From no homework to starting kindergarten later, the Post’s Megan O’Toole looks at how schools are changing:
No Homework
Even as students as young as four are being asked to complete homework — only to have their parents bear the brunt of the task — there is a growing revolt, and an educational movement, away from homework.
In Calgary last year, one family signed a unique “no homework” contract to free up their children’s time for other activities, such as dancing and church. The city’s Catholic school district launched a committee to examine the value of homework, and new regulations are expected in the coming weeks. Shelli Milley says the contract has worked exceptionally well for her family; her children are marked on their in-class work, giving the family more control over of out-of-school time.
“I think we need to get more rational about it. School should not take up your entire life, and that’s what’s happening,” said Vera Goodman, a former teacher who has written a book about the perils of excessive homework. “They have homework on weekends, they have homework on holidays…. Children are getting homework in kindergarten and Grade 1 now, which I think is deplorable.”
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