When I reflect on my early twenties as a teacher, I flinch a little. I had ZERO business being a teacher, I still couldn’t parallel park, I consumed Red Bull like water, and my mom was still scheduling my doctor’s appointments. Honestly, those first few years of teaching were a hot mess. Outside of me not mentally being prepared to be an educator, I also wasn’t prepared to teach through traditional (often oppressive) classroom/teaching practices. One of those practices was… UGH! I don’t even wanna say it.

Whispers: Giving homework to five-year-olds.

There, I said it… I KNOW! I’m cringing at myself too. Okay, before getting into this blog, let me explain myself. Like I said, I didn’t know JACK! I knew what my school told me to do, and I lacked the level of criticality and critical consciousness that I have today. This does not excuse me, but it does give some context into why educators are still giving homework despite decades of research explaining its detriments and its expenses. Teachers are still assigning homework because it is the culture of their school that is, of course, rooted in social constraints of what educators view as intellect, the benefits of “practice” or “getting reps’ ‘ in. And I am not discrediting the benefits of project-based learning, completing rich book reports, or alike, but it should not be a daily occurrence for students. They (and their families) are doing enough. So please, hold the homework.

Let’s delve into a more nuanced and in-depth review of these studies on homework, shedding light on the intricacies of their findings and implications:

1. Stanford University Study: This study stands out as a clarion call for reevaluating our approach to homework. It isn’t just another research paper; it’s a wakeup call. Researchers at Stanford University unearthed a startling revelation: homework, far from being the ladder to academic success, acts more like a trapdoor to anxiety. It’s as if we’re sending students on a rollercoaster ride through a never-ending maze of stress. This finding alone should make us reconsider the whole homework-giving practice.

2. National Education Association (NEA) Research: The NEA, a formidable advocate for education, didn’t shy away from exposing the inconvenient truth about homework. Their meticulous research revealed that homework serves as a catalyst for exacerbating educational disparities. It’s not just about racial backgrounds; students from disadvantaged communities, including Black, Brown, and even white rural populations, often lack the resources and support necessary to conquer homework assignments outside the classroom. The NEA’s findings underscore the urgent need for a more equitable approach to education.

3. University of Michigan Study: This study paints a vivid picture of the repercussions of excessive homework. It’s not merely about extra assignments; it’s about a systematic increase in stress levels and a diminishing capacity for extracurricular activities. The University of Michigan’s research unearths the startling truth that homework doesn’t just affect students academically; it hampers their social and emotional development. As schools increasingly prioritize social-emotional learning, it’s paradoxical to contribute to student stress while trying to foster emotional growth.

4. Brookings Institution Analysis: The Brookings Institution, with its comprehensive analysis, exposes a less-discussed aspect of homework’s impact – its strain on parent-child relationships. Instead of nurturing family bonds and cozy dinners, homework often morphs into intense showdowns over math problems and elusive answers. Many of us can relate to the desire for meaningful quality time with our parents, rather than seeing them buried beneath the glow of the Tiffany lamp, a symbol of dedication and sacrifice that can sometimes border on exhaustion.

5. Harris Cooper’s Research: Harris Cooper, the heavyweight champion of homework research, doesn’t pull any punches. His extensive research leads to a startling conclusion: homework in the early grades is like trying to teach a penguin to fly – it’s both pointless and potentially detrimental to students’ attitudes towards school. Cooper’s work underscores the need for age-appropriate, meaningful learning experiences rather than futile homework assignments.

Unpacking Homeworks Impact on Inclusivity and Ableism

Now, let’s confront the undeniable truth that assigning homework isn’t just ineffective; it’s a form of oppression with far-reaching consequences, including ableism and a lack of inclusivity. But why, you may wonder? Allow me to unpack this complex issue with a more nuanced perspective:

First and foremost, the practice of assigning homework assumes a utopian vision where every child resides in a picture-perfect home environment conducive to learning, with all their needs magically met. However, life rarely follows such idealized scripts. Homework fails to account for the stark disparities in living situations, resources, and support systems among students. It’s akin to expecting everyone to reach the same destination without providing them with equitable transportation. This exclusionary approach is a form of ableism, as it disregards the diverse needs and abilities of students who may require alternative learning environments.

Then, there’s the troubling aspect of homework stealing valuable playtime from our young learners. Play isn’t just child’s play; it’s the fuel that ignites their creativity, fosters problem-solving skills, and forges lasting friendships. Homework, on the other hand, plays the role of the archetypal villain, pilfering the joy and spontaneity that playtime offers. It’s akin to locking away a child’s treasure chest of imagination. By prioritizing homework over play, we’re not only stifling creativity but also excluding students with disabilities who may require more time for play-based learning and accommodations.

Moreover, assigning homework inadvertently sends a distressing message to our youth. It implies that our society values ceaseless work and capitalist ideals above all else. In our relentless pursuit of productivity, we’re molding our children into miniature workaholics, burdening them with an endless to-do list before they even fully grasp the concept of leisure. This perpetuates an ableist mindset that prioritizes productivity over the well-being of students, including those with disabilities.

In conclusion, my humbling journey as a young educator has bestowed upon me a profound revelation. We must scrutinize our educational practices and relinquish the belief that homework is a magical elixir for academic success. Instead, it’s a relic of a bygone era, one that hinders rather than nurtures our students’ growth and well-being, including those with disabilities. As educators, we bear the responsibility of creating an educational landscape that cherishes play, encourages exploration, and prioritizes the holistic development of well-rounded, contented individuals, ensuring inclusivity for all.

To all my kindergartners that I assigned hundreds of hours of homework to,

I am deeply sorry. I took away precious time that you could have been exploring in your world, unearthing your genius or learning the measurements to make the perfect slime mix. Those hours that you could have been playing, wondering and creating were not mine to take, and I am sorry.

If you are a former student of mine (or a student reading this blog!), then please accept my apology to you in the form of this letter template that I have provided below. Please use this template to convince your parents/caregivers/teachers and principals to suspend giving homework. If they have questions, please direct them all to me. It is the only way that I can figure out how to apologize to you.

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well and ready to embark on a homework-free journey that promises to make childhood great again.

I am writing to inform you of a groundbreaking development that has taken place – my former teacher, Tyana Velazquez-Smith, a former kindergarten teacher in Rochester NY  has seen the light! She has come to realize that homework is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine when it comes to learning.

You see, this teacher was once under the misguided impression that homework was the key to academic success. But it turns out, she was as mistaken as a kangaroo trying to ice skate. Homework doesn’t make kids smarter; it just turns them into stress-balls with backpacks.

So, in a bold act of contrition, she  has not only apologized but has also provided me with this nifty letter to convince you to join the homework-free revolution. Think of it as a small step toward world peace, one worksheet at a time.

I kindly request that you consider suspending homework assignments and redirecting your efforts toward fostering play, exploration, and quality family time. Together, we can make childhood memorable again!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Tyana directly. Her contact information is sensationalinclusion@gmail.com and she is searchable via LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. 

Thank you for your understanding and willingness to embrace a homework-free future. Together, we can ensure that no more precious hours are stolen from our childhoods. 

Yours in homework liberation,

[Your Name]