Should Kids Have Homework Over Breaks?

JON ANDERSON—GETTY IMAGES

For many students, school breaks are a time to rest and recharge. Many families spend time together, and kids are able to catch up with their friends and participate in activities they may not have time for when school is in session.

School vacations are also a time when some students get a break from homework. Many school districts and teachers don’t give homework over breaks. The school board for the Princeton Public Schools in Princeton, New Jersey, recently passed a resolution that bans homework during the winter and spring vacation periods.

“When homework or projects are designed and deadlines are assigned in a way that requires students to work on or substantially complete them during the holiday breaks, students and their families are deprived of the unstructured time they need and deserve to pursue other, equally important life activities,” reads the resolution.

Other school districts and teachers believe it’s beneficial for kids to do some homework over school breaks. Girls Prep, a charter school network in New York City, gives students homework when school is out. Richard Sloan, a fifth-grade teacher at the school, said his grade team works together to give homework that is purposeful and reflects current units of study. Homework over break helps students practice what they’ve learned, and sharpen their skills, he says.

“Some of the work can be fun to do as well,” Sloan told TFK. “It’s not supposed to be a chore. You want to see students thrive over a long break, and not slide.”

Remember to look in the article for clues to the answer. Write in complete sentences.

Do you want homework over Winter Break? Explain why.