I have dozens of posts in my head at the moment, but never seem to find the time to put my brain in gear enough to actually write them. But reading this article made me want to respond.
I absolutely agree with the heading: Six-year-olds need to play more than they need to spell; but I think the author needs to think more about what ‘the education system’ is.
As parents, we are responsible for our child(ren)’s education. Not school, parents (and I include anyone with parental responsibility under the umbrella term ‘parent’.)
The relevant section of the Education Act (1996) states [my emphasis]: The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education [..] either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
If school is our chosen education system (and it is a choice), why should our responsibility end at choosing a suitable school and ensuring our child attends? Why should we blindly support said school in whatever they choose to subject our child(ren) to? If we care enough about our child(ren)’s education to support them with it, why are we complaining about homework for six-year olds and yet forcing them to do it?
I will never make my children do homework. I have chosen to pass my parental responsibility for education to a school, and it was a considered choice. It’s not a school that starts homework in reception, and not one that gives masses of homework early on. At present, half way through Year 1, MG gets a phonics sheet daily with words to read; a reading book (that we normally ignore) and a homework book with one worksheet weekly. The weekly homework has only just started.
MG loves doing homework. I have said to her that I will never make her do it, but at the moment she bounces home and happily attempts everything. If there are any bits she doesn’t want to do, she doesn’t do them.
She’s almost six, and neither far ahead or far behind of ‘expectations’. Recently her form teacher (and deputy head) told me to “carry on with what you’re doing at home” in the last parent’s evening, as they were so pleased with her progress.
I know every child is different, and as a parent you may feel that you need to push your child to ‘keep up’. But most children get there in their own time; leave them to it, supporting their questions, and their interests will guide them to the development they need.
I thoroughly agree with the author’s closing line: “We need [..] fewer league tables, to encourage teachers to engage with primary school age children and their crazy world of playing – to appreciate it and to build on it.” However we mustn’t forget: we parents can support this; school is only part of their lives, not all of it.
I have very mixed feelings about homework generally to be honest. It is good when they are older if it supports and or extends what they are doing but if homework is given for giving sake, then it is pointless and worthless. I don’t think six year olds should have homework at all as they are so exhausted by the end of the day that school work is the last thing they need. Older children should have some homework but even teens who often have two hours a night have too much in my opinion as they all need their rest time.
Nikki Thomas recently posted..Sunday nightitus
I am so pleased that the German kindergarten system allows children to play until they are six (sometimes almost seven depending on birthday). Play allows children to be creative and inventive, there is plenty of time later for homework and studying.
Thanks for sharing the article, I agree with both of you. League tables aren’t everything.
Catherine recently posted..K is for Kissing a Cool Kangaroo by Giles Andreae
We have a little homework in reception, just a reading book and a couple of phonics sheets, key words & sounds at the end of the week. Takes 5 mins max. We also have termly “targets” like knowing numbers 1-20 and adding/subtract 1, that we can work on whenever it fits e.g. At the supermarket. I like it because it helps me see how he is progressing, but am lucky that he does enjoy it, and I guess if he wasn’t I might be rethinking. Will be interested to see how it goes in Year 1, whether it is a big step up or not. I am not against homework per se, but agree a large volume which they don’t enjoy is counterproductive.
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