Hi --

You need to push back! I've looked up, over and over, studies relating
to the value of homework. There appears to be little to no value for
homework done prior to about 4th grade. What homework that is of value
is reinforcement of work done in class. The recommended amount of
homework for elementary school is no more than 10 minutes per night per
grade. So, 2-5 minutes per night for kindergarten (maximum), 10 minutes
for grade one, 20 for grade two, etc.

There is a LOT of value to you and your child reading together for at
least 20 minutes/night, gradually moving to having your child read
independently for 20 minutes/night. The reading should be of anything
your child enjoys, including comic books, cereal boxes and sports
magazines.

There is also a great deal of value to you seeing what homework is
assigned so that you know what your child is working on during the
school day, what he understands and what he doesn't.

Finally,there is a lot of value to you playing number games with your
son. Count things in different ways (ie, English, Spanish, as planets
in order, as element in order ..) These kinds of games lead to numeracy
the way that reading and talking lead to literacy.

Do go in and discuss this issue with his teacher. Be firm that you will
not require more than 5 or 10 minutes (that's distractable kid minutes,
not 10 minutes of actual concentration) from your child, but you WILL
make sure that homework is part of the daily routine. (That's so that
you can show the flag as "supporting the teacher" while actually
supporting your child.)

My two cents,
--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

NOTE: No email is read at my MIT address. Use the AOL one if you would
like me to reply.