What to Do About the Homework?

I've never heard of homework for a preschooler so I don't even know what to say about that. But for the 1st grader, 12 sheets per week seems excessive. Does the school have homework guideline in their school policy book? I think for my son's school it is about 10 minutes for K, 20 for 1st and 2nd, and on up. My son has never had more than 1 sheet of work per night in 1st and 2nd grade. In 2nd grade he also has to read for 20 minutes and then write a 2 sentence response. His homework packet (gets on Monday due on Friday) has just 4 sides (2 math, 2 spelling).

I agree with the people who say that you should tap into his after school program leaders. My son only has after school care 1x per week, but the kids are required to get their homework done before joining other activities. I don't think it would work for me to pick him up at 5:30 and then come home and have him try to do his homework. That makes for too long a day for the kids.

Sorry, mom, but all kids have homework. It gets more intense as they get older and they must establish good study habits when they are young or by the time they are in middle school, it is too late. I hate it too.

However, the work that he is given at his age should only take about 15 minutes.

Hang in there!

S.

updated after your "what happened"
The only way I get my kids to do homework is RIGHT after school. if we wait it's a fight to the bitter end.

It should only take them 10-20 mins to do their homework. if it's taking longer than that then you need to find out what what they are having problems with. If you just found out about a project that is now overdue it's due to a miss communication. The paper got lost between his school and home.
They should, as routine homework, have only one or two worksheets then the 1st grader should have spelling words once a week and reading once a week. I have a 3rd grader and a kindergartner, and I don't do their homework with them, they sit down and do it by them selves, now if they need help they ask and I'll help them but I don't hover.
Is there anyway they can work on it right after school before you pick them up from daycare? At our school , the kids work on their homework during afterschool care.

.

Too much HW in American school? That's rubbish! You have to check with chineese and indian schools - you'll get a wake up call.

Hi B., when I worked in school's after care program, first thing we did after attendance was homework. Kids sat down at the cafeteria tables while the aides went around and checked up on them, helped when they got stuck. They had to raise their hand when they were done at which time if their homework checked out they were akllowed to pack up their things and free play. It was unusual for any kid to take more then a half hour to finish. We actually could speak directly to teachers to discuss if this or that kid was struggling/need too much help etc. I know it's not really 'homework' this way, but most of the kids did not get picked up til at least 5, a long long day for a young child and his/her family.

Maybe you could ask about this at your latch key.

A 4 yo with a 'project', sigh, they're just babies.

I agree that most 1st grade teachers will say hw should not take more than 20 minutes (aside from reading).

Different kids need different environments for getting the job done. I know just by my own three kids they all have very different study habits. One is old school, sits at the tablke alone, no tv, no music, no distractions, doesn't get up til it's done. The other two seems to work MORE efficiently WITH distractions than without. For them a few things help, gum chewing or snack while working keeps them focused (really). So you could try different things to see if it goes faster. You could also allow him to take ownership of it entirely if he is independent.

A lot of teachers don't WANT you to correct homework so they can see for themselves the areas where the class as a whole needs more help as well as any individual student.

Instead of complaining to the teachers, why not send off a quick email stating you know hw should only take 15 or 20 mins but your child is taking way LONGER every night, request some 'tips' to shorten that time. I'm sure she's have some good ideas for you.

As far as the PRE school homework goes, sigh, isn't it just that ,PRE school?
Hope this helps!

A preschool with homework? Wow!
I find the homework to be way too easy, basically busywork. She usually whips right through it. What is the point?
My third grader is supposed to read 20 minutes daily. There also are spelling words Mon-Thurs. Math sheets every Tues. and Thurs. Other worksheets as needed. Special projects up to 4 times per year, usually only one.

It never takes over 30 minutes per day unless a project.

If you complain at school, you will be judged and it probally won't change.

One M. told the school in front of a lot of people that if they have time to show HOURS of tv(NOT even educational) they should be doing the homework at school. I agree. She was not accepted and considered a troublemaker, but really what she said makes perfect sense.

UPDATE:

I just read your "So What Happened"... this is a home issue, not a school issue. Sorry to break it to you! Homework should not be challenging... the purpose is to reinforce the skills that have been previously taught- it's practice so that the teacher can guage when the class is ready to move on to another topic. I think your question should be rephrased to reflect the fact that you are having a difficult time getting your child to do the homework which is really what's going on!

First of all... homework in preschool? Not appropriate. My question for you though, is how much homework are they doing? Your question is a little confusing... are you upset about the volume of homework (you don't say how much) or the fact that you are struggling to get the assignments completed? These are two very different scenarios.

Here's the "rule of thumb" (also known as accepted "best practice"), your child should have no more than 10-20 minutes "per grade" give-or-take. That means PK-1... no more than 20 minutes. 2nd... no more than 40 minutes. As children goet older the work load should increase gradually. The start of the school year should also be shorter than the end of the year.

Is it possible that your children can do their homework before you pick them up? Where are they in aftercare? Talk with the daycare provider and see if it's an option. Please keep in mind that if they are at daycare for two hours and not doing homework, that can be considered "free time".

What are the assignments? For the little one, I would think that they are either "letter/alphabet practice", basic number activities, or projects that need to be "made" surrounding topics... we just had to do a family collage for my son's preschool. For your older child, probably reading each night and some math facts. Really look at what they are being asked to do... is it relevant and based on something that has already been taught?

If the assignments are given on Monday and due Friday, then you need to do a little bit each night. I know that sounds obvious, but you need to model time management for them so that they can see that it actually takes less time and is more fun when you do a little each night!

If the issue is with the time your children are spending on homework, keep a two week journal and record exactly the time they spend actively doing their work. If it exceeds the "rule of thumb", AND THEY ARE ACTUALLY WORKING... not 5 minutes and then something else for 15 and back for 5 minutes and off-task again... bring it up to the teacher. If they are only "working" for a short period of time, then you may be better to have them sit with you for 20 minutes BEFORE you start dinner. That way, it's a set time and it's done for the night.

I get you my dear. I have a 2nd grader and her homework amount is alot. I also have a three year old. I really am not looking forward to when she is also in school. But I really think that we have no choice but to buckle down and do it. On Monday's we get a weekly homework folder and so I try to double up on it. That way we have at least two days of a lot of homework and 2 days of mainly reading. (which we sometimes do while I am fixing dinner) I treasure the weekends and the teacher work days/holiday breaks. I really don't think that saying anything to the teacher will change anything. We just have to treasure our free time (all 5 minutes of it). I think that preparing a few meals in advance might give us more time in the evening and I am also learning (slowly) to say no to some after school events and other things that keep my roller coaster running! But mainly it looks like we (you and me ):) just have to hang in there and deal with it. Just think when you are pooped and the kids are tired. Wow I think that I got this Mother thing. Have a great school year and I am out here feeling the same way.

I hear you. And you are only starting. We've had some different strategies over the years, but what works best is if they can at least start their homework when they are in after school care. My son's after school taewkondo place makes a point of trying to get most if not all homework finished before the kids come home. So many of the parents just LOVE this because the time between coming home, supper and bedtime is so short and all the parents need to do is check it over and sign off on it.
Additional:
If you start this early on, it saves you in the long run.
"The fastest way to fun is to get the work done."
When the work is completed (to my satisfaction), only then can the tv be turned on or games can be played or recreational reading can start. My son learned early on that complaining and delaying only gets in his own way for getting it over with. He's 12 now, in middle school, and he's downright efficient when it come to getting the work completed.

I didn't read the other responses, so forgive me if I'm repeating, but can the homework be done, or at least started, in the hours between the end of school and the time you pick them up? That way you would only have to do a quick check of it when you get home to make sure it's done. In my kids' elementary school after-care program (which I didn't use but was familiar with), there were 7th and 8th grade helpers, along with the teachers on duty, to help each child complete (or at least start) their HW assignments. After that was done, they could move along to snack and play time. Just a thought.

Your job is to provide a quiet place and time for your kids to do the homework, and answer reasonable questions. I would have a conversation with aftercare, they should provide a time and an appropriate place for your school aged child to do homework. If he cannot do the homework without parent intervention, and you feeling like this is your assignment that "we" have to work on, then that is not appropriate. Home work is there to reinforce what they learned already in school and promote independent working skills. If your child cannot particiapte independently, ask them if it is the homework, or your child that needs evaluation. You should not be doing the homework, your son should be able to do the homework, and if the expectation is different, then it is inappropriate. If the homework is appropriate, then the school has to find out how to help your son access homework, not you. This is a school issue, but one that they school will let you sholder if you let them. It is one of the very first indicators that a child has a learning issue, so take it very seriously. It is also the primary way that schools blame parents for learning issues that the school is responsible for remediating. Plain and simple, the first thing I tell parents who are fighting with a school to recognize that their child has a learing disablity is to quit doing the child's homework and keeping the child a float because the school will be very happy to let you do this and not help your child with the real problem for as long as you will do so. I am not saying that this is the case here, but many begin this way, so be aware.

As for your 4 year old, I would not even try to help them do homework. It is totally unneccessary. 4 year olds do not need preschool at all, they could have zero formal instruction and sail through kindergarten, so projects and such are just crazy. First, it is developmentally inappropriate, and second, it will not help your child be ready for homework when it is time for them to do it. Soon, we will be teaching kids to walk as newborns to get them a leg up...it just does not work that way. There is no evidence that any early learning accelorates a child beyond where they would be by the time they enter the 4th grade no matter how much you try to cram into them way too early. If I were you, I would find a play based program that actually provides a developmentally appropriate program for your younger son. He should be read to, playing, singing, and doing art projects that expand his fine motor skills at his developmental level, which does not include any long term planning whatsoever.

I would say, your 4 year old is overdue for some good playing, and your 6 year old should be getting a quiet place to do his homework, and an adult to answer reasonable questions at after care, and if you still find yourself needing to monitor due dates and see that they can manage what they have, it is either inappropriate, or your older son is telling you that you may need to let the school intervene, because it is a school issue.

M.

Does your preschooler have to turn in homework for a grade? Our PreK system advocates projects and sending worksheets home for practice, but they only have to turn in the projects.

I feel your pain! I think the amount of homework being foisted on most kids of every age these days is ridiculous. We NEVER had homework like this! I blame it on the fact that there are so many disciplinary problems these days, what needs to be done (and used to be done) in class isn't getting done -so it's homework and the fact that we've become a nation of "test takers." Teach the test, practice for the test, blah blah blah. IF a teacher wants to actually teach something creative or inventive -it has to be homework ON TOP of the mandated "test practice" homework. Ridiculous!

I don't know that I have any suggestions, but I'm right there with ya mama! We do the same thing... Homework during dinner making.

EDIT TO ADD- For those who don't live in Michigan... In Latchkey, we are told before enrolling our kids that this is NOT for homework time.

I wouldn't enroll my 4 year old in a preschool with any homework. The fact just about every school has homework in Kindergarten is in itself, tough to accept. But it is the way of world now. I would never ever gripe in front of my children about their homework, I just made them do it. It does have value. The benefit I see now is that they developed good homework habits for later elementary school and middle school. I don't think you are alone in the 3 hours to do homework, eat dinner, and have free time, especially if you value a good night's sleep for your kids. It's just part of life. I would absolutely not complain to the school about the amount of homework. I would make sure your after school care allows time for your child to do at least some homework. In first grade, my kids school gave a lot of flexibility with a monthly homework packet, but starting in 2nd, it is expected that they will have at least some daily assignments. If you have any flexibility with homework due further out than the next day, I would make use of weekends and maybe even mornings to ease the evening crunch. Same thing if he is in before-school care, can he work on school assignments that are due further out than that same day? I know your kids want free time before bed, but we only get so much "free time" in a day, and if they are using all their before and after school care time to play, then that IS their "free time" I think kids can be helped to understand to make choices with their time, and to use all their time wisely.

I don't think the problem is the homework. You said yourself, that your son "does not want to do it". That's the problem. My six yr old daughter is in first grade and has the same homework situation, she gets the packet on Friday and it's due the following Friday - it's only 5-6 things. She loves to do homework and does this packet in 2 or 3 days and then she works out of a 1st grade workbook that I bought at Walmart for the other days. My kids do homework while I'm cooking and/or cleaning up after dinner. Sometimes they do homework during bath time, while one is in the bath, I do homework with the other. This "problem" is not going to go away so you have to fit it in your schedule somehow. Your attitude about the whole thing is no doubt affecting your children's outlook on homework as well. They have free time at latch key, so they should be able to get right into homework when you get home. Get organized and get it done!

That's crazy. My son only has homework given on Mondays due on Wednesdays in pre-school. I would explain your situation to the teacher. It also sounds like your a single mother and have no one to help you which makes it harder. Maybe you can work out something with the teacher.

I feel your pain. Both my husband and I work outside the home and experience the same. Our kids are also involved in outside activities which adds to the stress, but in the end it works for us. Anyways, we stress to our kids that while they are at after-school childcare they are to start working on their homework and do as much as possible. If they have questions on anything, they can save those problems until they get home. We will double check their homework to make sure they were on the right track when doing it at after-school care. This has allowed us more freedom during the evening hours, and less stress and meltdowns too. Our school is also good about letting us know upcoming assignments so that we can work on them during the weekend. Perhaps you could suggest that to your children's teachers. Good luck!

Either your husband will have to help you out. In which it took more than one of you to make theses kids, Or you will have to maybe consider part time work instead of full time so you have more time with the kids and there projects.If not your going to have to deal with the hectic ness i do know from experience with different grades and teachers. Some give more than others and usually around march everything starts slowing down because there are those that crame all the hard hectic stuff at beginning of the year.

Someone else kind of asked this - is their time after school in care "free time?" Technically, your 6 year old has as much time as every other child. Either they're getting to play in afterschool care and therefore doing homework at home isn't so bad or they should be doing homework at aftercare and playing at home. No? Preschool homework is ridiculous. I'd try to find another preschool... Maybe everyone else is a stay at home mom and welcomes something to do w/ their child. But that doesn't mean that works for your family.

Just so you know others feel your pain, but drudge through it.
I have a 7yr old 2nd grader that comes home with homework daily that takes us 2 hours. it should not but he makes it take that long. and My 4 yr old is in Pre-K and comes home with homework at least 2-3 times a week. My schedue is as follows
I get home at 330 and look through bags get set up for snack drink and homework at same time. at 4 I start making dinner and feed baby and help with homework all at the same time. This is every day then on : Mondays we leave for the 4 yr olds swim by 530 and do not return untill 715 Tues- free night Wed.7yr has swim leave at 6 and return at 830. Thurs my 4 yr old has swim leave at 530 then my 7yr old has Scouts so we go from swim to scouts and get home at 830-9, Fri free night Sat 12-3 7 yr olds swim. Now after we get home it is time to get ready for bed, potty, drink, teeth, floss, ect. takes another 30 min because small house 1 bathroom so 1 at a time.

I do not know how we do it, but we manage, yes it is exausting, plus I go to the gym M W F Sat & Sunday. (my husband has bowling on Tuesday nights and thursdays as you can tell Not happening).

Weird, I've been complaining that my 1st grader doesn't have enough homework. She gets her homework on Friday and it's due the following Friday. Usually there's only one or two sheets to do and then we have 20 mins of reading every night.

When does your son get his homework? If he also gets it on Fridays, can you work on it over the weekend? With my daughter, I have her do it on her own and let me know if she has any questions. Then we review it together when she's done and correct it if there are any mistakes. What about your husband? Maybe you two can alternate nights helping with homework?

HI B., I can so relate with your letter. My kids are now 24, 22, and 16. I remember saying the exact same thing you expressed to even my school and teachers. I spent years like you exhausted and overwhelmed with homework. The best suggestion I can offer is see if they offer "homework hour" in latchkey and if not talk to the principle to see if this could be started and the importance of it. I am sure your child does not want to start homework either after dinner or before bed. Sleep is important as is family time. The best time really to start and finish homework is right after school and with a snack. And don't underestimate the importance of early years of grade school homework. Now that I can look back those foundation years are so important to stay ahead in high school. I wish I had a better answer for you but hang in there and it will get better.

I would definitely ask at the latch key facility if they have an area where kids can do their homework. I can relate to not having much time with your kids in the evening. I work full time and most days don't pick my daughter up until almost 6:00 PM. Her bedtime is also 8:00. By the time we have dinner and have a bath, it is basically bedtime. It makes it hard to do much else. Talk with them at latch key and explain the situation. Even if he could get half of it done there, and lessen the load of what he has to do while you are cooking dinner, I'm sure that would help.

@Gamma G
Wow. Cut it down to 1 day a week, only spelling words? Kids at that school will learn NOTHING.
Might as well compain, it only gets worse
Middle school, HIGH SCHOOL
yup, only gets worse so yeah

After reading your "so what happened" it sounds like it's just ok at this point. I think I posted when you asked about it before. I am with YOU! There is too much homework, especially for little ones. If he isn't having a hard time doing the work, while you are making dinner and getting it over with is a great plan!. I do think teachers are just trying to get kids into a study habit and helping create that at home with a specified time and place is a good start. Now...a 4 year old with a project??? What's up with that? My how things have changed in schools! All the best, keep up the good work!

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