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Should You Have Homework?

Author Alex Winnick presents a debate from the points of view of a student and a principal. Whose side are you on?

From the September 2024 Issue

Lexiles: 500-600L

Featured Skill: Supporting an Argument,

Dear Principal Randolph,

I had an awesome day yesterday. My class learned about slime in science. I met a new friend during recess. After school, I went to a violin lesson. By the time I got home, I was so tired! I just wanted to relax. But I couldn’t . . . because I had homework to do!

I’ve done a little research. One study found that homework doesn’t make a big difference in test scores for younger students. Other studies showed that homework can make kids more stressed or worried. So if homework isn’t helping, why are teachers still assigning it?

Plus, some kids spend hours on homework. Kids could use that time to hang out with friends, play outside, or get a great night’s sleep. Then they could come to school feeling refreshed and ready to learn.

Besides, plenty of schools have already gotten rid of homework. My cousin lives in Long Beach, New York. The person in charge of schools there asked kids to “wonder, read, and play” instead of doing homework. That sounds amazing to me. I say we ditch this time waster!

Tired of homework,

Isabella

Dear Isabella,

Thanks for your note. Your idea is very interesting! But here are some other points to consider.

First, I took a look at those studies. It’s true that homework didn’t raise test scores for elementary school students. But homework did help older students get better scores on tests. So if you practice homework skills now, you’ll be ready when homework matters most.

Homework is also about more than test scores. It helps you remember what you learned in school. For example, you might not have time to master multiplication during math class. Homework takes the pressure off and gives you more time to practice. It could help you become a multiplication pro!

Last, I agree that you need time to relax and play outside. Experts say third-graders should have only about 30 minutes of homework a night (or less!). That still leaves plenty of time for fun activities.

So I don’t think we’ll ban homework just yet. But maybe we can start with “No Homework Mondays.” What do you say?

Homework fan,

Principal Randolph

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What do you think?

Go back to the letters and write down reasons to support each side of the debate. Then study the points on both sides. State your opinion in one sentence, which can be the introduction to an opinion paragraph.

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Activities (2)

Quizzes (1)

Answer Key (1)

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Quizzes (1)

Answer Key (1)

Can't Miss Teaching Extras

Have your class weigh in on other school-related debates: “Should Recess Be Longer,” “Should Pop-Its Be Allowed in Class,” and “Should Students Have Assigned Seats in the Cafeteria?” Afterward, click on the Resources Tab for in-depth skill builders (including an opinion-writing activity).

1. PREPARING TO READ

Have students preview the text features. Ask:

What is the topic of the debate? (Students can use the debate title and subhead as clues.)

What do you think the two sides of the issue are?

2. READING THE DEBATE

Read the debate as a class or in small groups.

Have students read the debate a second time. Prompt them to mark the types of support the author presents to back up each side, including:

Facts and statistics (F/S)

Quotes from experts (Q)

Stories or examples (EX)

3. DISCUSSING

As a class or in groups, have students discuss:

What is your opinion? What evidence do you find the most convincing?

For more-advanced students: Do you think the author agrees with one point of view more than the other on this issue? What is your evidence?

4. CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Distribute the “Opinion Writing Kit” skill builder which guides students to write a three- paragraph essay on the debate topic.

OR

Stage a classroom debate, offering students practice speaking in front of a group.

For more-advanced students: Have each side conduct additional research for the debate.

5. CHECK COMPREHENSION

Have students complete the comprehension quiz.

6. PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE POLL

Students can vote for which side they support and see what other Storyworks 3 readers think in our online poll at Storyworks 3 Digital.

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARD

RI.1, RI.2, RI.6, RI.8, W.1, W.4, W.10, SL.1

Text-to-Speech