S/O of What happens when they go into PS

[zaichiki]

This is ds's first year in school. It's a small Catholic school that has (so I've been told) the reputation for being more academically challenging than the local public schools. Ds has been grade skipped.

Today in the car on the way home from school he told me that he wished they would do quizzes and tests every day! (I was stumped -- I didn't think he'd LIKE test-taking -- until he explained that the quizzes and tests are EASY and when they have them there is no homework!)

Homework has been ds's nemesis: 2 hours a day of mostly mindless busywork. Sigh. The homework takes up nearly all of his evening... to the point where he often doesn't even get outside any more... and trying to squeeze in cello practice is nearly impossible. Chores? Who has time to help out around the house any more?!

Ds falls into bed by 9:30, usually with homework. When he was homeschooled he'd stay up reading until 10 or later.

My child is losing his childhood. :( I *hate* homework!
(Just venting while we adjust to school! Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.)

[Cera]

Honestly I would talk to the teachers about that. The standard for homework is generally regarded to be 10 minutes per grade. 2 hours is excessive for an elementary school student especially if he is doing well in class.

I would (will?) be a horrible public/private school mom. I can see myself doing my kids homework so that they can have kid time.

[zaichiki]

Yeah... I agree with you. But... it's middle school this year. They say 15 minutes per subject (6 subjects per day). One particular teacher goes a bit overboard, though, and I *have* been thinking of bringing it up...

I'm honestly afraid to be *that* parent, IYKWIM. I've already been too vocal. heh heh

But I probably WILL say something. It's driving me NUTS!

[WendyK]

I would (will?) be a horrible public/private school mom. I can see myself doing my kids homework so that they can have kid time.

Hah, me too! ;)

[katilac]

Is he in school for a particular reason? Does he have to stay?

That 2 hours of homework equates to a big chunk of my middle schooler's day!

[zaichiki]

Yeah... homeschooling is definitely more flexible and gives them more time to be kids. Sigh.

We've committed to school for the year. It's his first time... and there *are* some good things about the experience. It's like anything else (including homeschooling) -- pros and cons. It's just hard to adjust: we've never had a child in school before. I'm not gonna like EVERYTHING about this.

:)

[Crimson Wife]

What about asking the teachers for permission to do only a portion of the homework so long as your DS scores at least 90% on tests? There's no reason to force him to do 30 math problems when 3 will suffice to show the teacher that he knows what he's doing.

[zaichiki]

Good suggestion. Actually... the school culture here is very much a one of conformity. I don't think the teachers would go for any adjustments.

We'll manage somehow. If it doesn't get better within a few more weeks, I'll definitely talk to the teachers. (Parent-teacher conferences are coming up...)

Thanks!