Homework

My daughter is 5 and has come home with at least an hours worth of homework this weekend.  Math, English, writing, spellings, reading and science.  A bit OTT for year one.  Does anyone else get this much?

There is a growing trend in the US with over the top amounts of homework for youngsters. I guess it has headed this way as well.

All I can say is, try to help her out. Talk to the teachers and find out if this is something that is normal for such young age groups. I sometimes wonder if they don't just dole out the homework, so they don't have to teach as much in the classroom, and expect them to learn more on their own.

That is way too much homework for a five year old.  Speak to the teacher, and if you're not getting any joy there, ask the head what the policy on homework is.  My kids went to quite a pushy school but even the seven year old only has about twenty minutes of spelling a night, reading every night and math once a week.  Our school no longer gives out homework on the weekend as too many parents complained. 

I am actually paying for this priviledge

I am actually paying for this priviledge

According to a friend of mine whose daughter was at a fee paying school, large amounts of homework are often the norm . She felt that some parents thought they weren't getting their money's worth otherwise. Those that did complain were told that if they objected, they could choose a school with a different ethos.