We switched my twin daughters to a new private school this year.
It’s been interesting the difference. Last year, they were in a school that gave tons of homework. All it did was make them stressed out, and I don’t think they really learned all that much.
This year, they don’t have as much homework. When something is difficult, they have time to actually understand the problem and work on it. Also, they have time to pursue other interests (acting, playing the flute, and reading). I’m already seeing a lot of academic growth in my daughters, and they are much happier.
One of the reasons why they have less homework in the new school is because they have less classes. They have 7 classes (english, math, science, history, pe, bible, and an elective) that meet 4 days a week for 55 minutes.
The old school had 11 classes that met for 40 minutes each. Besides the academic classes (reading, literature, math, science, history) they had art, bible, spanish, study skills, elective, and pe. They would meet for a short time, and then send home lots of work. My daughters said they didn’t actually do much work at school. I think they also spent a lot of time just switching classes.
Anyway, I think the new school is more effecient and they get a lot of academic work done at school.
Sometimes, more school doesn’t always mean a better education. I also think it’s good for kids to have time to pursue their own interests and to have time with their family.
More school isn’t the answer, private schools are. Pick a good one and do what you have to do, like we did, to send your kids to private school.
I’m so glad you were able to do that. :)
I have long thought that what is called homework should be incorporated into the school day. So let kids be in school from 830 to 530, with time for lunch, gym, recess, as well as classes and structured time to work on projects that the teachers check and grade BEFORE they leave for the day.