Giving homework to children is still a debate among teachers and education practitioners. Some people think that homework is a positive activity for children at home. Others argue that homework is not appropriate for children. At home, children should not repeat the lessons given by their teachers.
How is my attitude?
As a teacher, I keep giving homework to my students. There are several reasons why I should give them homework. You can read my views below.
Time
In my class, I teach for 120 minutes / week. Each topic I teach has varying level of difficulty. Between one topic with another topic also has a different duration of time. Well, when the children's tasks can not be completed in the classroom with the time I've set, then I feel I have to give them homework.
You need to know also that the level of intelligence of children is also not the same. So, children who have completed their task, I allow them to collect the tasks to me. While children who have not completed their assignments, they may complete the task at home respectively. This is the homework I mean.
Children can learn to manage their time
Play is needed by children. But, is their spare time also spent to playing? Let's say the kids will spend their time at school for 6 or 7 at school. Children have their free time in the afternoons and evenings. Well, children can use their time at night to do their homework or repeat their lessons.
By doing homework, children will feel responsible for their obligations at school. Children can also learn to manage their time. At night, avoid children to watch television. Allow time for the children, at least one hour, to do their homework. Time is a crucial problem often faced by humans. So, getting kids to manage their time will have a tremendous impact on their future.
Keeping a closer emotional relationship between parents and children
In the modern era, parents have a great bustle. This occurs because the busyness of their jobs, their social activities, or other activities. Sometimes parents do not have time to be with their children. I as a parent also experienced the same thing.
As a result the emotional relationship between parents and children becomes tenuous. So, by giving homework to the children, the children will certainly ask their parents about the subject matter. Parents and children can come together to find solutions to complete the homework of children. Perhaps, this is one of the homework and counter to homework. I see only the positive side; a deeper emotional connection between parents and children.
Do homework to improve children's performance?
No! For me, homework is just a means to train children's disciplined attitudes. Familiarize children to learn to be responsible. Give homework that can be understood by children. Do not charge homework too often to them.
Homework has nothing to do with children's achievements. But, when children are able to complete their homework, this certainly will have an impact on children's academic achievement. Teachers will be happy when children can complete their homework. I will also be happy.
From the brief description above, I conclude that homework is very good to give to children. However, do not give them too much homework. Give homework that can be done well and on time.[]