Tips for parents and kids to strike a study balance

In the wake of one Texas teacher instituting a “no homework” policy for her students at the beginning of this school year, academic battle lines were drawn. While roundly cheered by the students, many parents and childless adults alike groused about a trend of lax standards; to their own recollection, besides walking miles each day in the snow to and from school, they also did 18 hours of homework each night. The hue and cry of, “If it was good enough for me…” was loud.

Even educational experts remain divided on the issue. The National Education Association (NEA) and The National Parent Teachers Association both agree that there should be a homework standard of ten minutes per school night of homework per grade – in other words, first-graders spend ten minutes a night on homework, second-graders twenty minutes third-graders a half-hour, and so on. However, numerous recent studies have demonstrated that larger amounts of homework – especially in older grade levels – have a direct beneficial correlation to higher grades and better study habits.

“With rare exceptions, high school students are being overwhelmed with hours of homework each night,” said Rosemary Brumbelow, founder and Head of School of Esprit International School, a K-12 private school that enjoys considerable academic success in the area. The curricula at the school – based on the Montessori Method – use a balanced approach to homework.

“Too much homework can negatively impact a student’s health, mental wellbeing and school engagement,” she said. “I believe that little to no homework – especially at higher grade levels – can also negatively affect their competitive streak and ability to keep pace with their peers who do get nightly homework.”

Brumbelow has some tips for parents and students wanting to strike a balance:

1. Attitude adjustment – The most difficult part of homework is starting it. Brumbelow suggests accepting the responsibility of homework with a positive attitude and regarding it as a necessary aspect of school life.
2. Pace yourself – With the exception of cramming sessions before an unexpected pop quiz, most homework is announced and even assigned well in advance. “Students have a natural tendency to put off homework assignments until the last minute,” said Brumbelow. “Encourage them to get it out of the way as soon as possible so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the fun stuff.”
3. Keep an eye out – It may be that your child is actually getting overwhelmed with too much homework. If that’s the case, it’s up to the parent to confer with the teachers involved to ensure there is communication between them. The ability for a student to express the difficulty of a workload and inquire about ways to alleviate it can help them after they graduate and enter the workforce. “At schools like Esprit, we strive daily to prepare our students for what awaits them.”

Esprit International School is located at 4890 W. Panther Creek in The Woodlands. The mission of Esprit International School is to provide each student a balanced and diverse education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation and excellence in learning. For more information, call 281-298-9200 or visit www.espritinternationalschool.com.