Homework: Is It Really Necessary?

Homework is something every student has to deal with at one point in their life. They are forced with piles of books each night and backs aching from the weight of the books in their backpacks. Is all this homework necesary?

I would say that it is a two part answer. Homework is great in the sense that we have to get into a daily routine to work and not to relax all the time. Most of what is learned at school is mainly from homework. Homework is great in this sense, but when the student stresses out and is not active, it causes huge problems for families and students.

For the student: Set a reachable goal! Don’t aim for a 90 average if you have been maintaining a 75 average in the last year. First term, try 78; then 81. This way you can gradually see results. Secondly, stay active outside of school. Play sports, play video games, have fun!

For the parent: Always stay positive with the student. Students get very demoralized when their parent (s) constantly throw negative comments at them. Keep the child working but don’t make work seem like labour. Let the student take breaks every now and then. Sometimes a student needs to slow down, relax and start his work again.

Being a student myself, school passes by very fast when extracurriculars are part of my life. Most importantly, I do better in school when I don’t find school as a burden, but fun. When students receive a marked assignment and it was not the mark expected, the student is very demoralized and needs a small slap on the wrist