Talking about Homework (at the schools). (audio)
Today we went to Hannah’s and Nathanael’s schools to talk to the “powers that be” about homework. Listen to find out what happened…
The personal blog of Jim and Shari Cottrill, Canadians living in Mexico.
30 January 2009 @ 9:42 am
Part of the problem in primary is completing the total sep program-Spanish- and the English bilingual. They also have the concept that home work is very important to learn where studies have shown that it does not really help. The other problem is lack of photocopiers and books, so the kids spend their class time writing out questions, and then come home to do the work. In Canada you would normally get a handout with the questions. I have found that every school has too much homework.
Glad you got somethings worked out though. I just had a similar meeting.
With regards to the Canada homework, one thing that I am doing is taking a weekend, and doing a theme of home work. Maybe in social you are talking about the pioneers. Then we will have a pioneer dinner, dress up pioneer, and mix it in with the learning and school pages. The kids enjoy it and it doesnot seem like more school. I am not sure about your facilitator in Canada and her expectations, but I am finding that they do not expect every page done, but the concept needs to be taught. Even teachers, do not teach every page. Do you have a grade 4 teacher in Canada who you can communicate with if you ever have questions? If not I recommend calling Olds Koinonia Christian School- The teacher there is Miss Campbell. She is a very organized and helpful lady. I am sure that she could offer advice if needed, even with regards to what to skip. I skip a lot of things (or maybe just not do all 20 pages instead only 10) and my facilitator always says that she is super impressed with what our kids are doing. Anyway, this will be one of our cross cultural dilemas I think. HA!
31 January 2009 @ 9:44 am
Wow… well, I think we’re supplied with photocopiers here all right. So fortunately we (so far) don’t have as much question copying. However, parents do have to put page after page of special margins in notebooks. That’s one thing that the director of Nathanael’s school referred to as “custom”.
I think they’re doing fine with learning what they need to learn. Now it’s just a matter of making sure they’re each fulfilling “requirements”… and that’s not always clear! 🙂