Parenting poll: Do you think kids should have homework over summer vacation?

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  Posted by Tiffany Sun Jul 5, 2009 7:11pm PDT

  In the school district I live in elementary kids aren't allowed homework over ANY holiday break...I don't think summer work should be required by the school, but I do think parents should be doing some kind of educational work with their kids..too many kids sit around all summer playing video games and you can just feel them getting stupider...my son is seven and he is not too fond of reading...but ha I'm the parent and when I say its time for you to read me a book then lets get reading...

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  Posted by SaquanaS Sun Jul 5, 2009 7:58pm PDT

  I agree; Since when did it become ok for our children not to learn. I think its mostly the parents being lazy, We need to prepare our children for the future when they become adults there has to be a higher standard of childern in the USA if we ever want this country to have future Hard Working Leaders.... CONSISTANCY WILL PAY OFF

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  Posted by Nina Sun Jul 5, 2009 8:49pm PDT

  Nooooo! Summer is the best time of the year. It should be laid back and enjoyed by all, especially children and teens! It is family time. September will be here soon enough and the school work can begin then.

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  Posted by It is what it is Sun Jul 5, 2009 9:00pm PDT

  I'm a high school student and I find summer homework annoying. I'm okay with just reading a short book and taking some notes on it; but then when I have to write multiple essays, take notes, and do countless other things just for one book I get burned out. Instead of preping me for the class and getting me pumped about the class, I just get irritated. Especially, when I have to read old books that can't be applied to the present. Thankfully, this summer I have one book to read that actually seems interesting and isn't 300+ pages long.

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  Posted by Laura Sun Jul 5, 2009 9:59pm PDT

  As an educator I can tell you that even just reading helps the braindrain that comes from complete inactivity for 2 months. Elementary kids don't have to do calculus. The article is geared for elementary kids, not high schoolers who need to take their future very seriously.

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  Posted by Kanay D Sun Jul 5, 2009 11:00pm PDT

  I am all in favor of summer reading projects with a book report or test when school resumes in the fall. Reading a book is hardly a labor, and keeping minds occupied keeps kids out of trouble. Three months off school is way too much free time for kids. I'm not saying bog them down because they do need some relaxing and freedom and look forward to summer all year, but a book project or two will keep them in the routine so when they do return to school it isn't such a big shock for the brain when it suddenly has to start working again.

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  Posted by Bosoxinny Mon Jul 6, 2009 12:00am PDT

  I applaud any teacher who recommends a summer reading list. In my opinion, reading is the gateway that opens up the mind. But I do not agree that kids should have a steady stream of homework over the summer.

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  Posted by ducksFan Mon Jul 6, 2009 3:12am PDT

  I just graduated from high school and had my fair share of summer assignments. To me they are beneficial to have just so you can sort of get a head start in the year because there is so little time and so much work to cover, but doing it is such a hassle. summer is meant for fun and relaxing not forcing kids to do work by telling them its worth so many points. Basically if you dont do the summer assignments is hard to make up those points because the assignments are worth so much. I remember my junior year (AP Language) my summer assignment was 98 pages of typed work. 50 or so outlines on the basics of writing and 40 some pages of analysis of quotes and the importance of it. It was terrible. though I think I learned a lot from it, it was such a downer on the summer knowing that you had to do this or your grade would be in jeopardy.

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  Posted by MOMMY Mon Jul 6, 2009 5:10am PDT

  No I think kids should be allowed to enjoy the summer off, as adults we dont get to do this, we are overworked and underpaid. America is one of the few countries that hardly gives any vacation time let alone maternity leave, so let the kids enjoy it while they can because once they enter thw workforce they will never see that side of life again.

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  Posted by Magnolia_Doodle Mon Jul 6, 2009 5:37am PDT

  As a parent, I firmly believe youths should have some form of summer assignments or atleast attend a summer camp that includes educational activities. There is a definite difference in terms of how easily kids are able to get into the swing of things.

  Also consider that in many other countries, kids do attend school year around or only have 1 month off instead of two.

  And anyway, summer break (just like spring break) was not designed as a time of leisure; it was included because of the need to have the kids back on their farms for planting, tending and harvesting crops. The concept of leisure time in the summer is relatively recent. And arguably, those summers spent tending crops/repairing/building/sewing or whatever was a summer spent learning.

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