Homework or no homework

Baby started at reception at the beginning of September and we were told to expect homework in his book bag.  This was going to be predominantly phonics work in the first half-term as the teachers are concentrating on reading skills at the beginning of the school year.  We were briefed on the teaching system they would use at the parent's evening and waited for the first piece of assignment.

This did eventually come in the second week and there were two bits of work to do.   One was a worksheet which contained words which relate to a particular alphabet and the sound(s) that are associated with the alphabet.  There were a couple of lines for writing practice and a picture to colour in.  The second piece of work was a little book of words which Baby was supposed to read himself using his phonics skills.  Associated with the book of words is a record book on which we were to note how we thought Baby did.  We thought both pieces of work were for a week but it seems that this was not the case.  We got a second piece of written work the day after we completed our first one, such that we kept going for a few days in a row and then the work stopped.  The completed work sheets were always returned in Baby's book bag; there were no obvious signs of the work having been checked so we were not sure whether they were meant to be left in the bag until they were to be collected or if we were supposed to keep them at home.  The little booklet of words kept coming back so we just read it everyday until Baby said he was bored.  In the end I sent an email to the teacher to ask.  I was reluctant to do so as I wanted to try to get the information from Baby so he understands he has to take responsibility for the instructions given at school.  However, that didn't work and it didn't make sense to have to carry a pile of paper around for no reason, or to keep reading the same book.  Fortunately the teacher did respond very promptly so we now know what to do.

To be honest I am in two minds about homework.  On the one hand it is good that the kids are being encouraged to perform.  I don't disagree with instilling a certain work ethic in children, but they are very young and a little bit of fun after a full day at school is totally deserved.  I don't think Baby's workload is excessive at the moment and he does actually enjoy the achievement that comes from completing the task.  I hope that love of work sticks around for a bit longer.

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