HOMEWORK-to have or not to have? That's the question....

I have had a few people say things about homework lately so I thought I would just put my feelings down on paper. 

#1 I do think Reading Homework is essential!!!  If they do not read for 30 minutes a night, what are they doing?  Probably on a computer or video game for 30 extra minutes-READ instead, it's just 30 minutes.  A book will take your child on an adventure that we can not provide.  It can take them to places that they'll never be able to see.  It will expand their knowledge, spark them to explore different Genres of literature and make them retain information to have a broad SCHEMA or background base for retaining, connecting, visualizing and growing.  We need background information to grow and reading does that for children.  That's why we read so many different genres in fifth grade-books, magazines, and newspapers.  The written word is amazing and the possibilites for learning are to inifinity and beyond (think Buzz Lightyear, haha)

#2 YES, I do think class work that is not finished during the day should be done at night-I can't have over half of a class stop the day just because a few kids can't focus or WON'T focus.  Slow and Steady wins the race but slow and slow doesn't!!!

#3  MATH homework-NO, I don't always think it is necessary to have math homework every night BUT if we can't finish in class we will do it at night.  Most kids are on that path already (of not having any), some are halfway there and only have a few math problems to do at night.  It's not been that bad for math, believe me, I've given more.  I've relaxed over the years (mellow Carroll, just ask my former students, who by the way, love me-just ask them)

#4  SOME kids really like homework!!  REALLY-these are the kids that usually ask for more and I give them a few extra things to do-I don't do that for everyone though, only the askers.

#5  IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT-Kids are out of school by 2:30 and go to bed around 9:00-why can't we fit in an hour to read and finish up a little studying-that's 6 1/2 hours of free time (video games and trash TV rot the brain).  PLUS, I am a firm believer in this-IF YOU CAN MEMORIZE VIDEO CONTROLS AND ALL OF THE RULES THAT GO WITH THEM, THEN YOU CAN MEMORIZE MULTIPLICATION FACTS-OK, I've said my peace!!!

#6  Learning to study is a life long skill especially if your child is going to college-If they understand the concept of studying for a test now, they will transfer that as they mature in to middle and high schoolers and eventually college-isn't that what we want for our kids?  My daughter studies ALL of the time-she wishes her high school teachers and teachers through-out the years would have taught her better study skills-it has been a struggle to gain them (but she's done it !!!)

Our children are going to have to be competitive for jobs as they grow into adults.  Times have changed and are changing more every day.  Our kids will have to be college grads to compete in the 21st century.  We have to instill in them a desire to go above and beyond what we did when we were children.  It's just that simple!!!  A little homework never hurt anyone!!!  Some nights will be easier than others, but there will ALWAYS be something to do to keep school on the mind and our education a TOP priority.  YES, I LOVE SPORTS and I think evey kid should play something BUT I also think we should place that much focus and dedication on our education.  If we can practice for 3 hours a day for a sport, them we can read and study for 1 hour a night-sometimes less, sometimes more, but always a necessity!!! 

#7  So I guess YES is my answer for Homework, not too much, not too little, BUT just right (think Goldilocks-hahaha)

LOVE YA and I  LOVE YOUR KIDS!!!!!!  Now let's get ready for school :)