Homework+Essay

Homework Revolution It has come to attention that homework has been the tear jerker of many eyes in the nation. Complaints have been coming from various aged children about the large quantity of homework. Some saying that homework is good, some bad, or does it depend on what the homework is and how much we get of it? Now a new recruit in the homework and it is starting with the principal. I will address both sides of the problem and tell my own opinion.

Many are saying that homework is a negative influence on kids. Homework has seen to be a real big problem. Could homework really be causing harm? It is a possibility. “There is simply no proof that most homework as we know it improves school performance.” Said Vicki Adeles. She complains that children cannot do their homework and still ace the test, just have a low grade in the class because they did not complete the homework. For kids that do not need assistance from their parents with homework, it really takes away quality family time to do their assignments alone. “Parents want their kids back!” Most kids are accompanied by family with homework, what about the ones that are not? Some children get recess taken away if they do not to the homework so they must stay to finish it really taking away from children. The reason being that they did not finish it last night. It was obvious that the reason the children did not finish it is because there was a large amount and the parents could not handle and plus how many other children did the parents have to help that night.

Could it be possible that only some homework is bad? According to Ms. Cushlanis,”I have no problem with doing homework, but that put us both over the edge, I got to the point that this is enough.” Some homework could not even benefit kids at all, which is known as busy work. “How many times do you have to add seven plus two?” She also states. Most homework is repetitive and is only raising achievement by a little. Homework should not have to be repetitive, just enough to practice. Then again how would the teacher know how much homework is the perfect amount for each child. With that said it is taking away the childhood of most kids. Homework has been getting kids and their families to there up most level and seems to be driving them both crazy.

All though people might say homework is bad, homework does have some positive impacts towards a child’s life. “Most of our kids can’t spell without spell check or add unless it is on the computer.” Says Karol Ball, mother of two teenage sons. Does this mean schools should assign more homework because it will be a good skill for children? Karol also states “If we coddle them when they are young, what happens when they get into the real world? No one is going to say to them, ‘You don’t have to work extra hard to get that project done, just turn in what you got.” Homework is being known to teach kids responsibility and time management.

In another way, homework helps parents relate to their kids, keep the parent connected to the classroom and know their children are studying on. Say otherwise Principal Donna Taylor, “I think people confuse homework with rigor.” Schools are not just going to assign homework for test review concerns, but to keep us competitive with other countries, such as India and China. They have been creating engineers and math majors because of there math and science masters, this causing the U.S. demanding more homework. We all know that giving homework in small doses can “help younger children develop positive study habits and reinforce basic skills.” says Harris Cooper, a neuroscience professor. If we can accomplish that then we both win.

When I look at homework, I don’t see anything bad coming out of it. It is the total opposite. If I didn’t get any homework I don’t think I will pull out my notebook and study, or any other teenager. Children cannot really study by reading; they learn by doing. This is where homework comes in handy. If students complete it and answer the questions, it is like a miniature quiz and you study from the problems you get wrong. You kind of just memorize it that way. You do that a lot in high school anyway. Homework helps kids practice things on their own without having a teacher they can go to. The teacher, computer, and calculator will not be there to help you on the test or big future exams so why not get used to working without them on you homework? It gives a child responsibility. You do it, you get points, and like when you are older you work you get the money to survive only when you’re older it is more severe. Without homework my mom would be clueless on what I do in class, and why would I want my mom to feel felt out on my life. Even if it is “busy work” you still somewhat benefit from it and learn. Like they say, “Practice makes perfect.” I do not know maybe it is just me because I like hard work, school and have no problem doing homework. To me all homework is good homework and is definitely worth my time.

Homework seems to be continuing to be a problem. Will this homework revolution really change our school systems to give us less homework or no busy work? “New Recruit in Homework Revolution: The Principal” by Winnie Hu seems to be making an effort thinking the principals can make a difference. The homework revolution has spread to North to Toronto now banning homework for kindergarteners and teenagers on school days. Will principals solve this problem? Where will the Revolution go next?