Should Kids Have Homework?

Homework. Does reading that word make you want to toss this magazine across the room and run away screaming? If so, you’re not alone. Many kids groan at using their after-school time to practice fractions or spelling. Still, more than 90 percent of students in the U.S. do homework.   

That may soon be changing. Over the past few years, some schools across the country have cut down on the amount of homework they give to students. In New Jersey, for example, students in some schools get several homework-free weeknights a year. In states like Massachusetts, Virginia, and California, there are schools where teachers aren’t allowed to assign homework over the weekend or during holidays. Other schools have banned homework altogether.

These changes have many wondering: Is ditching homework a good idea?

Homework. Does reading that word make you want to throw this magazine across the room and run away screaming? If so, you’re not alone. Many kids don’t like using their after-school time to practice fractions or spelling. But more than 90 percent of students in the U.S. do homework.

Over the past few years, some schools across the country have started giving students less homework. In New Jersey, students in some schools get several homework-free nights each year. In Massachusetts, Virginia, and California, some schools don’t allow teachers to give homework over the weekend or during holidays. Other schools have completely banned homework.

This makes people wonder: Is getting rid of homework a good idea?

Some parents, teachers, and school officials are against homework for a simple reason: Research shows that doing homework in elementary school doesn’t really improve test scores or grades. In other words, extra work outside of class at your age won’t turn you into a star student. 

Some studies also show that homework can stress kids out—and that’s not good. When two elementary schools in Utah banned homework, school officials found that fewer students reported feeling anxious. Too much stress can lead to health problems—like heart disease—later in life.  

Besides, some people argue, kids’ after-school schedules are more packed than ever. By the time you get home from soccer practice or theater rehearsal, there’s barely time to relax after a long day. For some students, completing homework can even get in the way of sleep. 

That worries experts like Denise Pope, who studies stress in children. She believes that it’s better for students to spend time after school playing or hanging out with their families—and going to bed early. Rest helps us remember what we learn, she says. 

“Sleep is so important,” Pope adds. “It’s when you cement what you’ve studied in class.” 

Some parents, teachers, and school leaders are against homework for a simple reason. Research shows that doing homework in elementary school doesn’t improve test scores or grades. This means that doing extra work outside of class at your age won’t make you a star student.

Some studies also show that homework can stress kids out. Too much stress can lead to health problems, like heart disease, later in life. That’s not good. When two elementary schools in Utah banned homework, fewer students reported feeling anxious.

Kids’ after-school schedules are also packed with activities. After you get home from soccer practice or theater rehearsal, there’s not enough time to relax. Completing homework can even keep some students from getting enough sleep. That worries experts like Denise Pope, who studies stress in children. She believes that it’s better for students to spend time after school playing, hanging out with their families, and going to bed early. That’s because rest helps us remember what we learn.

“Sleep is so important,” Pope says. “It’s when your brain saves what you’ve studied in class.

But others aren’t ready to see homework go. They argue it’s a key part of learning. Janine Bempechat, who studies how kids can succeed in school, agrees. “Homework gives students the opportunity to practice what they have learned during the day,” she says. That becomes even more important after elementary school, when kids study more complex subjects. 

In fact, research shows that students who complete homework in middle school and high school do have higher grades and test scores. Some experts say you should start practicing homework skills now so that you’re ready when homework matters most.

Plus, homework doesn’t just help you learn, Bempechat says. It also teaches you how to be organized and manage your time well. These skills are helpful now but will be even more so as you grow older and have more responsibilities—and more homework. 

There’s one thing experts agree on: If you do get homework in elementary school, it shouldn’t take you more than an hour a day. You should then have plenty of time for after-school activities, homework, and a full night of sleep. 

They say it’s an important part of learning. Janine Bempechat agrees. She’s an expert who studies how kids can do well in school. “Homework gives students the chance to practice what they have learned during the day,” she says. This is even more important after elementary school, when kids study harder subjects.

Research shows that students who do homework in middle school and high school have higher grades and test scores. Some experts say you should start practicing homework skills now. Then you’ll be ready
for homework when it matters most.

Plus, Bempechat says homework doesn’t just help you learn. It also teaches you how to be organized and use your time well. These skills become even more necessary when you are older and have more responsibilities, and more homework.

Experts agree on one thing. If you get homework in elementary school, it should take less than an hour a day. That should leave you plenty of time for after-school activities, homework, and a full night of sleep.