Comments on: “How will Sophie do in third grade?” she asked.

By: starrlife

starrlife — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:24:03 +0000

I’m willing for one hour of homework, no more! There is life beyond schools and testing. My child goes to bed at 8. I get home from work at 5:30, we eat at 6- 6:30- that leaves only one and a half hours!
My daughter is just starting 3rd grade at age 9 this year. Her teacher gave me a funny warning it seemed about kids cliqueing up at this age and I told her that was part of her job to support inclusion in the class. I’m a bit nervous- going from tables to desks! yes, she falls a bit behind each year academically but is so happy to be in school and learn- her learning curve just keeps on going steadily in the right direction and that is what I think is important. It’s her self esteem I guard with passion- she’ll need that possibly more than some of her academics.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:32:14 +0000

Hey, I am sorry if you think I was beating up on teachers. Far from it – I think they do amazing work. As far as my comment about busy work, I was speaking from an older students view. I should have clarified it. Yes, my girls’ homework has benefited them. Yes there were times when some of the work was just busy – busy but with a purpose. I get it.
I also agree that Sophie’s teacher has it right on for spelling. No bashing you either Amy – I think you rock!

By: Amysilverman

Amysilverman — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:02:53 +0000

I would like to reiterate here that I don’t think Sophie or Annabelle’s teachers have done anything wrong. To the contrary — I am thrilled. Now, that is not to say that I like the situation the teachers have been thrown in — having to “teach to the tests,” which here in Arizona are odious, to put it mildly. But one of the many reasons I fought to have Sophie at the school she and Annabelle are at is because it gets the state’s highest marks, based at least largely on standarized tests. I know that’s not going to come without homework. That doesn’t mean I like homework — who does? — and no one warned me that third grade would be a shock. But last week, when I stopped to tease Annabelle’s teacher about “home learning”, I complimented her on her creative assignments — and I meant it! She has great ideas for making it fun, or least not so hard. (Which doesn’t mean I don’t groan when I see it all written out in Annabelle’s agenda. I’m human! And there’s good TV on right now!) Similarly, Sophie’s assignments in first grade have been right on. If anyone should be bashed, it’s me — for being a working mom who doesn’t start homework til after dinner. Let me have it; I’m fair game here. For the record: Annabelle got a perfect score on last week’s spelling test (after a lot of spelling homework) and Sophie keeps demanding MORE homework. I still stand by the point of the blog post, which is to say that none of us, Annabelle included, know what to expect when Sophie hits third grade. (And apologies for “blogging on my own blog,” to paraphrase Maya.)

By: Ms. X

Ms. X — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:52:16 +0000

Well, I disagree Karen… Homework is an extension of what school learning is, research shows that the more kids see things and practice, they master it! I think the way Sophie’s teacher did spelling was great, rearrange letters to show how to spell words is great way to practice. What happens when children fail their spelling because they didn’t have enough practice? Don’t talk badly about teachers!!!! We are trying to help your kids learn and master their standards. I do not think it is busy work, we have so many standards and curriculum to accomplish that sometimes things need to be practiced and done at home.

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:33:29 +0000

I would be passed out too. It’s a lot of work. I hate busy work that kids get these days for homework. Really? They have to write their spelling words 10 times each? Hey teacher you try that and see how you like it week in and week out. I agree – boring.