The Great Debate: Homework
There are hundreds of articles and even a few books that debate the benefits and downsides of homework. The bottom line is this: You can find evidence to support your argument whether you are for or against homework.
As a teacher, I have found that homework for young children should be both limited and relevant. I believe that worksheets take away time that could be spent with family or friends, exercising, playing, creating, etc. Additionally, students have put in six or more hours of school time, being their best selves at the top of their game. Going home to do more work is asking a lot of a child. They've given their all at school and hunkering down to yet another set of assignments is overwhelming and disheartening. Even the brightest, most capable, hard-working students have melt downs during homework time. It can be an incredibly easy assignment, but at the end of the day, close to bedtime and close to dinner, they may have nothing left to give and turn to crying and whining because they're too tired to do anything else. As a parent, you don't want to see them struggle, but you want them to finish their work; you're conflicted, they're conflicted, it's an upsetting situation for everyone. Students may see the connection between school and home as a negative because homework can cause many nights of stress, tears, frustration, and raised voices.
Instead of the traditional worksheets, I want students to read 30 minutes everyday after school AND weekends as well as work on math facts at their level for 10 minutes. Math facts practice includes memorizing addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts in any form that works for both you and your child - verbal quizzes, flashcards, writing them on paper, math websites or apps, etc. Students should choose any book that interests them and parents should ask comprehension questions to support their understanding.
Additionally, children at this age need to develop responsibilities. Make sure students carry their own backpack to and from school and have at least one chore at home. Appropriate chores include setting the table, assisting with dinner, drying dishes, helping with groceries, making the bed, taking out the trash, sweeping, vacuuming, walking the dog, emptying the dishwasher, sorting and folding laundry. If your child argues about doing chores, remind her/him that it's part of the homework.
I also encourage you to sit down to family meals as much as possible and lead a conversation with your child. Challenge them to think of five things they're grateful for. Ask them what made them laugh during the day and what was the most challenging part of their day. Ask them who they played with and how it felt. Ask them to recall what book they read or listened to in class and retell their favorite parts. Ask your child what they learned in math or language arts. Talk to them. They'll blow your mind with their insight and honesty.
Kids who spend less time on homework have more time for creative play and exercise. I encourage you to let your child play outside as much as possible, create art, and build. Imagine how tired they'll be and how much easier the bedtime routine will be. Speaking of which, PLEASE ensure your child gets at least 10 hours of sleep every night, no less.
Finally, if you still want more homework for you child, I challenge you to find anybody who credits their success with the multitude of worksheets they had to do for homework in third grade. Find that person and I will change my homework policy.
https://motherwellmag.com/2018/02/12/31-things-your-kids-should-be-doing-instead-of-homework/
https://www.edutopia.org/article/whats-right-amount-homework