Many children have too much homework

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Dear Dr. Fournier:In a previous column, you explained that a student's failure to complete homework assignments was a sign of disrespect for the teacher. While I agree, I think there is another issue that should be addressed. Teachers need to assign the proper amount of homework without overloading students and placing a burden on their entire families. In the same way that students must respect their teachers, teachers must respect the students' time outside of the classroom. My grandchild is in the fourth grade and often has several hours of homework, several nights a week. Shouldn't the bulk of learning take place in the classroom? Don't we want our children to have some time each day to spend with their families? Where should our schools and teachers draw the line on homework?ASSESSMENTI completely agree that many schools and teachers assign too much homework. Yet this problem is sporadic among schools. Some children aren't assigned enough homework, while others are burdened by overzealous teachers or administrators.Teachers and schools that pride themselves on homework overkill defend their position by saying that more homework provides a better education. Parents often agree with this belief because the "best" schools espouse this idea. They often hold the common misconception that more work is better, and this fallacy is passed from teacher to parents to students. My perspective is that more is not always better. Many student-athletes are familiar with the concept of proper practice. Coaches teach athletes to practice proper techniques if they want to succeed in their sport. A basketball player can practice free throw shots all day long, but if his form is not correct, he will not find success when the game is on the line. In fact, improper practice actually does more harm than good, and this theory applies to academics as well.The role of homework is to reinforce the lessons learned at school and to allow students to creatively explore these ideas at home. Not only do teachers often assign too much homework, but they assign homework with the wrong goals in mind. The result is devastating, both as a waste of the students' time and a detriment to their education.WHAT TO DOParents often have a choice where their children attend school, especially in situations where too much homework is an issue. Most times, these environments are private schools that take pride in excessive homework. If your child is currently in this situation, you must teach your student the importance of completing the assignments. However, I suggest that you do not place your child in a school that believes "more is better." Look for a school that encourages true learning and understanding -- a 21st century education -- not just repetition and massive amounts of work.Most importantly, make sure your child has rest and downtime after the school day. Excessive homework can facilitate a negative view of education. Children need repose to explore their own thoughts, and they need the carefree time with their parents to experience memories that truly will make them leaders later in life. Is any spelling list worth that?If your life with your child is being destroyed by outrageous amounts of homework, then I would write a note to the teacher or schedule a conference with an administrator. Remember that schools will not change until parents change. Parents must be willing to stop complaining and take action to improve our educational systems. Only then will we foster a lifelong love of leaning for our children. Take action now, and you will find it is much easier than staying up until midnight to finish another unnecessary assignment.(Write Dr. Yvonne Fournier, Fournier Learning Strategies Inc., 5900 Poplar, Memphis, Tenn. 38119. E-mail her at drfournier(at)hfhw.net)