kindergartner homework?

Question

My kindergartner complains and says she doesn't want to do homework. What's the deal? Is it not the right time for kindergarten? Is it normal for them to whine about homework? Do I just be the strong one here and make her do it because it's good for her?????

Answer 1

As a kindergarten teacher, I don't believe in giving homework to children unless they or their parents request it.

However many teachers give it, and the point is for you to start getting her into a routine that will last through out her school career.

Find a spot which is brightly lit and comfortable for her to 'work' make it seem like this makes her a big kid! :) Every day at the SAME TIME sit down and work.

The general rule of thumb is that kids can focus for their age plus one minute. So she is 5, she can do home work for 6 minutes max. I suspect she hates it because you are having her work until the 'homework' is done. She should not have to sit there for more than 5 or 6 minutes. If she has a shorter attention span, try even 4.

Once she is into a routine, she will not complain as much. If she only sits there for as long as her attention span demans, she will not get so frustrated.

At that age, her homework is not about what she is doing, but learning to do it in general.

Good luck to you!! You sound like a great parent.

ps
instead of making her sit there until the homework is done, have her work at it for 5 minutes and sit with her. Encourage and praise her all the way through. Then say: "doesn't it feel good to have accomplished something so hard!?"

In no time she will not be so hard to make focus.

Answer 2

I'm amazed. I can't imagine making my kindergartner do homework. What exactly are they accomplishing while they are at school? Perhaps it is the trend to give homework in kindergarten, but I'm afraid we're burning out our children and not allowing them to be kids. We played after school. That's right, played. Ran around, played tag, pushed each other on the swings, and pulled together rag-tag baseball games. There is more to childhood than schoolwork. That said, you'll have to come up with a way to cope in your situation. I would talk to the teacher and find out if the work is mandatory. If not, I'd explain to my child why we were forgoing some of the after school extra work. You are her parent and have the sole responsibility for her education. The teacher is only a resource.

Answer 3

Don't make her do it because it's "good for her." Make her do it because it is her JOB as a student to do what the teacher asks. Not to mention, it's how she will learn to read and write, etc.

Set aside a time every day - the same time - to do homework. That way she knows when to expect it and it won't be as much of a battle. It's best to do it right before dinner, when she's had a break from school but isn't tired yet. Have her come to the dining room table 15 or 20 minutes early.

You may also want to get her her own little desk, lamp and pencils, so she has a little office where she can work.

Answer 4

Depends on the homework. If it takes her more than about ten minutes, the problem is just that there's a developmentally unreasonable amount of homework. If that's the case, talk to the teacher and ask how long she expects kids to work on homework, and if it's less than your daughter is spending, discuss that with her so you can decide how to best modify it. If she actually expects a lot of time, check your school district guidelines, or band together with other parents and protest to the PTA. Little kids need playtime, not infinite desk time....

If it's an appropriate amount of homework, maybe she just needs a break first. Try sending her out to play and giving her a snack before she starts. Then give her a pretty pencil or something for doing the work, and give her lots of support.

And then, yes, make her do the homework.....

Answer 5

How much does she have? If it's more than 10 minutes it's too much. Let her have some playtime and a snack before she does it, and break it up into short segments with a break in between. If it is taking too much time have a talk with the teacher to find out how long she thinks it should take and to see if there is a problem. By the way, what kid in her right mind wants to do homework? Nobody makes the grownups sit at a table and work when they come home from their jobs!

Answer 6

Usually when children complain over school, it means something isn't going the way they want it to go. They are having a tough time with grasping the information the teacher is trying to teach, they're bored b/c it's too easy, they're getting made fun of/ganged up on, or their "social status" is changing. And believe me, they have a social status, even in Kindergarden. The problems could all, one, or a combination of all these. Your job as a good parent is to investigate and find out which one, so you can be proactive in fixing the problem for her and you (and the school).

You asked if you should be strong and make her do the homework even though she doesn't want to. Well, lemme ask you this: if you decide to be "lenient" and allow her to skip homework, what message are you sending her for later on down the line when it comes to school. Say she continues to skip homework, and doesn't put in any more time outside of classes to learn the information, how do you think that'll affect her testing skills/grades, and her ability to learn how to study. I personally think you need to address the problem at hand, find out why she's resisting so much, and be proactive in your child's education. Because, once she "get's it", she'll find school fun..... and that's what you ultimately want - you want her to get the most out of her education as possible. And since she's only 5 years old right now, it's partly up to you to give her the drive and determination to want to learn.

Good luck.

Answer 7

Get a timer and set it for 10 minutes and tell her if she stays focused for that time she can take a 5 min break and do whatever she likes then try to make a game out of it and see if she can beat the clock. You do have to make her do it. You are laying the foundation for good homework habits now. That can last the rest of her school years let her come home have a snack and once that is done straight to homework same time same place daily. Once finished have her pack her bag and get stuff ready for the next day.

Answer 8

The problem here is not completely your daughter. When my oldest who is 17 was in kindergarten they didn't have homework-even my 10 year old didn't bring homework home either. They didn't have it. They want to hurry up and make our kids do more than they are really ready for. Try to find a unique way to make it fun for her to do. Just making her do it will only make her hate it more. Find a fun way or a fun reward for her to help her get it done. Unfortunaly this is waht we have to deal with now for our kids. I have an 18 month old that I will have to go through this with as well. There are all kinds of homework help websites available as well. Google those for kindergarten and see what you find for help.

Answer 9

Really my kindergartener whines because she does not get homework yet. She wants sheets to do at home and all they ask is for 1/2 hour of reading each night. Make em do it this is just the beginning

Answer 10

Homework in Kindergarten is normal - it prepares them for when they are older and have more homework. I think it's normal for them to whine about it, my daughter does sometimes, but not often, but my friend's daughter does all the time... I think it has a lot to do with your child's personality and temperment. Not doing her homework is not an option - she has to do it - but maybe you could work out some sort of incentive so that you don't have so much whining. Good luck!