The Spanish Confederation of Student Parent Associations has reminded us again that school duties may constitute an overload for students, and cause social inequalities.
And it is that one thing is that students expand their knowledge through complementary training (reading, research, approach to culture, etc.) and another that must complete repetitive and monotonous tasks that cause more than one rejection.
But for our part, today we want to offer some keys for your family to get away from those daily or weekly tasks that many children must complete at home. I would like to clarify that I am not in favor of children bringing homework after being in class for five hours: I am referring to that type of homework consisting of finishing a division sheet, complete words with g or gu, etc., the truth is that I find no use. For example, if my child already performs calculations in class, we could take the microscope at home and look at the fungi that we have found inside the tail boat, Luckily his burden of homework is so small that it also gives us time to enjoy free time and other learning, but is that so with all children?
On the other hand I consider that they are a matter between the teachers and my children, and if one day I thought they were excessive (something that does not happen at the moment) I would speak with the corresponding tutors. By this I mean that It is not my intention to condition the children, but to achieve more autonomy in their realization, and be present to guide.
AdvertisingMany children need help from their parents
According to a survey conducted in 2010 by TNS Demoscopia, 80% of the students in Primary, are helped by fathers and mothers to finish the school tasks. We should ask ourselves why they need help: don't they understand the sentences? Don't they have a suitable place for homework? Are they excessive? The reasons will be diverse I imagine, but if the load exceeds the reasonable time according to the age or capacity of the students, I think the teacher should rethink some things.
In general, the guidelines so that we know how much time children should devote to homework are: 30 to 40 minutes for first cycle of Primary, 60 minutes when they are second cycle of Primary, 90 minutes for fifth and sixth, and two hours for students in the first ESO courses. The Infant stage is not obligatory, and therefore it is not necessary that they carry homework, it is more: there is some Autonomous Community in which it is expressly forbidden to send tasks to children of three, four and five years.
Many parents and teachers defend their duties as a way for children to acquire responsibilities, have a routine and value the effort, but on the one hand we must think that they also need a lot of time to play (and this is necessary for their development) and on the other hand There are many other ways for children to take responsibility or have a routine (if this is our goal), for example by assigning them some homework, creating reading habits or shared family activities, etc..
A help to stop helping kids with homework
I must clarify that supervision is necessary, and that if parents cannot be present due to their work schedules, many children will have it really complicated: and this is what CEAPA officials refer to when they talk about inequalities
Homework always at the same time: as a general rule that admits exceptions. In other words, if one day we have a visit, we need to rest a little more or have wanted to visit the library, because nothing happens.
Let's ensure that the tasks are carried out always in the same place: although when they are young (Primary students) a study corner is not strictly necessary, if a quiet environment is required, a table where you can leave books, notebooks, pencils, dictionary, etc. and total absence of distractions.
In the same place, and if possible accompanied by dad or mom who do not help but take care of their things: order invoices, read a report, write down the shopping list
Parents do not do their homework but can help their children look better at the statements, take the problems more calmly, and understand that there is usually time for everything.
Mom, I have a doubt ... and how do you think you could solve it? There are many times that children can turn to the dictionary, textbooks or internet to solve a problem. It is about giving them tools to continue successfully.
Although we don't like homework we can praise the ability to make summaries of our youngest son, the speed of the medium, and how the elder takes care of his notebooks. Speaking in a positive tone makes them feel better and motivates themto.
Avoid discussions: the homework has been sent by the teacher, they may be boring, but with a good guide or supervision the children realize that they take little time to finish them. If as parents we consider them excessive because they limit leisure time or any other reason, we should discuss it with the tutors.
We must not be rigid: fatigue may prevent them from really understanding an approach, or they may need us to listen to the poetry they have learned. Being with them is very stimulating for us too.
For the well-being of all, let's try: that they have time to play, that they don't start their homework being very tired, that they have a good snack, and that they sleep the necessary hours at night.
Maintain a dialogue with the children's tutors: schedule tutorials once a quarter at least.
Lately I also observe how the inequalities are also noticed between the students who stay in the dining room and those who do not: in our school there is no adequate place for them to finish the tasks after eating. In room children you can see how some do their homework at home at noon (including mine), and others must wait to leave class and finish extracurriculars to finish them, running out of free time
Be very careful with overloading them with extracurricular activities! At least they should have two afternoons available a week.
There are no rewards for doing homework: the best reward is the satisfaction of progress, and knowing that they will be able to spend a good time doing other activities that may be more pleasant.
The ones we have presented are some general tips, which beyond assessing the suitability or not of homework, we can serve parents. Never lose sight of our child's well-being, this may include good academic performance, but children are more than students.
