Homework is wrecking our kids

Read this interesting the thought provoking article on the merits of not giving homework to primary school children written by Heather Shumaker.

http://www.salon.com/2016/03/05/homework_is_wrecking_our_kids_the_research_is_clear_lets_ban_elementary_homework/

SUNDAY, MAR 6, 2016 01:00 AM SAST

Homework is wrecking our kids: The research is clear, let’s ban elementary homework

Homework does have an impact on young students — but it’s not a good one

HEATHER SHUMAKER

(Credit: KatarinaGondova via iStock)

“There is no evidence that any amount of homework improves the academic performance of elementary students.”

This statement, by homework research guru Harris Cooper, of Duke University, is startling to hear, no matter which side of the homework debate you’re on. Can it be true that the hours of lost playtime, power struggles and tears are all for naught? That millions of families go through a nightly ritual that doesn’t help? Homework is such an accepted practice, it’s hard for most adults to even question its value.

When you look at the facts, however, here’s what you find: Homework has benefits, but its benefits are age dependent.

For elementary-aged children, research suggests that studying in class gets superior learning results, while extra schoolwork at home is just . . . extra work. Even in middle school, the relationship between homework and academic success is minimal at best. By the time kids reach high school, homework provides academic benefit, but only in moderation. More than two hours per night is the limit. After that amount, the benefits taper off. “The research is very clear,” agrees Etta Kralovec, education professor at the University of Arizona. “There’s no benefit at the elementary school level.”

Before going further, let’s dispel the myth that these research results are due to a handful of poorly constructed studies. In fact, it’s the opposite. Cooper compiled 120 studies in 1989 and another 60 studies in 2006. This comprehensive analysis of multiple research studies found no evidence of academic benefit at the elementary level. It did, however, find a negative impact on children’s attitudes toward school.

This is what’s worrying. Homework does have an impact on young students, but it’s not a good one. A child just beginning school deserves the chance to develop a love of learning. Instead, homework at a young age causes many kids to turn against school, future homework and academic learning. And it’s a long road. A child in kindergarten is facing 13 years of homework ahead of her.

Then there’s the damage to personal relationships. In thousands of homes across the country, families battle over homework nightly. Parents nag and cajole. Overtired children protest and cry. Instead of connecting and supporting each other at the end of the day, too many families find themselves locked in the “did you do your homework?” cycle.

When homework comes prematurely, it’s hard for children to cope with assignments independently—they need adult help to remember assignments and figure out how to do the work. Kids slide into the habit of relying on adults to help with homework or, in many cases, do their homework. Parents often assume the role of Homework Patrol Cop. Being chief nag is a nasty, unwanted job, but this role frequently lingers through the high school years. Besides the constant conflict, having a Homework Patrol Cop in the house undermines one of the purported purposes of homework: responsibility.

Homework supporters say homework teaches responsibility, reinforces lessons taught in school, and creates a home-school link with parents. However, involved parents can see what’s coming home in a child’s backpack and initiate sharing about school work–they don’t need to monitor their child’s progress with assigned homework. Responsibility is taught daily in multiple ways; that’s what pets and chores are for. It takes responsibility for a 6-year-old to remember to bring her hat and lunchbox home. It takes responsibility for an 8-year-old to get dressed, make his bed and get out the door every morning. As for reinforcement, that’s an important factor, but it’s only one factor in learning. Non-academic priorities (good sleep, family relationships and active playtime) are vital for balance and well-being. They also directly impact a child’s memory, focus, behavior and learning potential. Elementary lessons are reinforced every day in school. After-school time is precious for the rest of the child.

What works better than traditional homework at the elementary level is simply reading at home. This can mean parents reading aloud to children as well as children reading. The key is to make sure it’s joyous. If a child doesn’t want to practice her reading skills after a long school day, let her listen instead. Any other projects that come home should be optional and occasional. If the assignment does not promote greater love of school and interest in learning, then it has no place in an elementary school-aged child’s day.

Elementary school kids deserve a ban on homework. This can be achieved at the family, classroom or school level. Families can opt out, teachers can set a culture of no homework (or rare, optional homework), and schools can take time to read the research and rekindle joy in learning.

Homework has no place in a young child’s life. With no academic benefit, there are simply better uses for after-school hours.

Heather Shumaker’s new book It’s OK to Go Up the Slide (Tarcher/Penguin Random House) will be published March 8, 2016.

Digital Addiction

Digital Addiction

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Digital addiction can loosely be described as the need to spend time in front of a screen - TV, Computer, Laptop, Tablet, Cell Phone – so that the allow can play computer games (online or not), watch TV, surf the internet or use Social Media.

Technology is a poor substitute for personal interaction. Personal interaction develops social and emotional intelligence, necessary life skills.

Parents / teachers concerned about possible digital addiction in their charges should consider the following symptoms:

1. An inability to be without their phone due to fear of missing out (FOMO)
2. Excessive engaging in digital behaviours  i.e. over a longer period than originally agreed 
3. Unsuccessful efforts to stop, curb or control those behaviours  
4. Irrational behaviour when access to or engagement with technology is denied 
5. Uncontrolled depression
6. Frequently engaging in digital activities at the expense of academic, domestic or social obligations 
7. Impact on social or recreational activities because of the digital behaviour

·       Watch this video on what you need to know about Digital Addiction

·       Read the articles about Extreme Digital Addiction from this website:

·       Read the articles in the Huffington Post on Cell Phone Addiction

Are you suffering from cell phone addiction?

1. Are you on your phone during social situations?
2. Do you carry your smartphone everywhere, even to the bathroom?
3. Do you go to sleep and wake up looking at your phone?

Try these simple steps to break the habit!

1.     Create Boundaries

a.     Put your phone on silent

b.     Stop alert notifications

2.     Designate a time to check in

a.     Stick to that time

b.     During social time put your cell phone someplace where you won't hear or see it

3.     DON'T sleep with your phone

4.     Try a full detox for a few days and then implement the above

How do you, as a parent guide your children on internet access, especially with younger children?

How you choose to handle internet access will depend on your personal circumstances. Our recommendation is that young children are not given access without parental supervision / permission.

Some suggestions include:

• have an open door policy i.e. no internet behind closed doors
• install a ‘Kid Safe’ browser and only allow internet access via this browser
• password protect your home WiFi
• lock access to the App store with a pin code

Kahoot - a game-based platform for learning

Kahoot is one of the fastest growing learning brands and we are using this tool to great effect in our classrooms. "It engages the heart, hand and mind for deeper pedagogical impact and supports connected learning and stimulates social learning and collaboration."
(Kahoot: https://getkahoot.com/)

https://getkahoot.com/

The learners just love being able to answer quiz-based questions in an engaging and fun way where they are challenged by their peers and within limited time frames. The results are immediate and real-time. Kahoot is therefore a great tool for testing learning. 

It works on any device with an internet connection and for teachers there is no setup time and involves simple one-click game play.

Seven social media tips to think about...

Seven social media tips from Sally Bowes

Writeable surfaces

I love our new desks! And Idea Paint walls!

Our boys are enjoying write-able surfaces in Biology laboratories and our resource centre. They find it much easier and more productive being able to make quick and easy changes and then use their phones / tablets to photograph the final product. They also enjoy making notes while the teacher is talking, or using the surfaces in collaborative work. Another class used the desks to jot down answers during a discussion.

I asked the boys what they enjoyed about working this way and why it was 'way cooler' and 'free-er' than writing on good old fashioned paper. They loved that it wasn't permanent and that mistakes could be easily corrected.