You are listening to episode 28 of the ready, set, science podcast. On today’s show, we will discuss homework. I feel like homework is such a debatable topic. Even in my teaching career there have been so many changes in what is and is not appropriate for students. So today, we are going to break it all down and discuss what is good homework and what is not good homework. So are you ready, get set, let’s teach science!
Homework History:
The U.S. has gone back and forth on whether or not homework is good. Each decade there seems to be new research or new studies and the pendulum swings back and forth.
Currently, the U.S. is in a very homework heavy era, with most schools assigning daily homework to their students.
A study in 2015 found that students today are doing 2 to 3 times as much homework as students did in the 1990s.
My opinion on homework:
The 10 minute rule:
1st grade students should be spending no more than 10 minutes a night doing homework. Every year, the night time should increase by 10 minutes. So 2nd grade spends 20 minutes, 3rd spends 30 minutes, 4th spends 40 minutes etc.. It would go up to 120 minutes for high school seniors.
I honestly hate this rule. Here’s why:
The times seemed like too much. I think 40 minutes for a 9/10 year old is WAY too much. Remember this is nightly!
What takes one student 10 minutes might take another student 2 hours.
Homework is meant to help students practice.
Why would we ask students to do practice without support from the expert (the teacher)?
Yes, some students would be fine practicing away from the expert just like practicing free throws in basketball without a coach.
I limit the amount of school work that I do at home because I want to spend time with my family and give myself a break. Why would I not allow my students to do the same?
If we are making our students work hard during the school day, why do they need to do more work at home?
My #1 rule is “If you don’t waste my class time, I won’t waste your time at home.”
Homework limits our students' creativity and engagement.
Creative thinking happens easier when you are relaxed and having fun.
Homework tips:
For teachers:
Strike a balance between homework and other activities
Make homework MEANINGFUL!
Only assign homework on school nights. No weekends or holiday breaks.
Do not grade it, or if you are grading it, check it for completion only
Put a cap on the total amount of time students can spend on it
Make your homework a way to connect home and school
What if your homework assignment is for students to tell an adult about what they did in class that day?
Give your students the option to read anything (book, magazine, newspaper) for 10 minutes.
Make homework flexible as far as due dates so that students can do it when it works for their schedule.
Some parents might not like their children not having a lot of homework so whatever you choose, make sure you have a plan for how you will communicate
For students/parents:
Remember that studying is part of the homework process
TRY to complete your homework yourself but know when to ask for help
Remember that school is your child’s job. On top of sports, extracurricular activities and sometimes a part time job or helping around the family home (watching siblings, chores etc…)
Let your kids have a break right after school. Decompression is good for the brain.
Talk to your kids about school!
I make my son tell me 3 things he learned each day.
Ask them how they learned a concept and how they are going to apply it.
Reach out to the teacher if you have a question or are concerned about homework
Resources:
Thanks for listening!
All the links:
Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com
Follow on social:
Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches
Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches
Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7
The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!