Here's the rub. We can be pressured as parents to believe znyghing and everything is essential. This is how we end up overscheduled and overwhelmed. Guilt, guilt, guilt.
I also think a double standard exists in education. My oldest son did the Stanford math program for 2 years because the schools couldn't keep up with him. I was "pushing my child" as a bad academic stage mom and this was frowned upon. It is 200% acceptable to place your elementary aged child in competitive gymnastics and hockey.
Freaky irony alert. I homeschool my children in German. They read every night. Period. I do not, however sign daily reading minutes nor do I sign Friday folders.
I do flashcards in math, play math games and talk to them about school. We do not do homework for 1st grade over any vacation. No. I'm not a child and I don't need to be monitored.
My children are very successfully academically with the exception of Amanda. My 4 year old just finished her first group, Fat Cat and the whole family is thrilled.
Amanda? That was a different story. We worked with her nightly, hired tutors etc. She has true learning issues and we did what we felt we had to as parents and pulled her out to homeschool her and give her 1 on 1 attention.
We are parents and are responsible.
Still, homework is inapproperate for the early years.
Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean it is best for children. Just because a 7 year old is capable of learning a certain amount doesn't mean they shouldn't get to still enjoy being little.
5 minutes of homework might as well be zn hour by the time you get a first grader to organize it, pull it out and finish it with your help.
Kris
I also think a double standard exists in education. My oldest son did the Stanford math program for 2 years because the schools couldn't keep up with him. I was "pushing my child" as a bad academic stage mom and this was frowned upon. It is 200% acceptable to place your elementary aged child in competitive gymnastics and hockey.
Freaky irony alert. I homeschool my children in German. They read every night. Period. I do not, however sign daily reading minutes nor do I sign Friday folders.
I do flashcards in math, play math games and talk to them about school. We do not do homework for 1st grade over any vacation. No. I'm not a child and I don't need to be monitored.
My children are very successfully academically with the exception of Amanda. My 4 year old just finished her first group, Fat Cat and the whole family is thrilled.
Amanda? That was a different story. We worked with her nightly, hired tutors etc. She has true learning issues and we did what we felt we had to as parents and pulled her out to homeschool her and give her 1 on 1 attention.
We are parents and are responsible.
Still, homework is inapproperate for the early years.
Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean it is best for children. Just because a 7 year old is capable of learning a certain amount doesn't mean they shouldn't get to still enjoy being little.
5 minutes of homework might as well be zn hour by the time you get a first grader to organize it, pull it out and finish it with your help.
Kris
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