The Homework Myth

We meet so many frazzled parents that have had months (sometimes years) of forcing, whining, bribing or just plain threatening their children into completing their homework.
 
Alfie Kohn, in his book, The Homework Myth, advocates that there is no research that connects homework and academic success. In fact, it may even diminish interest in learning. “Homework is all pain and no gain,” says Kohn.
 
Hout Bay Montessori fully supports the “no homework” approach. Kerin Goosen, principal of the school and upper primary school teacher herself, says: “The notion of no homework may seem revolutionary, but in fact, Maria Montessori expressed her concerns in the early 1900’s already. Learning should be a joy, not a punishment.”
 
Goosen continues, “We are all for giving our families a choice of how to spend their time after school. This is an important time of the day too. We encourage our children to read daily and to practise maths or multiplication tables. No homework also allows children to play outside, have pen pals or be creative or help prepare supper. Hout Bay Montessori has been at the forefront of the “no homework” debate and would like to challenge parents and schools to engage in a constructive debate.”
 
For more information on our “no homework” approach as well as the Montessori method of education, please contact us at Hout Bay Montessori