Is homework necessary for kids to thrive?
No Homework Day is celebrated on March 6th every year. What is your view on children being given homework?
Over the years, there has been much debate as to whether learners should be given homework.
René Makhari, a teacher with more than 30 years of experience, says: "When we
talk about homework, everybody will have different opinions, I don’t think
there is a hard and fast rule."
The teacher says it is important to ask: "Why are we giving homework and what is the aim of it?"
She adds that homework can come with several benefits.
READ: Toddler unhappy with mom's request for her to do homework
Learning never stops
Teacher René says homework is an extension of what happens in the classroom.
"Homework allows them to practice what they have learned in class."
Instead of children spending hours on their gadgets playing games, homework allows them to allocate a bit more time to continue the learning that started in class.
Parents partner with teachers to ensure the highest form of learning
René says homework allows the parents to work alongside the teachers.
"It helps parents to be a little more engaged in their children and their learning versus placing it on their teachers alone," she says.
Enables parents to have an honest evaluation of their child's progress
It is easier for teachers to report that children are doing well or struggling on the report card, however, this is not always a true reflection of the child's progress.
The teacher says homework "gives parents a chance to see what the child is working with and have an honest opinion of what the child can do and cannot do.”
René says working with their children on homework allows parents to see which areas they are struggling with or excelling in. They can later view the report card to see if it's a true reflection of the child's progress.
Prepares learners for higher education
At institutions of higher learning, students do a lot of work outside the lecture room. René says homework helps train learners to be disciplined to do work outside the classroom.
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