I have spent the last few months researching and contemplating my stance on homework and the value it has for my students and their families.  As a parent myself, I find myself stuck in the homework machine more often than not, and wonder how this benefits a child’s academic performance and social/emotional development.  That said, I have come to the conclusion that I will not be assigning formal paper homework assignments this year.  

The American Educational Research Association stated: “Whenever homework crowds out social experience, outdoor recreation, and creative activities, and whenever it usurps time that should be devoted to sleep, it is not meeting the

basic needs of children and adolescents.” 

Through my own personal experience I have discovered that homework is eroding my family time— the opportunity to do things together to build family solidarity. Family meal time, time to tell and listen to stories, time to play games, the ability to go for a bike ride, and time to hang out together is being lost. 

I truly believe that it is my job to instill a love of learning and school within each of the children entrusted in my care, and to create a positive outlook regarding their educational career.  I want to respect the hard work and effort the children are putting forth during the school day, and honor your time to enjoy your child and family after a long day of work and school.  

The only purposeful assignment that will be sent home is your child’s daily, “Book in a Bag,” that will have a book enclosed at their, “just right” reading level.  These will be assigned in the upcoming weeks, and will only be assigned Monday-Thursday.