We can all agree that there are pros and cons to giving kids homework, and that it really should only be given if it’s meaningful. Reading, for example, is homework I’m never mad about. Building reading skills is crucial for life long success, and the more kids do it, the better they will be at it. Sending home a coloring page, however, doesn’t seem as meaningful to me. Fun? Sure. But a good use of precious after-school time? Not so much.
I saw a social media post the other day that got me thinking about things that aren’t assigned as homework, but maybe should be. Skills that are important for every day life, people skills, and problem solving skills. Grading them would be subjective, and participation and effort would matter more than the outcome, but what is learned/gained would set kids up for long term success beyond the walls of the classroom.
How would something like this be assigned and evaluated? I suppose it depends on the skill being practiced. Perhaps teachers can create a “menu” of possible skills for students to choose from. Maybe some teachers would want to assign everyone in the class the same task to work on. Some might even want to create “task groups” where small groups of students are all given a certain task and can help each other and cheer each other on. Evaluation might look like parents signing a log, pictures, written reflection, or some other tangible or observable result of the student’s practice.
What kinds of things would be assigned? I think this depends on your students’ needs and situations. Obviously, a high school teacher is going to assign some things that are geared more toward older kids, such as learning to balance a bank account, whereas a kindergarten teacher might assign something like learning to tie shoes.
Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
- Learning to balance a bank account
- Learning to make a phone call and set an appointment or order food— not everything has to be done through an app
- Going to the store to make a purchase— selecting your items, conversing with a cashier, and sticking to a budget are great skills
- Cooking a simple meal (with adult supervision)
- Spending time outside— fresh air does wonders for both the body and mind
- Doing a puzzle or playing a board game with at least one other person— teamwork, cooperation, and good sportsmanship are essential
- Sitting down to eat a meal as a family— a great chance to have good conversations
- Helping with household chores— those skills are needed!
- Helping people
- Learning how to write a letter, address an envelope, and send it in the mail
- Go to the library, get a library card, and check out some books
- Free play— giving kids unstructured play time is SO important for their imaginations
- If possible, learning how to maintain a yard
- Learning how to give and receive compliments
- When it’s an appropriate age, learning to ask someone out on a date, face-to-face
- Finding a good sleep routine
- Screen-free time— it’s good for so many reasons
- Spending time at a retirement or assisted living facility— the older generation can teach us so much
- Meditation
Some might argue that parents should be incorporating these skills into their family’s routines and lives, but not all family situations allow for things like this, and unfortunately, not all parents are supportive and involved in their children’s lives.
And yes, teachers already do so much, using their days to teach core subjects. But I don’t know of a single teacher that wouldn’t mind devoting at least a little bit of time to helping their students build skills that will set them up for life long success.
Regardless of where you stand regarding these things being assigned as homework, I’m sure we can all agree that the rising generation needs support, guidance, and encouragement as they navigate life and learn essential skills.
What else would you add to the list above?