Homework
As a primary school teacher, homework is a somewhat contested topic. Some teachers and parents think it is an absolute necessity, others think it is simply an imposition on their busy home lives. I find my feet in both camps.
As a parent, homework is a genuine pain in the arse (I couldn’t think of a more accurate way of saying this). Sitting with the Boy and the Girl and helping them complete their homework has often bought out an (at best) ugly side of me. The frustration has mounted and I have quite often snapped, and the children now consequently hate doing homework with me. I have to admit, I am a bit of a perfectionist and maybe a little draconian. I’m also incredibly impatient (with my own children).
Homework can be really important for those parents who want to support their child’s learning, by understanding what they are currently learning in class. I don’t necessarily want to complete the arbitrary worksheet that accompanies this topic, but I just want an insight into the breadth and depth of their learning so I am able to find opportunities to support this, outside the classroom. For example, when they are learning number bonds to 10, I can support this on our way to school by counting the red cars and then calculating how many more would make it to 10. I know I should be bothered with all their other learning, but if I am honest, I am only interested in building the core skills of reading, writing and counting. The research project on the Stone Age is interesting but a barrier when my child can’t spell the days of the week or subtract numbers in her head.
Others may feel very differently. I think it is so important to instil the basics before venturing into more challenging and creative territory. When teaching my class or 7/8 year olds, it seems bizarre that we are expected to cover complex clause structures (etc) but children are still failing to use capital letters correctly and not spell phonetically. It’s like teaching a Cruyff turn when they can’t pass a ball. It’s great, but useless.
Anyway, back to the homework! As a teacher I just want to say to parents, please help your child to read fluently, write clearly and spell correctly. That’s what homework should be. Mastering the basics. Less stress and good old fashioned rote learning. See it, say it, spell it. Hundreds of times (if necessary) until it becomes easy. The history and geography can wait. They need the tools to access the wider learning first, and a good old run around in the fresh air. Call it PE if you like.