I was talking to one of my teacher-friends the other day about the summer math work the kids have to do for school. Last summer they had to do about 50 sheets, but this year they’re logging time on Internet math sites. The worksheets were a lot of work, and the teachers didn’t much like having to grade all that the first week of school. “And half the time the parents do it anyway,” she said.
Really?
Apparently, according to some of my other teacher-friends. They can spot it pretty well; the handwriting is too sure, and there aren’t any extraneous scribblings. Plus, almost every answer is correct. But the real proof is when the kids can’t do the work in class that they so expertly did at home.
Most of us help with elaborate book reports and the dreaded science project, but I had no idea parents were doing their kids’ homework and summer packets.
Have we become so obsessed with good grades that we don’t let our kids learn?
Responses to “Fess up: Are you doing your kid’s homework?”
July 18th, 2007 at 8:48 am
I’m not sure if the Memphis public school kids have to do summer packets. Maybe just summer reading?
My kids go to Catholic school. In addition to the math work, they have to read at least three or four books depending on their grade and complete simple book reports for each. It’s a good thing, I think. My kids aren’t big readers (sigh), and this way I don’t have to be on them to pick up a book — they know they have to do it…
July 18th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Well, last night as we were slogging our way through yet another round of addition/subtraction facts, I did think that summers used to be different, but I’m horrified to think that parents would fill in blanks in their kids’ homework and think that was OK. I agree that our kids have too much academic pressure so early, but the bigger message you send when your kid knows you’ll cheat for him …? My guy watches me like a hawk; just ask him what kind of wine I like best, and he’ll tell you. He needs to know that my ethics are always going to be above reproach, so his need to be, too.
July 17th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Wow, I didn’t know kids in Memphis were being sent home with summer homework packets. Personally, I think far too much is being required of both kids and parents these days. With so many kids cheating, failing and burning out altogether, I’m not so sure we’re seeing a positive or significant return on all of the efforts.
Yes, I do work with my elementary school age son over the summer break. Just yesterday we stopped by the book store and picked up three books– Treasure Island, A Wrinkle In Time and something from the Septimus Heap series. The first two were my suggestions and the last he picked out for himself (smile).
I’m not against kids learning over the summer. I just think there are other (less regimented, time-consuming and perhaps, more pleasurable) ways for them to do so.