Too Much Homework?

I've been asked by many parents through the years what they should do if they feel their child's homework load is excessive.  It's a tough question to answer because there is no one answer.  And, really, that's why I started this blog, to be a resource for parents, teachers and students who were struggling with issues of quality and quantity of homework.

I suggest you start with this article called
Homework: How Much Is Too Much.

This informative article gives you suggestions about how to talk to teachers about homework expectations, it mentions the 10-minute/grade level rule, it gives great book suggestions, it opens a dialogue for an opt-out policy, it gives a sample school district homework policy guideline, it suggests healthy ways kids can spend their time NOT doing homework.

You have to do your own homework to deal with this issue.  Sadly, there is no one, quick solution, so I suggest you read this article, and start here.

My journey with this issue began when I read The Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn and had an informal discussion with friends about it.  I also found the website Stop Homework by Sara Bennett.  The good news is that in the six years I've been reading and writing about this subject, much awareness has been brought to this topic. Dig around my blog a little and you will find a multitude of resources to help you in your grassroots effort to re-think established homework norms.

I have so many excellent resources listed on my blue sidebar on the right side of this blog.  Check out: Homework Articles, Homework DVDs and Audio, Books on Homework.

Your journey has already begun by finding my blog!  Pass it on to others who also struggle with this topic.

And, feel free to leave comments.

Radio Interview about Homework Overload

I met Torri Chappell several years ago at a talk given by Wendy Mogel, author of Blessing of a Skinned Knee and Blessing of a B Minus. 

Torri is a very passionate educator and advocate for students.

She recently gave an interview on a radio show called "Transforming Reality."

Torri Chappell, an educator for almost 30 years, describes the dilemma of constant homework overload that is all too common in our school systems today, and how it affects our children academically, emotionally, and psychologically.

Torri holds a BA in International Studies from Emory University and an MBA from the American Graduate School for International Management. She has worked as a teacher, parent educator and consultant, private tutor, and educational workshop facilitator.

This interview can be heard here.

Please feel free to pass this on to others, ESPECIALLY those who have school age children in their lives.

You can contact Torri Chappell directly at tpchappell@gmail.com.

Enjoy the interview!