The Case Against Homework

25 Nov 2008

by Sara Bennett

in Parenting, Education

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Editor's note: Despite parents' best intentions, getting their kids outside often doesn't happen -- sometimes due to homework overload. This week, Green Hour's guest blogger is author of a book called The Case Against Homework. We are happy to have Sara's opinion added to our blog's chorus of voices on how to protect childhood in our increasingly complicated world.

Do you ever take a walk in the park and wonder where all the school-age children are? Do you walk by playgrounds in your neighborhood and notice that there aren't any school-age children there either?

I do and it breaks my heart, because I know where they are -- inside doing their homework. Kindergarten, which means "children's garden," has become a misnomer. Gone are the block area and the dress-up area, the sand and water table, and recess. Instead, children are ordered to sit quietly at their desks, listen to scripted learning programs, and focus on academic skills.

By first grade, students lug home heavy backpacks filled with worksheets that their parents need to help them do. A few years later, by the time children have finished their homework -- and most parents insist that children do their homework before they play -- it's too dark to go outside.

Is this healthy? Of course not. Is it worth it? No. Contrary to what many people believe, most research shows that homework has no value in the elementary school years and limited value later. Yet, assigned readings, vocabulary lists and math sheets cause children to give up doing the things they love -- whether it's playing outside or inside, writing poetry, seeing friends, spending evenings talking, and reading for pleasure. In short, homework interferes with children's intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development and their chance to be children.

What should parents do? If homework is dominating your time with your children, if it's interfering with their childhood and keeping them from growing up the way you believe they should, it's time to institute change in your household and, if possible, in your school.

Make sure your children go outside and play -- even if that means that their homework remains undone. This may sound controversial to some, but consider writing a note to the teacher explaining why your child needed to get some fresh air and ask that recess not be taken away -- often the method of punishment employed by the teacher. If your children are older, make sure that they, too, get enough exercise, down-time, and sleep.

You and your children will be happier and healthier -- and your children will be better educated, as well.

Sara Bennett, co-author of The Case Against Homework: How Homework Is Hurting Our Children and What We Can Do About It, is the founder of Stop Homework, a project affiliated with The Alliance for Childhood. Her website is www.stophomework.com.

 

 
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I appreciate this article and the case you are making against homework. Since moving from the States to Costa Rica, we've been able to spend the past 3.5 years living without homework.What do we do with all that free time? We get outside, explore the natural world and create videos to share the experience with other kids and families. We'd like other kids to do the same--get outside and send us a photo, essay or video of the experience--so we can get a global, kid-to-kid dialogue going about nature and the environment. Those interested can check out the videos and learn how to submit by visiting www.supernaturaladventures.comWhen we've conducted research asking parents what would keep their child from submitting something to our site, guess what the number one response is? "No time. Too much homework." I wish you luck with this endeavor and hope that schools will take notice and agree to give kids their childhood back! To parents, I say: You have the power and the right to reclaim your family life and time. I agree with Sara and the Green Hour that heading outside is a great way to start!

From JungleMama on 15 Dec 2008

I agree that homework is an issue. There seems to be a homework for homework's sake approach vs. actually much of educational value. Play, reduced family stress, meal time together, time to read for pleasure -- those things have great educational, developmental, and emotional value -- ALL of which help prepare a child to learn during school hours. Educators and administrators need to change the way the do business, because the current system is flawed. I am glad to see the research supporting this and the issue making headway. I am not saying no homework ever, just a reasonable amount of quality assignments that keep the love of learning alive and allow a child to also have a balanced life.

From oscar lozano on 06 Dec 2008

I have read Sara Bennett's book and Alfie Kohn's The Homework Myth. I am a 5th grade teacher for the past 10 years. Homework occupies valuable time that should be spend exploring, observing, inquiring and playing. Valuable homework puts children outside or their homes making connections to the world around them. At my school we have created an Ecoliteracy Project that has trained teachers to take their students into the field to discover, explore and inquire about the natural world around them. Each six weeks 15 teachers take over 375 children into the field. Get involved, create the change that will change the educational process. Go outside!

From Kirk Evans on 05 Dec 2008

As Cat Stevens once sang, "where do the children play?"

From clajewski on 05 Dec 2008

I am not sure most kids these days would play outside on their own with so many other distractions in the home (TV, video games, computers, etc.). As a middle school teacher, I see great value in homework because it teaches time management and organizational skills. Being outdoors is also important for our children, but there should be a balance and parents need to be more involved.

From Olofium on 04 Dec 2008

I taught elementary school for 17 years, in two states and 4 different school districts. Most schools have guidelines for how much homework is acceptable at each grade level. Often children are so overscheduled with after school activites that any amount of homework irritates parents. There do have to limits on the amount of time spent on homework, but you can't blame teachers for kids not being outside enough. Many parents over schedule activities, thinking that's what kids need to have fun or to be successful. Kids do need to have time to be creative and to play. I'm sure that you will find many of these kids that aren't getting enough "play" time are getting plenty of TV time. There has to be a balance. It is the parent's role to facilitate the activites. One of the main reasons for homework is to teach discipline. If a child is being expected to do so much homework that they come home from school, do homework until dinner, and then do more homework until bedtime, the parents should talk to the teacher and see what is going on. If homework is getting in the way of dance, soccer, basketball and TV you need to get a clue. A good education is the most important thing you can give your child. An education is a step to a brighter future.

From skmayh on 04 Dec 2008