Homework; What Is It For?

Home work is such a highly debated subject. I have seen this issue from two sides of the argument, definitely not all sides.

As a parent I have bemoaned the fact that my children had homework as kindergartners, especially since we already read to them quite a bit. My wife and I have always encouraged our children to express themselves through words and drawing, or coloring, so the homework they brought from kindergarten just seemed redundant. It was not a big deal, just a nuisance. Our children are two years apart, had different 1st grade teachers, and had very different types of homework from their first grade teachers. As my children have grown older, homework definitely becomes more relevant to their learning.

In first grade my son had reading, some math and occasionally spelling or some other topic to work on. All of his work was required to be turned in. My daughter on the other hand, had everything from reading (with a log), to observing the changing of seasons, to spelling words, to math. Only occasionally was her work required to be turned in. There was a sheet to be signed by the parent stating all work was completed, and questions about what was learned, what was most fun, etc., though my daughter always had issues with homework that the teacher did not want to see. I can't say I blame her.

I believe strongly that home should always be made relevant to lessons in the classroom (which was the case with my daughter,) that homework should be used to reinforce skills taught in the classroom (questionable at times,) and should never allow the student to feel like they are being made to waste their time (my daughter usually felt like she was wasting her time - the teacher didn't want to see her work. Or at least didn't feel the need to see her work.)

My daughter had the same teacher again for second grade, which was fine with my daughter, and with my wife and me. Other than the homework, we feel that this teacher truly cares about her students, works hard to make them feel successful, and is good about communicating with parents.

Homework for in upper elementary, middle, and high school, years is increasingly important. The amount of homework varies greatly based on parent demand, teachers' philosophy, and district policy. In areas where competition for access to ivy league or top 10 universities is high, it seems homework is a major focus. I can only wonder how homework is viewed in schools where attendance, and the educational process are viewed as something of a nuisance, or worse. In schools where survival is more important than education, how do teachers reach parents and students?

Whatever the situation, I believe that communication between parents and teachers is essential for homework to be worthwhile. And homework needs to reinforce what is taught in the classroom. If that can incorporate something from the student's life, culture, interests, so much the better.

What do you think?