Happy National No Homework Day

What the research says about homework

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Apparently today is national no homework day. In my personal and professional opinion, this should be every day (with the exception of reading at home) for early-years students, which are considered grades one through four (age 5-10) here in Manitoba.

Research shows that homework has little impact on academic performance before the age of 12, and when poorly utilized, can have negative impacts on student engagement and motivation. For these reasons, among others, homework should be assigned very sparingly and with thoughtful intentionality in the elementary years.

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Homework is only beneficial for learning if:

• It’s not overwhelming; effort should be prioritized over product.

• For elementary students, the National Education Association (NEA) recommends no more than 10 minutes per grade level.

• Parents are agents of support rather than tutors or instructors.

• Homework should not be so excessive that it interferes with extra-curricular activities and hobbies.

• Homework has not been proven to improve academic performance.

• Research has shown that homework is significantly more effective for older students (grades 7 and higher) than it is for younger children.