Today’s guest blogger, Kerry Dickinson, gives an update on her organizing efforts in Danville, California. Kerry is the mother of two middle school age boys, a former middle and high school teacher, a current part-time substitute teacher, and a stay at home mother. She, and Julie Kurtz, the mother of two teens, a Mental HealthContinue reading “Guest Blogger: Update from Danville, California”
Category Archives: General
From My Mailbox: Portland School Cannot Take Away Recess for Failure to do Homework
I recently heard from the father of a 7th-grader in Portland, Oregon, who told me that he and his wife allow their son “to set his own priorities and to decide for himself whether he wants to do his homework. A couple of the teachers in the school took offense by this approach and exercisedContinue reading “From My Mailbox: Portland School Cannot Take Away Recess for Failure to do Homework”
Letter to the Editor: “I’m a Weary Veteran of Homework Wars”
Last week, after two researchers from the University of Toronto released a study on parental attitudes towards homework and recommended that homework be abolished in elementary school, there were numerous letters to the editors of Canadian newspapers. Here’s one of my favorites, written by Toronto mother of three, Claire Watson, and published in thestar.com: AfterContinue reading “Letter to the Editor: “I’m a Weary Veteran of Homework Wars””
Guest Blogger: A Father’s Epiphany and Homework Reform
Today’s guest blogger, Frank Bruni, the father of a 12-year-old seventh grader, lives in Toronto, Canada. Frank, who has been quoted extensively in the Canadian press, has been a driving force in pushing the Toronto District School Board to review and revamp its homework policy. A Father’s Epiphany and Homework Reform by Frank Bruni LastContinue reading “Guest Blogger: A Father’s Epiphany and Homework Reform”
From My Mailbox: “I want to reclaim our life”
Here’s a recent email I received from a mother in Atlanta, Georgia: Dear Sara, I just found out about you, your work, and your website via an internet search spawned by my mounting frustration with the homework load. I hope that you can help me channel my own heated feelings on the issue into aContinue reading “From My Mailbox: “I want to reclaim our life””
Teachers’ Thoughts on Homework in the 1950s
A few people sent me a link to this 1950s Educational Leadership article surveying 7th and 8th grade teachers in rural New Jersey about their homework practices. One of the people who sent it to me, the editor of readingtonparents.org wrote, “Somehow the children in the 50’s managed to grow up and send men toContinue reading “Teachers’ Thoughts on Homework in the 1950s”
Now Four-Year-Olds are Getting Homework
I read a piece in statesman.com by a mom whose 4-year-old pre-kindergartner is bringing home nightly assignments. The author poses the question, “is 4 too young for homework?” Surprisingly, she’s getting responses from people who don’t think 4 is too young. You can post a comment here.
Stophomework Is on Holiday Break until January 7
Have a relaxing, peaceful, and homework-free holiday.
Op-Ed in Contra Costa Times, California
Today’s post is an op-ed published in the Contra Costa Times on November 15. It’s written by Kerry Dickinson, who was Monday’s’s guest blogger. Homework is Culprit by Kerry Dickinson I was both thrilled and perplexed with the front page article “Healthy development tied to nature” on Nov. 8. I’m thrilled because our family lovesContinue reading “Op-Ed in Contra Costa Times, California”
Parents Organize in Danville, California
Today’s guest blogger is Kerry Dickinson, the mother of two middle school age boys, a former middle and high school teacher, a current part-time substitute teacher, and a stay at home mother. She, and Julie Kurtz, the mother of two teens, a Mental Health Director, and a licensed marriage and family therapist in the SanContinue reading “Parents Organize in Danville, California”
Stop Homework 