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Lilyofthevalley
Guest
My children are in elementary school. How much homework can be considered too much?
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Penny_Plain
Guest
By the child? Or by an objective observer?
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workinprogress8
Guest
I think it depends on the specific grade level. Toward 4th and 5th grade, homework should probably increase, in my opinion. I would say probably 20-30 minutes for primary grades, and 30-50 for the upper grades. It’s not based on any research, just my personal opinion.
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jrabs
Guest
Penny Plain:
Does the homework seem to take a long time because the child isn’t focusing?
for example: my 8 yr old (3rd grade) spends about 20 min on homework daily if he is doing it with grandma. Compared with about 45 min - 1hour if he is doing it with me. Why? Oh hunger pangs strike…then he pops up to re-sharpen a pencil…then he forgot to wash his hands after he already ate his snack…chats a bit with me.
But all in all, the total work time was minimal -he just pushes the envelope.
Now my 6th grader has a solid hour daily - perhaps a bit more.
hmm - good point Penny. I also have another question or two. What grades? Some of those grades seem to be transitional where more homework comes with the territory. I noticed a big leap from 2nd to 3rd.
Does the homework seem to take a long time because the child isn’t focusing?
for example: my 8 yr old (3rd grade) spends about 20 min on homework daily if he is doing it with grandma. Compared with about 45 min - 1hour if he is doing it with me. Why? Oh hunger pangs strike…then he pops up to re-sharpen a pencil…then he forgot to wash his hands after he already ate his snack…chats a bit with me.
But all in all, the total work time was minimal -he just pushes the envelope.
Now my 6th grader has a solid hour daily - perhaps a bit more.
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Penny_Plain
Guest
I have noticed a substantial improvement in speed and quality when I allow no fun until the homework is done correctly.
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jrabs
Guest
Penny Plain:
wow - you’re NO FUN, mom!
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Lilyofthevalley
Guest
I consider what has been given to my 1st and 3rd grader excessive. For example, my children started back to school on Wednesday. The 1st grader was given 5 words to be known for a test on Friday. The 3rd grader was given 20 words to know by Friday.
In my opinion that is too much.
In my opinion that is too much.
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jrabs
Guest
Lily,
I don’t think the 1st grade load is too much. Are the words on the list of the 3rd grader simply review words that your child should aready know? Maybe some easy repeats from 2nd grade? While at first glance a list of 20 words in two nights may seem tough to learn, if they are review it’s not unreasonable.
Kids are tough, and will not notice as much unless you make a big deal of the work load. See how things over the next week progress and if you still think it is unreasonable, make an appointment with each teacher.
My 6th grade teacher did ask that we notify her is we think she is being excessive. That was a kind gesture telling me that she does care.
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Penny_Plain
Guest
So I am informed.
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workinprogress8
Guest
I don’t think that work is that excessive, depending on what “know them” means. Do they have to spell them? Know the definition? Or just be able to say them?
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Lilyofthevalley
Guest
“Know them” means it’s a spelling test. For instance the teacher will say spell “dog” and the children right it down.
The children were given a month break so the farmers, in the area, can harvest their crops. All the words from BEFORE the vacation are what’s on the test.
However, I think they should have waited until NEXT week.
The children were given a month break so the farmers, in the area, can harvest their crops. All the words from BEFORE the vacation are what’s on the test.
However, I think they should have waited until NEXT week.
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workinprogress8
Guest
Lilyofthevalley said:
Wow that is tough. Spelling words are a lot more difficult than identifying the words. They probably should have waited a week. Then you would have had a weekend to help your kids study.
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Lilyofthevalley
Guest
Also, I maybe an old fart at 33, but I don’t remember spelling tests in 1st grade. I remember learning about letter people and the sounds they made.
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workinprogress8
Guest
I remember having to know certain words, but didn’t get into spelling late 1st grade, early 2nd grade. Have you shared your concerns with the teacher(s)?
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Lilyofthevalley
Guest
Work, I should say something, but I doubt it will change much. In the mean time I will get next week’s spelling test for the weekend and start early. If my first grader was not such a pill about her spelling tests! Thankfully her dad comes along and gets her to do her words.
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Catholic4aReasn
Guest
The typical rule of thumb for homework is ten minutes per year ie. 10 minutes in 1st grade, 20 minutes in 2nd grade, etc. Any more is too much.
In Christ,
Nancy
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Lilyofthevalley
Guest
Thank -you Nancy! It takes my son a little longer as he has some difficulties, but they should get ironed out.
The two were homeschooled, but my husband and I decided to try the school system. So far, so good.
They should do nicely tomorrow!
The two were homeschooled, but my husband and I decided to try the school system. So far, so good.
They should do nicely tomorrow!
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Mamamull
Guest
Penny Plain:
My son is a first grader and he has homework that as he masters it, we move forward. There is a book to read and once he reads it he has to record the author, number of pages, Title, characters and plot synopsis. Then he can draw a picture about the story.
He also has a nifty clock study that is going on and that takes up to fifteen minutes each day.
Now we are adding the All Saint’s day saint study. He has to prepare a report and we create a costume. Last year he went as his name sake, St. Christopher. this year he chose St. Joseph. I like his taste.
I agree that to the child there is always too much home work, but in reality he really needs the extra chance to engage his brain.
Welcome, Sister! I am “She who talks to walls” to my family.
My son is a first grader and he has homework that as he masters it, we move forward. There is a book to read and once he reads it he has to record the author, number of pages, Title, characters and plot synopsis. Then he can draw a picture about the story.
He also has a nifty clock study that is going on and that takes up to fifteen minutes each day.
Now we are adding the All Saint’s day saint study. He has to prepare a report and we create a costume. Last year he went as his name sake, St. Christopher. this year he chose St. Joseph. I like his taste.
I agree that to the child there is always too much home work, but in reality he really needs the extra chance to engage his brain.
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KCT
Guest
To be technical, letters don’t make sounds- people do. Letters are simply the pictures for the sounds YOU make. If in doubt, hold a book up to your ear and tell me if the letters are making sounds. (can you tell I’m a reading tutor?!) —KCT
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_pro-life_teen
Guest
Maybe its just the school they go to, but I know my sister in 2nd grade has a lot of homework in almost every subject, and so do my brothers in 6th and 8th. To be honest, 5 and 20 words sounds like very little homework for a 1st and 3rd grader (no offense).
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