Have you ever noticed how children eagerly do tasks that excite them but need constant reminders for things they don’t find interesting? A parent recently shared how his seven-year-old daughter happily completed homework she liked but had to be pushed to do the rest. This raises an important question—does one type of homework fit all students?
The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All Homework
In most schools, every child is expected to follow the same learning system, regardless of their unique interests and abilities. Our education system often treats students as if they are on an assembly line, with little room for individuality. As a result, many parents are left wondering whether daily homework is really helping their children learn or just burdening them.
Why Do We Give Homework?
When I asked a primary school teacher if she assigned homework, she was shocked by the question. She explained that homework helps reinforce lessons taught in class and ensures students remember what they have learned. But does this method truly support a child’s natural way of learning?
How Do Children Learn Best?
Young children learn through experience and exploration, not just by memorizing facts. Their brains absorb knowledge naturally when they engage in activities that involve multiple senses. A child playing with blocks, exploring nature, or drawing pictures is learning in a much deeper way than by simply copying sentences into a notebook. If a child needs homework to remember something, perhaps the teaching method needs to be re-evaluated.
The Role of Play in Learning
Experts agree that play is a powerful learning tool for children. But how many schools prioritize playtime and physical activities? Many schools lack playgrounds, and instead of encouraging hands-on learning, they rely on repetitive assignments. This not only limits creativity but also makes learning feel like a chore.
A Different Approach
Some schools have proven that children can learn effectively without daily homework or stressful exams. For example, at Karachi’s St. Joseph’s Convent under Sister Zinia Pinto’s leadership, primary students had minimal homework, no exams, and were still able to learn joyfully and successfully. Giving children choices in what and how they learn helps them develop a lifelong love for education.
What Can We Learn from Other Countries?
Looking at education systems in the West, many schools assign homework sparingly. A child in Canada shared that she only received homework once a week, taking just 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Similarly, a student in the UK had a weekly homework assignment, which never felt overwhelming. If children in these countries can learn effectively with minimal homework, why do our students need to struggle with it every day?
The Language Barrier
Another challenge in education is the language of instruction. If children are forced to learn in a language they don’t fully understand, their natural learning process is disrupted. This often leads to rote learning—memorizing without understanding—which then requires excessive homework for repetition.
A Better Way Forward
So, is homework really necessary every day? Or should we focus on more engaging and effective ways of teaching? Perhaps the problem is not with the students but with an outdated system that needs to be rethought.
It’s time to create a learning environment where children can explore, play, and grow without feeling pressured. After all, education should inspire curiosity, not exhaustion.
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