I am writing this blog as a teacher and as a parent. I have a difficult time separating the two. I think these two views complement each other and in some ways balance each other out.
My greatest frustration as a teacher is that there is never enough time to get everything done. Because of this reality, I think homework is necessary. Assignments that are not completed during class simply have to become homework. I think that students at my grade level (5th grade) should have 50 minutes of homework three to four nights a week. We all have to put work before fun. I don't see anything wrong with asking our students to do the same. However, because time is so precious, I think all assignments should have a purpose. I don't believe in busywork, and I don't believe that a student's free time should be spent doing it.
As a parent, I like to see some homework. I think chores, homework, and accountability help a child become responsible. I appreciate any teacher who expects these things from my children. Yet, I don't want my children doing homework all night. Like everything else in life, there needs to be a reasonable balance.
