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Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 71
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 8:43 pm: | 
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I may be asking for trouble but here goes.
I’m posting this under several topics to conduct my own informal poll on this subject (my apologies if some are inappropriate, I’m new to MOL). I’ll try to keep it short and sweet, but I’m afraid I feel a rant coming on.
This is for those of you who fall in to the category of “been there, done that,” or perhaps you are an educator, or were one in a past life. What’s the deal with homework in kindergarten?
I hate it. I don’t want to do it (and I do have to do it, it’s not like I can just send my child off to do it on his own). I’m feeling very bitter, resentful and guilty about the whole thing. I just don’t get it.
He hates it and fights me on it all the time. This would be part of the reason why I hate it.
What will happen if I just say I’m not going to do it this year? Am I the worst mother on the face of the planet? Will DYFS come after me? The police? Will my child flunk kindergarten?
Don’t I remember having nap time in kindergarten?
Brian O’Leary, are you out there?
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Lydia
Citizen
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 885
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 9:06 pm: |
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I hated homework for my baby in Kindergarten but I was in the minority.
My solution was to place the second child in a private school that doesn't give homework in K.
Good luck! |
Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1578
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 9:24 pm: |
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(cross-posted)
TROUBLE!!! (just kidding)
As a mother of two older boys who still sometimes complain about homework, and as a teacher, I would say NOT doing it is setting you up for years of additional homework struggles. You can never introduce the possibility that it is a choice. It's something you have to do - like brushing your teeth or sitting in a booster seat in the car.
The HW in K isn't conceptually difficult (at least it shouldn't be). It reinforces what is learned in class, but I think the main point is really to get in the habit of doing a little homework everyday.
You're right, Kindy is definitely more academic than it was when we were kids. I can understand your culture shock. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 75
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 9:55 pm: |
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Debby: Thanks for your input as a mom and "as a teacher," that's really the kind of input I was hoping for. I agree with what your saying about setting a precedent for years to come. I hope that if we don't push it he'll forget about it and next year will be a new year for all of us. A whole new level of maturity for him, a new attitude of acceptance that homework is "normal" in first grade for me. Right now we have homework every day, which is assigned by the month. We turn everything in at the end of the month. I don't feel that has any impact on him. If he had one assignment a week and he had to turn it in the next day with his classmates, that might have more meaning for him. Particularly if he chose not to do it and everyone else turned thiers in.
I would really like to know what would happen to my son and I if I chose not to do it on priciple? |
Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1580
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 10:16 pm: |
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He only turns HW in once a month? I'm with you, then: what's the point?! |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 2872
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 9:25 am: |
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We have homework due every Friday. Next week they have a book report due! |
Strawberry
Supporter
Username: Strawberry
Post Number: 4326
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 9:38 am: |
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I love doing homework with my child. It's a great experience for all parents. (or should be at least) |
mjh
Citizen
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 36
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 1:59 pm: |
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My own experience is that doing homework gets better with time, once the message is clear that:
1) it is your child's job to do it, with a little support; and 2) there is no choice about the matter. That's not to say we didn't sit with him some of the time during the first weeks, and give an occasional reward for exceptional behavior.
Our first months of homework were tough too, but it's just an routine part of the evening now (with an occasional parental reminder that there is no way out of it). Deep sighing is a normal part of his routine, but he sits down and does it.
The writing assignments were especially hard, but it sure got better with practice.
With all the misery you are describing, a new method is in order........perhaps work out some agreement with your kid if he will talk about it. But don't give him the idea he could get out of it if he keeps up with the antics....He's got to know you will not excuse him from what is assigned.
If you really have a problem with the assignments, I agree another appointment with the teacher is in order. Speak with other parents from his class to see what they think.
I agree with strawberry (someone please help!) that homework can become a fun parenting experience. |
Hank Zona
Citizen
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 1946
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 2:28 pm: |
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it's not always fun but there's no escaping it..may as well get into the (good) habit of doing it. Im always amazed when speaking with my children's teachers over the past few years that it seems only about a 1/3 to 1/2 of their classes seem to consistently do all their homework week in and week out. You will have to lock horns on occasion, but if you establish the good habit, it does get easier. My daughter had regularly assigned homework in kindergarten, my son didnt..I wish he had, just to get into the habit and to understand it was something you do.
>>> I agree with strawberry (someone please help!) <<<
I believe that is an example of cognitive dissonance.
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gemini
Citizen
Username: Gemini
Post Number: 358
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 2:41 pm: |
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MATB: my son does not have K HW but he does workbooks sometimes while his older sis does HW. He's tired at end of day, I would not like it if it were mandatory. It is young IMHO. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 627
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 4:04 pm: |
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Algebra, are you saying that your kindergartener has book reports to do? Kids are supposed to be able to read (well enough for comprehension) before kindergarten? Or is it books that you read with them? |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 2885
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 4:09 pm: |
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Yes, my kindergartener has a book report to do. No, he doesn't read. I'll read it to him. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 4768
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 5:14 pm: |
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Depends on the kind of homework and how long it takes the child with some assistance to get it done. Ideally, homework should be age and skill-level approrpriate, should take a short time to complete, and should act as bridge between home and school, giving the child an opportunity to practice knowledge and skills being covered in the classroom.
For example, if the class is learning to identify different colors, there is nothing wrong with asking children to come to school the next day prepared to list three things in their house that are the color blue or three things in their yard that are the color green. |
Chris Prenovost
Citizen
Username: Chris_prenovost
Post Number: 291
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 7:03 pm: |
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Gotta agree with most of the posters here: Nothing wrong with getting the kids in the habit now. It's good preparation for the later grades.
Wow. . . the usual suspects on MOL agreeing with each other? Come on, people. Someone say something inflammatory. |
suzanneng
Citizen
Username: Suzanneng
Post Number: 234
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 7:30 pm: |
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and always READ to your child - at least 15 mins every night!
(reading is actually listed in the district homework policy, as additional work beyond the time frames given for each grade) |
Lydia
Citizen
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 887
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 8:16 pm: |
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I'm all for structure, just not for homework for homework's sake.
Kindergarten homework that I support would be along the lines of get dressed, make your bed, cooperate with your friends w/out Mom interceding.
Homework for a 5-year-old should be about relating to their world that is separating from the family. Kindergarten is the time that babies begin to work their way into a grown-up world -- they take the bus, they pour their own juice and they start to develop their personalities apart from their parents.
I've found it's harder for me than my children, but it's a wonderful stage.
Enjoy it! |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 80
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 9:37 pm: |
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I'm here, I'm absorbing everything that everyone has to say. I've read past threads on this same issue. The district guidelines say one or two nights a week for Kindergarten. That I could live with. It seems like every school is doing something different in this regard, which I find puzzling.
I do read to him every night, and have done so since he was probably six months old. I read all the time and he see's me doing it. He got a new Leap Pad for Christmas and he spends a lot of time with it. I know it's about getting in to a habit, but I fear the only habit we're getting in to is him bitching and moaning about it and me getting aggrevated? Being that he's only in Kindergarten, I'm not sure how I walk away and leave him completely to his own devices.
Perhaps what I need to do is decide what's best for us at this point, which would be one or two nights a week, and go with that. Of course I'll speak to the teacher. It seems, based on discussions in past threads, that teachers may be open to modifications or compromises. I'm going to speak to neighbors and friends whose children are in his class and see how they're doing. I was a bit embarrassed to do so before because I thought I was the worst mom on the planet in this particular regard.
I appreciate everyone's input and am happy to know homework seems to be an issue with just about everyone, in one way or another.
mjh and Hank: why is it a bad thing to agree with Strawberry? I've "met" him/her on other threads, and seen similar reactions from other posters. Just curious about the back-story. New to MOL. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 168
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 11:25 pm: |
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More warm fuzzies in the cup? One for doing the work, and an extra one for not moaning, or only moaning in a gentle and companionable way? fuzzies for mom?
three boys!
happy snow days! |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 82
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 9:44 am: |
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mjc: waiting for the warm fuzzies to arrive. Ordered big green (his favorite color) pom-poms online a couple of days ago. Got the plastic canisters to hold them. Just have to figure out the "warm fuzzy" value of every particular behaviour (being kind to his brothers = 3). Already working on the value of homework, with or without whining! Also, need to see how many "warm fuzzies" it takes to fill a canister. Full canister = special treat of his choosing (treat as in outing w/me or daddy, not special treat as in candy or toy). Perhaps a PhD in mathematics would come in handy?
Fuzzies for mom? Thanks for remembering me. Three days at a B&B in Lancaster, PA, with daddy next month. Whirlpool tub and fireplace in every room. Message in my room Saturday morning. Gourmet dinner Saturday evening. Three days of R&R with nary a child to worry about. No diapers, laundry, dishes. Best thing about it: Daddy planned it all!
Counting the days!
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Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1599
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 10:15 am: |
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Wow! Warm fuzzies for Daddy!
I love Lancaster, it's one of my favorite weekend destinations. Are you at all into quilts/quilting? I can tell you some great places to go (unless, of course, you're planning not to leave the B&B for 3 days ) |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 83
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 10:35 am: |
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(Major thread drift!)
Warm fuzzies for Daddy is right! Pretty sure that was the motivation for the entire plan!
Have wanted to visit Lancaster for years. This will be our first visit. Any restaurant recommendations Debby?
Like quilts, never quilted. Hoping for a nice combination of sleeping in, with a little sightseeing (weather permitting). Would love any suggestions. |
Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1601
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 10:47 am: |
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If you like looking at quilts, check out Miller's Quilt Shop. There's a cute downtown shop area in Intercourse (I swear) on Old Philadelphia Pike. Lots of crafts, quilts and antiques. And of course, T-shirts that say "I Brake for Intercourse".
If you want to bring home some goodies for the boys, there are these nice, hand-sewn "Jacob" dolls (Amish rag dolls with no faces) at all the quilt shops. If you have train guys, there's a Thomas Store and train museum by the Stroudsburg RR.
At some later date, you might want to plan a family weekend there (at a motel with a pool - not a romantic B&B). It's a cheap fun weekend with lots of train stuff and buggy rides - a real boy weekend. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 106
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 9:12 pm: |
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Debby: Thanks for the info. Will try to check it out (yes, I am familiar with Intercourse-no pun intended). We've done the Thomas thing with the boys already, but a whole weekend sounds like a nice idea. Will look for the Jacob dolls.
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rckymtn
Citizen
Username: Rckymtn
Post Number: 244
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 10:17 pm: |
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Um, how did we go from talking about kindergartners doing homework to their parents doing Intercourse? Major thread drift. |
Strawberry
Supporter
Username: Strawberry
Post Number: 4343
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 10:21 pm: |
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that would be Debby.. |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page