"Homework"
Homework! Oh, homework!
I hate you! You stink!
I wish I could wash you
away in the sink.
If only a bomb
would explode you to bits.
Homework! Oh, homework!
You're giving me fits.
I'd rather take baths
with a man-eating shark,
or wrestle a lion
alone in the dark,
eat spinach and liver,
pet ten porcupines,
than tackle the homework
my teacher assigns.
Homework! Oh, homework!
You're last on my list.
I simply can't see
why you even exist.
If you just disappeared
it would tickle me pink.
Homework! Oh, homework!
I hate you! You stink!
I hate you! You stink!
I wish I could wash you
away in the sink.
If only a bomb
would explode you to bits.
Homework! Oh, homework!
You're giving me fits.
I'd rather take baths
with a man-eating shark,
or wrestle a lion
alone in the dark,
eat spinach and liver,
pet ten porcupines,
than tackle the homework
my teacher assigns.
Homework! Oh, homework!
You're last on my list.
I simply can't see
why you even exist.
If you just disappeared
it would tickle me pink.
Homework! Oh, homework!
I hate you! You stink!
Written by: Jack Prelutsky
Unfortunately, I do not think there is a "positive" poem about homework out there, as it is usually loathed by the majority of students.
As a teacher, I have always wanted to change my students' perspective on homework. At the beginning of the year, I introduce the routine of daily homework with this poem. It prompts an authentic discussion about homework and my students' true feelings about it. I tell them that despite the extra practice they receive from doing their homework, it is also teaching them to be held accountable and responsible.
To help them with the process of homework, I have them write out a routine for them to follow daily. I first model one on the board that looks something like this...
4:15- Snack
4:30- Spelling
5:00- Math
5:30- Reading
6:00- PLAY!!!! (reward) :-)
6:30 - Dinner
After coming up with schedules that work with their daily activities, my students print them out and glue them to their homework folders. This is a good visual cue for not only them to see daily, but their parents as well.
I also like to share my experiences with homework when I was young and how having a daily schedule really helped me. It is interesting to see their reactions every year upon them realizing, that YES, I also had homework every day, throughout my academic career.
When assigning homework, I make sure that the activity is a review of an objective that has already been taught. Homework should be practice and not used for introducing a new skill. Homework should also be done independently, with minimal parent support. The time it takes for a student to finish a homework assignment is yet another important guideline when assigning homework. This time might vary across classrooms, but it should not be taking a student 3 hours to do their homework. If this is the case, then it is important that the teacher is aware of this and makes the necessary changes to adjust the expectations for various learning levels and styles.
Parents should have a clear explanation of the expectations of the homework assignments. They should also have access to an online blog or weekly newsletter to refer to if they have any questions.
Both parents and students should also have feedback on homework, whether it be through the assignment itself, a progress report, or an online grade book.
All in all, there are many ways to not make homework a bad word. It should never "stink"!
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