Is Homework a Waste of Time? (What Do You Think?)
What Do You Do When….? Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
These books encourage readers to think and express themselves independently, teaching them how to think rather than what to think. The books include activities to encourage critical and creative thinking and provides case studies, recounts, reports, discussions, and persuasive texts. The books also present views that support and discredit the helpfulness of homework, then analyze the essays to show how a proper argumentative essay or debate is constructed.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some reasons you think homework might be important or not important?
How does doing homework make you feel, and why do you think that is?
If you could design your own homework, what would it look like and why?
Can you think of any alternatives to traditional homework that might be more engaging or effective?
How do you think homework helps or doesn't help you learn and grow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own experiences with homework as a child and how it made you feel.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to come up with pros and cons for homework.
Listen actively to your child’s opinions without interrupting, showing that their thoughts and feelings are valued.
Help your child relate the discussion to their daily life by asking them to provide specific examples of when homework impacted them positively or negatively.
End the conversation with a fun brainstorming session on creative ways they could tackle their homework or alternative learning methods they might enjoy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Time Management
Explanation: The book explores the concept of managing homework along with other activities, emphasizing the importance of organizing one's time effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the concept of time management to their daily routines, balancing school work, play, and rest to develop productive habits from an early age.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book presents arguments on both sides of the homework debate, encouraging children to analyze and assess different viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children in everyday decision making, enabling them to weigh pros and cons and make informed choices about their activities and opinions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through the narrative, the responsibility associated with completing homework and making choices about one's educational activities is highlighted.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take ownership of their tasks, be it homework or chores, understanding that their contributions have an impact on their personal and academic growth.
Example Lesson: Self-discipline
Explanation: The discussion about homework instills the idea of self-regulation and commitment to tasks, even those that might initially seem less appealing.
Real-World Application: Kids can employ self-discipline in various aspects of life, such as sticking to a routine, managing distractions while studying, or following rules in games and social settings.