Homework for preschoolers… what is your response to this practice? Well first let me clarify what kind of task I mean. It’s the kind that requires a child to copy numerous pages of alphabets or words. And if the child is learning Mandarin, he would be copying pages of Chinese characters. Regarding this controversial issue, there seem to be 3 types of fathers:
- Parents laughing at the idea of preschool homework. They say it is absurd and unnecessary. Repetitive typing does them no good. Children at this age should play because that is how they learn. Homework takes the fun out of learning.
- Parents who say it is necessary. How else are parents going to know what their children are learning in preschool? Review and practice are a must, even if it’s boring. In addition, it gives children the opportunity to learn discipline. They need it if they are going to be ready for “real” school.
- Parents who are 50/50. They fully agree that playing is important. But they also agree that homework has some benefits too. The problem is that they are confused:
- Learning should be fun. Homework is not fun. It will kill my son’s enthusiasm for learning.
- But the task must serve for something. If not, why haven’t they ruled out that idea?
- If I don’t bother with homework, that’s still okay, since there are other ways to learn. But if I don’t bother with homework, she won’t learn discipline. And later, when she goes to the ‘real’ school, she will also be careless in her homework.
So which am I? The one that spells CONFUSION.
The following is a typical roller coaster that I ride. I’m sure many parents are familiar with the following process:
Reminder: “Have you already finished your homework?”
direct order: “Do your homework now!”
supervision: “Stop playing and focus on your homework.”
try to cheer up:”Come on, you can do this. Get this over with and then you can go play”
Frustration:”Aren’t you done yet?”
threats:”Finish your homework or else…”
Resignation“Aiyah, you want to do or you don’t want to do, it’s up to you. I give up.”
So much unnecessary stress and tension. There has to be a better way to handle this task battle.
After much reading and thinking, I came up with 6 things that will help release tension:
- I sew preschool. By doing so, I indirectly agree with your ideas and ways. So if there’s homework to do, do it. There’s no point in going to the teacher to debate whether that homework is worth it and blaming him for his high blood pressure and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde syndrome. If you don’t want the headache of homework, find a preschool that will grant you that wish.
- Contact the teacher. Find out how they deal with unfinished homework. Are they the monsters we make them out to be? Those who hold a rattan in one hand and how proudly they spit out of their mouths? Or do you allow the child to work at his own pace?
- Don’t focus on the negative. Please ignore the crooked and mangled writing. Instead, praise the ones that look decent. More important is the effort they put in and not the result of that effort. Praise often to make homework an enjoyable experience.
- Carry out other activities that give meaning to your task. Reading aloud to them every day will teach them that the letters and words they write can make beautiful stories. Find all the words with “a” in that story. He sings songs like “Ant on the Apple.” Use plasticine to create that alphabet. Be creative. There are tons of ideas from books and the internet to help you. If you don’t have ideas, ask the teacher again. Make your homework a combination of exciting activities and not a boring standalone task.
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Talk to your child. Find out how they feel about homework. What is the problem? Sometimes all they need is to be heard. Don’t downplay or belittle their feelings. Find a solution together. This is what I do with my daughter Karina:
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Mom: What time are you going to finish your homework? Karina: After dinner. I’m tired now. Mom: Ok, what can mommy do if Karina doesn’t then? Karina: I’ll sit down to rest until I decide to finish it. Mom: Sounds good. Do you need help with your homework? Karina: No. I can do it myself. Mom: That’s great. Let’s write down what we just discussed. Anything you want to add? karina: yes I buy ice cream once I finish my homework.
Notice that there are no screams. Their feelings and ideas are respected and they take responsibility for their actions. I especially like the idea of making an agreement. When promises are put in writing and the child has to sign their name, weight is added to the promise. The child feels valued when he sees that his words are important enough to write.
- be near. Make sure you are available when help is needed. Let them know that they are not alone in tackling difficult tasks. Don’t assume that what seems easy to you may be difficult for them.
So my take on the preschool homework…why have a cow on it? If it’s boring, let’s make it a pleasant kind of boredom. It takes effort to figure out how to do it. And then it takes more effort to fight that nagging desire to play dictator. But with a plan in hand and a little digging in our bag of tricks, it can be done. Yes, preschool homework can be stress free. Make up your mind today and go for it.