I have seen this question in a few different sections.
To mamyalynne- I see no problem with small homeworks for kids at primary school. I think these are designed to be done by the pupil and the parent together, which I think is a good idea.
factor in retrospect i perhaps agree with you, it was the tone the thread had taken perhaps rankled.
Its also possible that the homework relates to something discussed that day, so is a test of memory and concentration too.