Hello parents! I need your advice. My daughter just started kindergarten about a month ago. This week, we got a note sent to us inside her homework folder saying that the classroom would be divided into 2 groups, according to their needs and prowess. The homework is posted online. Group 1's homework assignment for the week is 23 pages and consists of practicing "a" "f" and "g" among other things, whereas Group 2's assignment is 32 pages long and consists of practicing "F" and "G" among other things. The math homework for both groups is the same.
My daughter is in group 2, and here comes my question. If your child gets more homework than other children, does that mean she's advanced for her age and they want to challenge her or does it mean the opposite? I think more homework means you need to learn/practice more, at least that's how it was when I was in elementary school although I did not complete elementary in this country, I studied in Europe, so things may be different. Dad thinks more homework means she's above other classmates' intelligence level and is already dreaming of her getting placed in the gifted program in the future. In your experience, which of the 2 scenarios is correct?
You may think this is a stupid question and maybe it is or maybe I should not worry about my child's progress, but I think it's natural to worry, plus I am a bit of a worry-wart. She's also my only child, so I have no experience in this area and if she is truly struggling, I want to help her, rather than letting her fall further behind. Maybe you're wondering why I don't just ask the teacher flat out and ease my concerns. Well, the truth of the matter is, that her teacher has told parents to contact her with questions or concerns via email, which she emphasizes in her syllabus plenty of times, and I did in fact email her 2 days ago, asking about my daughter's progress but to date, no answer has been forthcoming. We have high expectations for my daughter and want her to succeed, naturally. She loves doing homework (strange, I know), and likes school, and we want to make sure that her passion for learning continues, while addressing any difficulties if necessary. Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)
Edit: Someone asked about the type of school that this is, and it's a charter school.
The funny thing is, 2 days after posting this question, the teacher put a progress report for all children in their bookbags. It shows she has straight As in all areas except math, where she has a B-, so at least now I know what I need to work with her on and that I don't need to worry so much, the extra homework in writing and language arts is a good sign that they are stimulating her to learn more. Thanks for your responses!
More Answers
J.P.
answers from
Lakeland
on
What kind of school is this? My daughter just started kindergarten too. She gets two pages of homework each night except Fridays. (All the kids get the same stuff) Her teacher emails the homework to the parents, but she also talks to us and answers any questions we have in person. My daughter has had trouble sounding out the letters, but we do extra stuff at home to help (per the teacher’s request). I would walk her into class on Monday and ask the teacher. I also wouldn't worry if she happens to be a little behind, since she likes school she will catch right up.
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C.P.
answers from
Columbia
on
Why don't you set up a meeting with the teacher during her planning time? Ask what you can do to help your daughter succeed, but don't be overbearing.
She's in KINDERGARTEN. Homework means very little at this age. However, from my experience, I would say that more homework means that the teacher thinks the child needs more practice and repetition. It's not a big deal, especially at the beginning of the school year.
I don't think this is a stupid question, but I do think you're making more of it than it is.
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P.M.
answers from
Portland
on
I don't think there's anything stupid about your question. To find out whether your daughter is in the more 'advanced' group or not, you will probably have to speak with her teacher. I do question the school's policy of demanding what sounds like so much repetitive work from children so young. Some kids do benefit from practicing writing letters repetitively, and others will simply turn off and gradually feel discouraged by schooling that is a poor fit for their temperaments.
The nationally-known educator Alfie Kohn has a great deal to say about this and other educational topics. Having done considerable research on young kids and education myself, I tend to believe he's sharing a lot of real wisdom that parents and schools would do well to attend to. If interested, please scroll down the list on this page to "Rethinking Homework." http://www.alfiekohn.org/articles.htm
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C.M.
answers from
Miami
on
Talk to the teacher and ask about the difference between the 2 groups. I've never personally experienced this type of situation (2 different homework groups). They could simply be alternating homework assignments between the groups. i.e. Next week Group 2 will have this week's Group 1 assignment and vice versa.
Regardless, I think you have a right to know the teacher's reasoning for setting this up and if 1) your child needs extra help so that you can give it to her at home or 2) your daughter is advanced for her age and needs more challenging work or 3) your daughter is right on target and the other group is needing different work to help them catch up.
But, I don't think there is any cause for worry. Kindergarteners come from a huge variety of backgrounds - preschool, daycare, stay at home, etc. So at the beginning of the year there is a huge disparity amongst students, but this year involves a LOT of growth in so many areas, so by the end of the year most all students are where they need to be.
Good luck.
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J.L.
answers from
Chicago
on
I'd be asking the teacher what is the purpose behind the two groups and get clarification.
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W.T.
answers from
Jacksonville
on
Just ask the teacher. She'll tell you which group and why.
