Homework -- Argh!

In the first two years of Pumpkin Pie's (7-year-old's nickname courtesy of a favorite auntie) public schooling career, homework wasn't too bad. In kindergarten, monthly assignments came home starting in October. Those worth doing, we did. The rest, we trashed. The most important thing was to read, and that's always been our focus. This summer we took that reading to a whole new level with the 100 Book Challenge that I brought to my previous blog, On Parenting.

But I digress. So, back to this homework thing. Thankfully, in our school, kindergarten homework didn't need to be handed in. I know, I know, those of you at other schools are wishing for the same. I've got friends who reported reams of worksheets that had to be turned into the teacher in kindergarten. Well, then came first grade. Again, nothing too egregious. One math worksheet daily and one writing assignment, given on Monday and to be turned in by Friday. And then, of course, read for 10 minutes a night. That kind of homework left plenty of time for afterschool sports. Pumpkin Pie got into a great routine. Home from school. Snack. Play for 10 or 15 minutes. Do homework. Go out and play some more.

But now, we're in second grade. And let's just say, this is INTENSE! Maybe Pumpkin Pie is paying for writing not being his strong suit. Math is much the same as it was last year. A worksheet that doesn't take all that much time. But the writing, oh my. First, I have to make sure he understands what the teacher is asking. Some nights, they haven't yet discussed the concept in class, or he didn't "get" it. Then, we talk out whether he understands how to apply that concept to the assignment. Finally, 20 minutes later, he's ready to do the actual work. Let's just say, this 2nd grade homework may just kill both his and my love of learning.

Are these nightly 4-5 sentence writing assignments typical of all 2nd graders around the county? Whatever happened to age-appropriate homework, meaning 10 to 20 minutes a night for a second grader? They sit and work all day in school, after all. These kids, at least mine, NEED to run around, play with friends, kick a soccer ball, shoot hoops, ride bikes and just relax when they're home. They don't need to spend another hour with a pencil in hand.

Maybe we should form a Montgomery County Parent Coalition Against Elementary School Homework. Anyone with me?