Elementary School Homework Is Possibly Not Good For Kids

Mar 21, 2018

Children have always made a fuss about having to do their homework, but parents and teachers insist on its completion because good habits mean good opportunities, right? Apparently not, according to recent studies. Elementary-aged children are bombarded with worksheets and projects that may serve little purpose in furthering their education.

But why?
 

It is too difficult to control all the variables that determine academic outcomes and homework at an early age puts stress on the student and their family. Children are also developing a “hate” towards school, which may influence their entire academic career.

Temple University professor, early learning researcher, and Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, Dr. Kathryn Hirsh-Pasek explains that things such as board games and playing with certain toys may have a better effect on a child’s mental development than worksheets and homework packets.

“Believe it or not, you learn about math when you’re playing different board games,” Hirsh-Pasek explains. “And you learn about space when you put together train tracks and play with Legos. You learn important skills, like how to get along with other people when you play with other people. They’re learning way more important skills when they’re not doing their homework.”
 

However, researchers agree that children should read at home. Whether a parent reads a story to their little one or helps their child read a simple book, reading helps children expand their vocabulary and learn about relationships.
 

People argue that homework teaches a child responsibility and how to focus, which has its own pros and cons. Hirsh-Pasek agrees that children need some kind of discipline and responsibility, so she suggests assigning them a chore to do each day.

“The truth is that everything has to be put in balance,” she says. “If you want your child to learn perseverance give them some chores at home. The worst thing that you can do today is to have people sit when they should be standing and stand when they should be moving.”

What are your thoughts? Do you think assigning homework to 5 and 6-year-olds is completely pointless or do you see the value? Let us know!