a great way for the child and parent to bond and show how important learning is, but it should be age/time appropriate material, like reading and games.

My kids had homework in kinder as well but it could be unfinished class work. i would just tell the teacher it is taking him 30-45 mins to complete it and was wondering if that was normal and if it is all HW or unfinished class work. school is alot harder than when we were in school. they have relized children can pick up thing alot easier and faster the younger they are.

Mel

My child is in Kindergarten and that is about the same amount of time it takes us. But I do not think it is excessive, because it is fun and my child is learning by leaps and bounds.

I had this same issue w/my daughter last year. I thought it was alot too. It was hard for us becuz we didnt' get home until 6pm every night. I wasn't sure why she was having so much homework when she was in school over 7 hrs everyday. I figured the most she needed to be doing at home each night was reading and practicing spelling words. But all the written homework..I wondered what they were doing in class all day that she still had to come home and do 30 plus mins at night..when she was tired. So finally I talked to the teacher and she agreed to let us do her homework on the weekend when we had more time to spend and wasn't tired or trying to get dinner ready! I think this work is healthy for them, since it will only get harder as they get older, so they are starting out right off the bat with the responsibility of having to do homework. But I agree w/the moms that say to be involved! Oh and I would also make sure your child doesn't hear you and your hubby talking about it being way to much, otherwise they'll pick up your attitude about it, and then you'll have an even harder time getting them to complete their assignments. But I would talk to the teacher and see what she thinks!!

As a former teacher as well, my take on the homework situation is that often times it's a desparate attempt by the school/teacher to try and get parents involved in their children's education rather than parents 'leaving it all up to the school.'
Sure we pay taxes, but it's truly important for parents to play a strong role in their young children's education and in helping their children develop a love for learning for life (rather than the opposing attitude of "school is the only place for learning").
JMHO ;)

If the time is too much for your child to complete the homework *with you &/or your husband right there, guiding him through the lessons,* then it might warrant a talk with the teacher. Otherwise, enjoy the role you can have in your child's education!

They say that it should only take 10-15 minutes, but it takes a lot longer. It is pretty typical these days.

I teach 2nd grade not kinder but I do think that 45 minutes of homework 4 times a week is a lot. What exactly is he doing? I know at my school kindergarten has homework 4x a week but it takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.

Like someone else suggested.. I would set up a conference with his teacher and explain your concerns to her.

I was told 10 minutes per grade per night. So for Kinder he would get 10 minutes worth. We were told that our kiddos were being given 10 realistic minutes worth and that if they were taking longer than that, we were to stop them and let the teacher know. The teacher may think she's giving a realistic amount. I'd suggest a conference and express your concerns! Good luck!!

5 - 10 minutes per night at this age is the maximum! The best learning a child does at this age is the learning that takes place through their creative play. If an hour of his preciosu time is being taken up with "home-work" (which I imagine is actually more busy work for Mom and Dad) he has too much. Then again take my opinion with a grain of salt. I am the parent of a private school 3rd grader and we make our living advocating for public education reform on a national level. I am, admittedly biased.

Hi Stephanie,
I teach kinder in Allen and just looked up the guideline for Allen - it is available online- you can google your school district's homework guidelines too. For Allen it is 10 minutes per night in kinder and 1st. Then adds 10 minutes per grade level up to 6th grade. You have to remember this is just a guideline. Every teacher is different. At our school, we do not give regular homework (besides reading each night). We have an occasional project or activity that reinforces what we are doing in class, but we usually give several nights to complete it. Another thing to remember is that all kids, especially at the kinder age are at different places in their learning. This carries over to how long it takes them to complete an assignment. Another child may finish in 10 minutes. If you think this is too stressful to your child, you may talk to the teacher.

My girlfriends child was receiving quite a bit of homework every night last year in kinder too. When she finally set up the conference she found out it was work he was not finishing in class because he was talking instead of focusing on his work. I was shocked that this wasn't communicated sooner, I guess the teacher was busy? I would set up the conference but go in with an open mind. My girlfriend felt a little uncomfortable the rest of the school year with his teacher because of the way she approached the situation. Best of luck to you and your little one.

I think that is an appropriate amount of time. When my daughter was in Kinder it took her about that long to do it. I don't think the amount is too much, I just think it takes them longer since they are just learning everything. My daughters school has a rule that homework should not take more than five hours a week. So I think it is okay. I bet as he gets more comfortable doing the work it will take hime less time.

Hello!

I feel your pain. My daughter is in Kinder and we don't get a lot of work but it is the type of work.  Right now they are reviewing site words and in my eyes a sight word would be I, the, they, we, A, it, and not yellow, pink, purple, orange, gray, black, blue.
The homework consist of writing 3 sentences using each site word. This is easy work for me but not for my child because she does not know sentence structure.These teachers need to understand that they need to teach these kinder students as if they have never been to school before. They need to work on writing the alphabet and numbers on paper correctly and if you are teaching them to read they need to work on one syllable words using at,et,it,op,ap,and etc... and later introduce sh, tr,and etc...
My child's teacher sent homework home at the end of the six weeks last week. It was a six weeks review of the site words  and she wanted her to write 15 sentences using each word. I DON'T THINK SO & I DIDN'T!

I have scheduled a conference with her and I am going to take this up with the principal as well.
You should review the state curriculum for Kindergarden and present it them. THEY SHOULD BE DOING WORK THAT THEY CAN ENJOY AND SUCCESFULLY COMPLETE THEMSELVES. This is Kindergaden they need to love going to school.

I just wanted to say (as a teacher myself) that nowadays the stakes are SOOOO ridiculously high especially in Texas that it doesnt suprise me your poor FIVE year old is getting 45 minutes of homework. I can barely sit still for that long and Im 29 years old. I just really think it is absurd. I do agree with homework but that much at kinder is loco!

That is ridiculous. I can't believe they are giving your son homework in kindergarten.

I would be in there at that school so quick! If they are doing this in kindergarten, what is 1st through 5th grade going to be like as far as homework goes?!

Raise some he!!.