my six year old grandson has brought his homework home to do this weekend

[Bobbisox]

He's six FGS, and his homework is
Lines of Symmetry!!!!
seems a lot for a little one

[LoftyLottie]

I believe in loads of reading, reading, reading Gina. I just think primary age children, at least up to the age of 8 or 9 don't need homework.

Even in my sons primary days which finished 17 years ago they didn't bring homework home (except reading) It hasn't stopped him doing well.

[Bobbisox]

Ben is one of the younger kids in the class Gina and is doing remarkably well, most of his class mates are now 7

[Bobbisox]

and apparently because he was a 26 week baby, his chronological age should be 7 next October, they don't actually catch up till the ages of 11/12

[pastafreak]

Homework is good in my opinion...it instils some discipline in them so they get into the habit of doing it. Too many get to secondary school and haven't a clue...they don't understand the purpose of it-so don't bother. Like any habit-the earlier the better...even if it's just a few minutes several times per week.

[Bobbisox]

you echo the sentiments of my SIL Yankee

[hellywelly4]

I've just googled lines of symmetry and I'm not much wiser now!

[Bobbisox]

helly, this is why my daughter has just rang and his Grandad has gone up to help

[EcclesCake]

I wonder if the increase in homework is a reflection of the lack of home development for children. By which I mean, children reading at home, doing simple sums whilst helping in the kitchen, quick times table tests; just general developmental lessons in an applied environment.

[Bobbisox]

Grandad to the rescue, he's showed him and he's grasped it and has said they are going to start Geometry at school next week, arrh Bless him, LOL

[Bobbisox]

not sure Eccles but he does get quite a lot as they all seem to at his age

[Poppy85]

My daughter is 5 & also has homework & some of it I think is far too much

[Bobbisox]

I feel it for parents with young kids now Poppy

[LoftyLottie]

Don't particularly agree about getting in the habit!! Although my son went to boarding school where they sat and did homework under supervision and got no help from parents!! He managed alright without doing it at primary school.

I am pleased I missed out on the homework period, I would have been very tempted to interfere. I think parents (and grandads!) should only give the minimum help with homework just guide in the right direction. A lot of parents seem to actually do the homework.

Personally though Bobbi I think it should be the teacher that teaches the children the basics and if Grandad had to explain that is not good enough. The teacher hasn't done her job!!

[DEN53]

Things could be worse - he could have brought home the Karma Sutra...(:0(

[LoftyLottie]

And then Grandma and Grandad can explain it to him!!!!

[annie0000]

i hate homework with a vengeance!! I do get the kids to do theirs purely from the habit point of view, but most of it seems to be designed just to annoy parents! particularly working parents!!! What my 10 year is learning from building a model of an iceberg I have no idea. Have to say he did enjoy it (he made a giant iceberg shaped rice crispy cake which they all ate in class). I think they learn far more from being keen readers and messing about with science stuff. My lack of enthusiasm for homework hasn't stopped them having reading ages of nearly 3 years greater than their real ages.

btw, lines of symmetry is just drawing a line through a shape where if you fold it over it is the same on both sides.

[seadogg]

I wonder if the teachers have boxes to tick and have to hand out so much (unsuitable) stuff, possibly against their better judgement. My 6 year old niece brings homework which seems far too difficult - and brings it round.

[B00]

Mine brings home a new reading book each night, a weekly spelling for a test each Friday and random homework at least 3 times a week, and she's only 6 too.

[Dris]

Only get homework that they can 'manage' not Mum Dad nor Grandma :)

My 2 were the youngest in their years (both Feb and made it by the skin of their teeth) and in fact my son was the youngest to graduate in his field with Hons for several years.I wasnt any the more or less proud-wouldnt have known if it hadnt been highlighted -just to show that they do keep up with their peers and age isnt a hindrance..

[DTCwordfan]

Mine enjoyed theirs, especially the younger one - which was about three times a week for 15 mins in 1st grade and also occasionally linked with a project.....this was in the States.

They also liked doing maths problems in their heads and both were doing simple algebra by the time they were 7. I got a hell of a shock one day when I asked what is "7 times 5" in the car and a voice behind my seat (the younger one aged nearly 4 said, "35 - that is seven groups of five." Nice to have the logic aboard at that age but then her IQ is off the chart.