For instance, teachers might ask students to complete writing assignments where they describe a hobby. Other assignments might tie to students’ interests outside the classroom.

Therefore, activities like maintaining a reading log can help to promote academic success even if it isn’t directly tied to in-class work. Research has found that homework tied to a student’s interests (such as reading for pleasure) boosts academic performance. The type of homework matters - especially for young students Rather, they suggest homework at an early age helps children establish good study habits and time management skills while keeping parents current on what their kids are learning in school. Still, many researchers argue that even this small amount of homework doesn’t help students learn or retain concepts. This research is correlational rather than causational, so it’s difficult to determine cause and effect. Studies do show that children as young as second grade improve their skills when they study at home to supplement in-class instruction - provided it doesn’t exceed the 10-minute rule per grade level. Note there is research supporting homework as a learning tool, especially as it relates to practice and retention.

In theory, the quantity and intensity of homework should rise with age. For instance, a first-grader might have 10 minutes of homework a night while a third-grader could have up to 30 minutes of work. Historically, proponents of homework cited research urging teachers to follow the “10-minute” rule, which means assigning students 10 minutes of homework per grade level. While the headlines grabbed plenty of attention, they barely scratch the surface of this complicated issue. The furor over the quantity of homework assigned to elementary students reached a fever pitch this year amid headlines touting research finding that assigning homework to these students does not improve their academic performance. How much homework should elementary school students do?

But others support a more traditional approach to the role of homework in a student’s academic growth, arguing that some homework helps to solidify the day’s lesson plan.

Homework for 3rd graders