Homework for four year olds?

[agnes!]

I remember when my now high-school aged DD was in those early grades - Pre-K, K and 1st. Some parents got their knickers in a twist about how they didn't think there were enough academics.

*SERIOUSLY*.

I mean, I just at 'em. I considered the early grades a success if my kid still liked school and wanted to come back.

She's doing quite well so far in high school, thankyouverymuch. I guess supposedly not having an academic Pre-K/K/1st Grade didn't hurt her too much .

agnes!

 

[JodyLynC]

My DDs started K this year. The get homework maybe once a week. They love it!! I sit down for 30 minutes every night after dinner to do homework with them. (If they don't have homework, we play a learning game or write in journals.)

The homework generally consists of tracing letters and numbers, cutting and pasting items, or other fun activities that are age appropriate. What kind of homework does your child have?

I strongly disagree with the posters who are saying not to do it. If your child comes home with work and you treat it as a chore or dismiss it, this will teach your child that homework is stupid and not worthwhile. Think about what kind of problems you will have when your child is older and the homework is no longer practice, but being graded.

If you child knows the material that is being sent home, embellish on it. For example, my girls read and write so in addition to tracing letters, they will write a story on the back based on the letters or words being studied. (ex: yesterday was the letter G featuring words such as girl, gate, goat, gifts so my DD wrote a story about a girl who walked thru a gate and gave a goat a gift.)

At our house, we act thrilled when my daughters get homework. After dinner, they quickly clean up their plates and the table so we can do some homework together. It is a wonderful, bonding time and it instills in my girls that homework is a positive thing. (regardless of how I really feel about it.)

 

[bambootinker]

I was flabbergasted. When we met the teacher before school started, she was sitting with my son and another little girl. She showed them a circle and asked them what it was. The little girl said it was a circle. My son got upset and said, "It's a hole! It's a freaking hole!"

So they expect my son, the hole expert, to know written numbers. He had just turned four, 10 days before school started.

Bless his heart!

 

[bambootinker]

I strongly disagree with the posters who are saying not to do it. If your child comes home with work and you treat it as a chore or dismiss it, this will teach your child that homework is stupid and not worthwhile. Think about what kind of problems you will have when your child is older and the homework is no longer practice, but being graded.

It is preschool. There is NO research that says that homework is appropriate for preschoolers. If a teacher doesn't know that, then their opinion isn't worth one heck of a lot.

At our house, we act thrilled when my daughters get homework. After dinner, they quickly clean up their plates and the table so we can do some homework together. It is a wonderful, bonding time and it instills in my girls that homework is a positive thing. (regardless of how I really feel about it.)

Good luck keeping that one up! Is that how you feel when you have to bring work home after a long work day? LOL, I bring homework home every night, and I guarantee that isn't how I look at it!

 

[JimmyPicker]

Bless his heart!

He knows it's a circle. He just has a different way of looking at normal things. That's what being a kid is all about.

He still thinks it's Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Sunday, Tuesday, Friday. And he's happy with that.

 

[bambootinker]

He knows it's a circle. He just has a different way of looking at normal things. That's what being a kid is all about.

He still thinks it's Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Sunday, Tuesday, Friday. And he's happy with that.

I've raised 4 boys, and that is plenty good enough for a 4 year old.

 

[JodyLynC]

It is preschool. There is NO research that says that homework is appropriate for preschoolers. If a teacher doesn't know that, then their opinion isn't worth one heck of a lot.



Good luck keeping that one up! Is that how you feel when you have to bring work home after a long work day? LOL, I bring homework home every night, and I guarantee that isn't how I look at it!

Sometimes the homework is tedious and unneccessary, but I'm not about to tell me kids that!! No matter how tired or "not in the mood" I am, I always act excited about the homework. I don't want them to look at it as a negative thing even if it is just practice right now.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Homework for Pre-K is ridiculous and considering you don't "have" to go to school or be monitored for home schooling till 1st grade I wouldn't do it if the child knows the basic information. The only homework I would consider doing would be things like collecting pretty leaves now that it's fall or some other fun type activity ~ more game basing than sit down and do a sheet homework.

As a PreK specialist (no longer teacher) I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand I agree 100% that homework for PreK is ridiculous, and that worksheets in general have no place in the PreK classroom. PreK is a time to learn oral language, cognitive skills, social skills, etc . . . none of which are taught when a kid is doing a worksheet -- in addition a kid doing a worksheet is likely to be practicing bad habits, or learning to see academics as something unrelated to reality (something that's hard to undo in the upper grades).

At the same time, I feel that giving children the message that it's OK to ignore what the teacher asks them to do, is a mistake. A better choice, IMO would be far better to find a school that actually teaches kids, rather than having them do busy work (at home or at school). If you really don't have other options (e.g. your child is in public PreK because that's what you can afford, and because of issues at home or the fact that you work, having them stay home and learn through play isn't an option) then I think the best choice is to do the homework, and then advocate within the system for changes to the program.

I also wanted to add that I work in a public program where children learn through play and hands on activities like growing tadpoles into frogs, and putting on play, and integrating writing into their play. Our kids love school, they thrive there, and they go on to do very well on the NCLB tests, even though the majority of them come from groups traditionally considered to be "at risk". There are lots of things that drive me batty about NCLB, but nowhere in the law does it say that schools need to be making PreK academic and worksheet driven. If anything the law says that schools need to provide research based instruction and what the research actually says is that a) oral language is a huge predictor of later academic success and should be a major focus of PreK programs and b) oral language is best developed through hands-on, meaningful experiences NOT through worksheets and drill and practice.

 

[agnes!]

My DDs started K this year. The get homework maybe once a week. They love it!! I sit down for 30 minutes every night after dinner to do homework with them. (If they don't have homework, we play a learning game or write in journals.)

The homework generally consists of tracing letters and numbers, cutting and pasting items, or other fun activities that are age appropriate. What kind of homework does your child have?

I strongly disagree with the posters who are saying not to do it. If your child comes home with work and you treat it as a chore or dismiss it, this will teach your child that homework is stupid and not worthwhile. Think about what kind of problems you will have when your child is older and the homework is no longer practice, but being graded.

If you child knows the material that is being sent home, embellish on it. For example, my girls read and write so in addition to tracing letters, they will write a story on the back based on the letters or words being studied. (ex: yesterday was the letter G featuring words such as girl, gate, goat, gifts so my DD wrote a story about a girl who walked thru a gate and gave a goat a gift.)

At our house, we act thrilled when my daughters get homework. After dinner, they quickly clean up their plates and the table so we can do some homework together. It is a wonderful, bonding time and it instills in my girls that homework is a positive thing. (regardless of how I really feel about it.)

It is preschool. There is NO research that says that homework is appropriate for preschoolers. If a teacher doesn't know that, then their opinion isn't worth one heck of a lot.

Good luck keeping that one up! Is that how you feel when you have to bring work home after a long work day? LOL, I bring homework home every night, and I guarantee that isn't how I look at it!

I'm with you bambootinker.

OP - The first bolded part might explain why you have a different attitude from some of us. Your kids get homework ONCE a week. Some kids of parents on this thread are getting it several times a week. In PRE-SCHOOL. Are your twins in different classes? If not, when they are in separate classes in the upper grades, life will get way more complicated than it is now. Different homework, different projects, different expectations, different deadlines...

The second bolded part...I don't really feel the need to embellish on what my child is supposed to be doing in the classroom. In the early primary grades, I read out-loud to my DD the entire Harry Potter series (however many books it was at the time). She read all the L. Frank Baum Oz books. She read the Narnia books. She read The Hobbit.

Take stock of how you feel about homework *now* and then take stock when your girls are in Middle School or High School. I mean, I get the part of attitudes and that they're excited about getting to do homework and parents really shouldn't dismiss it and all that, but by the time they reach 5th or 6th Grade some days you'll just consider yourself lucky to get them to school with clean underwear, never mind them actually having their homework/projects(oh what fun awaits you) done and permission slips/fundraising checks/tests/report cards/etc. signed and in their backpacks AND all of it actually gets handed in.

agnes!

 

[DVCsince02]

At 4 our DD didn't have homework. Now that she is 5 and in kindergarten, she has homework 4 nights per week and spelling tests every Friday. Plus weekly and monthly reading requirements (we read to her).

 

[kinntj]

My DD4 doesn't have homework. I'm a little surprised that any would. In January they start writing their capital letters and they let you know which ones the kids are having a hard time with, but they never send anything home to be worked on.

My kids never did like writing on lined paper or worksheets, so we did a lot of work on the Magnadoodle and finger paint on paper.

 

[Kath2003]

Our 4 year olds tend to get homework - to spend 15-20 minutes per night reading with their parent or carer (or an older sibling etc.) Sometimes they do the reading, sometimes they are read to. The only 'checking up' that's done is that the parent is asked to write a summary of what they have been doing in their 'reading record' so the teacher can discuss it with the child, and the parent can highlight any difficulties they've been having (usually weekly). It also, of course, allows the teacher to spend that little bit extra time with the children who DON'T spend time reading with an adult at home (for a variety of reasons). I don't think any teacher expects that to happen EVERY night with a four year old, but it's a good motivator for both parent and child.

 

[SC Minnie]

When DD was in PreK 10 years ago she had homework. This was a private pre K school. I never thought anything about it. She did the work and was very prepared for regular K. The 'homework' consisted of practicing letters and numbers on worksheets or looking for things that began with the letter of the week or groupings of things for the number of the week. Nothing that I wouldn't have done on our own.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

When DD was in PreK 10 years ago she had homework. This was a private pre K school. I never thought anything about it. She did the work and was very prepared for regular K. The 'homework' consisted of practicing letters and numbers on worksheets or looking for things that began with the letter of the week or groupings of things for the number of the week. Nothing that I wouldn't have done on our own.

My DD was also in Pre-K about 10 years ago and also had homework every night. Sounds like it was very similiar to what your DD had. I don't see what's wrong with it. She loved it and thought was fun. I disagree with some of the responses that you would refuse to do homework, or tell your child not to do it. It really does put the teacher in an awkward position and gives your children the idea that work (homework and otherwise) is optional. Maybe there is no proven benefit to homework in Pre-K, but is there a proven harm? I really feel many children are quite capable of doing far better than we, as parent and protectors, sometimes give them credit for. Why not look at Pre-K as a stepping stone to better prepare them for the upcoming years. Sort of getting their feet wet, because I assume many Kindergartens give homework each night. JMHO.

 

[JodyLynC]

I'm with you bambootinker.

OP - The first bolded part might explain why you have a different attitude from some of us. Your kids get homework ONCE a week. Some kids of parents on this thread are getting it several times a week. In PRE-SCHOOL. Are your twins in different classes? If not, when they are in separate classes in the upper grades, life will get way more complicated than it is now. Different homework, different projects, different expectations, different deadlines...

The second bolded part...I don't really feel the need to embellish on what my child is supposed to be doing in the classroom. In the early primary grades, I read out-loud to my DD the entire Harry Potter series (however many books it was at the time). She read all the L. Frank Baum Oz books. She read the Narnia books. She read The Hobbit.

Take stock of how you feel about homework *now* and then take stock when your girls are in Middle School or High School. I mean, I get the part of attitudes and that they're excited about getting to do homework and parents really shouldn't dismiss it and all that, but by the time they reach 5th or 6th Grade some days you'll just consider yourself lucky to get them to school with clean underwear, never mind them actually having their homework/projects(oh what fun awaits you) done and permission slips/fundraising checks/tests/report cards/etc. signed and in their backpacks AND all of it actually gets handed in.

agnes!

My girls are in different classes and have different homework assignments.

You got the point that I was trying to make about attitude so I won't repeat it. Thanks for that!

If it is too much too much work on your child at any age, one should talk to the teacher. If the teacher's hands are tied, talk to the principal (or the person in charge of the preK school.) If the principal's hands are tied, talk to the School Board, and so on.

The PreK may be trying to work with the School District to make the child ready for school. When we registered our girls for K, we received a thick booklet on what your child should know. We were stunned! I remember stories, coloring, and naptime in my day.

I see some advantages and I see some disadvantages to starting early. I think if we work hand in hand with the schools (and preschools), we can change what we need to change to give our kids the best education possible.

 

[Alex's Mommy]

Ah yes I remember when my son was doing homework at such an early age. Not sure if its a good thing or not. I remember him struggling with writing his name and its only 4 letters!
I wonder whos idea it was to give young kids homework? Its not like they can do it by themselves at such a young age, but for those parents who both work have to come home take care of dinner, house work, prepping lunches then have to deal with homework as well. There just isnt enough time in a day!

 

[bambootinker]

Maybe there is no proven benefit to homework in Pre-K, but is there a proven harm?

Yes. I'll find the literature if I can this afternoon. Kids who are doing busy work are not out playing, not learning independently, not spending time with parents, taking time when older sibs may need help, etc.

Little kids do not need to be doing busy work. The most important reason is because it causes them to HATE school work early on. (Yes it is fun in the beginning.) But they learn that it is meaningless. If they have that mindset, then how do they look at other work as it comes along.

 

[JodyLynC]

Yes. I'll find the literature if I can this afternoon. Kids who are doing busy work are not out playing, not learning independently, not spending time with parents, taking time when older sibs may need help, etc.

Little kids do not need to be doing busy work. The most important reason is because it causes them to HATE school work early on. (Yes it is fun in the beginning.) But they learn that it is meaningless. If they have that mindset, then how do they look at other work as it comes along.

I'm curious about this, too. I'd like to find out how it gets to be viewed as meaningless.

 

[bambootinker]

I'm curious about this, too. I'd like to find out how it gets to be viewed as meaningless.

I'll pm it if the thread gets lost. I believe it does differentiate between worksheet type homework, and "looking for things that start with an 'H'" type homework.

 

[JodyLynC]

I'll pm it if the thread gets lost. I believe it does differentiate between worksheet type homework, and "looking for things that start with an 'H'" type homework.

That would be great to know. Thanks!!