I talked about learning starts from home in the previous two blogs. However, when I read about this article from the Daily Telegraph [http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/easy-does-it-maroubra-junction-public-school-to-let-students-opt-out-of-homework/story-fndo28a5-1226527775585], I just had to write something about it.
Do you agree that homework should be incorporated as part of learning in school?
From my experience with my two children’s primary, secondary and university education, their homework had been appropriately allocated according to their age and grade. In fact, I even added more in their primary school days. However, I do acknowledge that during their high school years, there were days that the workload could be a bit challenging and so is their universities’ workload.
So, why homework?
Homework, I believe, not only helps with the enforcement of knowledge from what they have learned, it also builds up the concept of discipline in them. It is crucial for children to learn this ‘discipline’ concept as early as possible.
I know that homework in high school can be challenging at times, but if they have to do it they have to do it – period! Whether they have to skip their favourite TV programs, computer games, socialising… etc they still had to do the homework.
WHY? Discipline!
Children are resilient. When they know they have to complete something and there is no way out, they will find a way of coping, despite their hectic lifestyles. This is the best time management skill you could ever teach your children.
To enjoy the fruit later in life, you have to put in the hard work first. When the children are at school, learning is their priority, and homework is to enforce their learning and the discipline behind it.
By allowing them to get away with their responsibility, is literally teaching them to take the easy way out and finding excuses for not succeeding in life. What about when they are in the workforce, would they be expected to be reimbursed for opting not to work? Because the work is too hard or too much pressure and they can’t cope?
How to support your children
Here are a few points to note about your role. What if the homework becomes a challenge?
- Talk to them about their work, making sure that they are coping and not falling behind with their work. This may be a crucial reason why children dislike homework.
- Work with their teacher in terms of how to support your child.
- Support them in any way you can, such as allowing them to go straight to their room to finish up their work and not have to do the dishes that night.
- Assist them by picking them up from school (if possible), so they do not need to waste time on public transport.
- Set a time for homework and learning every day. They must also enjoy the reward after that – for example, let them watch their favourite show ONCE the homework is done.
How can you support your children when they are really busy with their school work or when they have projects due?
- Give them the space to complete their work.
- Cancel all unnecessary outings or socialising and focus on the work.
- there for them – help them to do some research if necessary.
- Be prepared to chauffer them a bit more than usual.
Support them as much as possible and help them to succeed, but never let them get away or allow them to give any excuses to back out of their responsibilities.
Would love to hear your experiences and your thoughts about this. Share your comment below or via the Facebook Page.
Have a connected day with your family.
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