I'm surprised I'm writing this, but I want to discuss homework. What once was the bane of my teaching life, has become a staple part of my week, and I'm almost starting to enjoy it. I completely understand the debate...
However, with my recent thoughts regarding the children's future (whether that be based on their behaviour, career choice, support from home, or general attitude), once again I'm beginning to consider the wider lessons of homework. It's more than an awkward hour on a Sunday, and I think my change of heart has been triggered by how I've conducted myself composing the tasks in the first place. Today's blog is a quick timeline of my exampled approaches so far, with some pros and cons for balance.
With a change of school, where things are organised differently, my approach to homework is different again (which I'll share another time). But it's not only the system that has changed, it's also my own thoughts.
Completing home work used to irritate me as a child, and setting it was very similar. It was always an afterthought on a Friday. It took strength not to pull up the first worksheet on Google because, when done properly, it really does have a place and, as a teacher, you can do a lot of good with a well-written piece of homework. My constant thinking recently, is that our children are our investment for the future, and they need to be equipped with a myriad of talents. Now, I find myself putting the time in because I want to; I want them to go home and show off what they can do - I want them to keep their brain buzzing with skills, ready to apply at any given moment. It doesn't need to detract from playing outside and going to the park, it can be done as well as. So, my top 3 pieces of advice:
1 Comment
Robin
22/10/2016 02:43:26 pm
Interesting read. I'm very sceptical about homework and I think it projects etc are wasteful and I dislike things like that. I did one year a homework task which was about real events and you would pick e.g. Go swimming / play a sport three times this term, cubs / scouts, visit a historical place. I agree homework is very good for consolidation and I set consolidatory work in line with school policy - homework 'sheets' for me are quite useful. But equally I don't impose a sanction for not completing.
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