Mom Is Teaching

Most of you already know my stance on homework.  I was fresh on this blog when I put my opinion out there.  I had no clue there was even one person in this world that agreed with me.  And, then, then the emails and comments started pouring in.  I eventually got to chat with The Case Against Homework author Sara Bennett and then Angela Norton was introduced to me and the fight was on. 

I couldn’t believe anyone out there even remotely thought I might be right in my thoughts.  My son continues to have homework although I have to say that right now, it seems appropriate.  More appropriate than it did 3 months ago even.  And, we do the parts of it that I know he needs to work on and then we move on to reading books that are closer to his level. 

He is not a very good phonics person.  He can sound out words for hours on end and never ever figure them out.  Wait, that’s another post. 

I started writing this one to share with you a comment/blog post on my local education blog, it reads like this,

“I agree with the post in response to the topic of homework from the educationuncensored.com homepage. COMPLETING homework isn’t what makes a successful student. The ATTITUDE and EFFORT put forth into the homework is what sets successful students apart. I also can tell you, as a 1st grade teacher, that they are correct about 1st grade. It is a seriously challenging year for even the most prepared students. We move at what sometimes feels like the speed of light. Without homework practice in reading, word study, spelling, and basic math concepts, most students couldn’t master 1st grade to the benchmark level that the State of Alabama requires. The discipline and focus required to learn to read is exceptionally high. Parental attitudes toward the importance of school and the work involved in class and at home is a vital part of a child’s success. I am so glad to see that some parents take their role as a parent and role model seriously and don’t complain about helping their child with learning. Thank you parents who support your child in their efforts to learn. Thank you also for instilling in them a love of learning by having a POSITIVE ATTITUDE!!! You are paying it forward!!”