This month I asked parents and children to share their thoughts about homework. Here’s a summary of what they said:

WHATS USEFUL ABOUT HOMEWORK?

PARENTS

It is a good way to know how your child is doing and to keep in contact with the teacher about work that is challenging.

It pushes them a bit that is good. I had homework I’m glad my children do too.

It helps them learn.

Sometimes my child likes the homework, when that happens I like it too.

Some parents who are available after school said that homework gave them another activity to share with their children.

CHILDREN

I like to read, the reading log helps me keep track of what I’ve read.

I like math, the +’s are fun.

I learn things.

WHATS CHALLENGING ABOUT HOMEWORK?

PARENTS

When the homework is hard or boring it’s really difficult, I don’t like torturing my child.

Some homework seems pointless, confusing or excessive.

It’s horrible. There is way too much of it. My children have no time for any extracurricular activities that they really want to do and are important!

Parents who worked full time said it was very hard to fit everything in after dinner and before bed.

CHILDREN

I get tired.

it can be confusing. When I think about something too much I get confused then I can’t remember what I learned in school.

When I don’t like it I don’t like it!

I don’t understand why we need to do homework, we need time with our parents!