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KateBennetReel
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/15 555 total posts
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Taking recess away for incomplete homework
I know teachers are finding it hard to reign over unruly behavior, but to take recess away from a 2nd grader for not completely finishing their homework 3 times is making my blood boil. It's only October.
I know there are a lot of parents & teachers on this board, so I'm asking what would you do?
I started writing an email to the teacher letting her know how disappointed I am in this rule. I have a good kid, follows instruction well, advanced reader - and his recess was taken away yesterday because he failed to log reading 3 different times.
I previously sent a note in explaining that we had a lot going on in the family, and that while he did read, I failed to enter it into his reading log.
But that didn't matter, she still took his recess away.
Now it's happened again. Our evening routine was screwed up last night, and this time he actually did not read. So he has a big fat INC. on his reading log.
I have so many opinions about recess in this school as it is (watching movies sitting still in the gym when it's too rainy or cold to go outside, instead of letting the kids burn off some energy free-playing like they do at recess) so maybe this is adding to my frustration.
What would you do?
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Posted 10/10/17 5:08 PM  |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
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..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
I was surprised too at Open School Night to learn that if they don't do their homework, they have to do it during recess.
This is also 2nd grade- it was never that way in prior grades.
BUT her teacher did say that if you have a lot going on at home, are out celebrating a birthday that night, you child is not feeling well, etc etc, to just send in a note explaining that and she would excuse them from having to do it during recess.
I thought that was a lot more fair.
I can see if it was an ongoing thing, but every now and again, you can't get it done for whatever reason. They need to show a little leniency especially at this age.
Going forward- fake the damn reading log. Just fake it. Who cares? If they are going to take away recess over a reading log, I' have no issue faking it.
Message edited 10/10/2017 5:12:03 PM.
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| Posted 10/10/17 5:11 PM |
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babyvibes
LIF Adult
Member since 7/13 1350 total posts
Name:
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
We're not allowed to take away recess in my district.
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| Posted 10/10/17 6:46 PM |
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hmm
Sweet
Member since 1/14 7983 total posts
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Taking recess away for incomplete homework
crashing, but lying on a log is teaching kids the wrong message. The school or teacher has set rules and boundaries. I would prefer to see kids out running but rules need to be followed and parents really need to follow them. I cant express how important this is for both sides, now and for the future. This has nothing to do with a child being a good kid, its not about that.
Message edited 10/10/2017 7:33:58 PM.
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| Posted 10/10/17 7:33 PM |
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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
I am not allowed to take away recess or give any consequence for not doing homework as per my district policy. I do think if there is any part of the homework that I feel is most important, it is the reading portion.
If you can't for some reason do the homework, I think you need to write a note or send an email to the teacher each time (the day of). I wouldn't battle the teacher on her policy for homework, I would just comply with it and be sure to contact her if you can't for some reason. It is too early in the year to create a hostile relationship between the two of you. I also think 2nd graders should be able to log their reading themselves and it is a good lesson on responsibility to make them do it.
I get being upset about it, but I think sometimes you have to just accept the teacher's policies because it is a good lesson to show your child that you and the school are a united front.
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| Posted 10/10/17 7:52 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
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..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Posted by hmm
crashing, but lying on a log is teaching kids the wrong message. The school or teacher has set rules and boundaries. I would prefer to see kids out running but rules need to be followed and parents really need to follow them. I cant express how important this is for both sides, now and for the future. This has nothing to do with a child being a good kid, its not about that.
It's not lying if she actually read the books. Dd will read a ton on weekends but Monday to Friday we have very limited time between homework, projects, religion class and other activities.
Who cares if she read 8 books on the weekend and none on Mon or Tuesday?
In the scheme of life it means nothing.
She reads above grade level so it's not like she is being negatively affected by it.
And as far as teaching her the wrong thing...she had no idea I was even doing it. In first grade they aren't paying that much attention to what you are writing on their logs.
Sometimes in life you have to bend the rules. Just a bit.
I do it at work, in my adult life too and have been pretty successful.
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| Posted 10/10/17 8:07 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7272 total posts
Name:
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by hmm
crashing, but lying on a log is teaching kids the wrong message. The school or teacher has set rules and boundaries. I would prefer to see kids out running but rules need to be followed and parents really need to follow them. I cant express how important this is for both sides, now and for the future. This has nothing to do with a child being a good kid, its not about that.
It's not lying if she actually read the books. Dd will read a ton on weekends but Monday to Friday we have very limited time between homework, projects, religion class and other activities.
Who cares if she read 8 books on the weekend and none on Mon or Tuesday?
In the scheme of life it means nothing.
She reads above grade level so it's not like she is being negatively affected by it.
And as far as teaching her the wrong thing...she had no idea I was even doing it. In first grade they aren't paying that much attention to what you are writing on their logs.
Sometimes in life you have to bend the rules. Just a bit.
I do it at work, in my adult life too and have been pretty successful.
Crashing. I'd lie, too. Not every day, but if we occasionally couldn't read I'd fudge it. I'm not going to have my child punished because things were hectic at home and we couldn't read a book. That's ridiculous. I see what other parents are teaching their kids and the occasional white lie for a legitimate reason is the least of society's worries.
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| Posted 10/10/17 8:15 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Reading logs are a joke. Do teachers really read those?! I would bet my DD's teacher didn't last year, because some of the stuff my DD wrote on them was comical, and was never marked off for it. I know my DD's teacher told her students this year that as much as they hate doing them, she hates reading them! So no reading logs! I also think the log is so discouraging to the kids. Who wants to lay in bed to read their book before they go to sleep, then have to get up and write in their reading log? It's like a chore. I hate them. We had them every year up until this year. SO happy for that!! I will take Raz Kids, Newsela, etc. over those 3 tiny spaced line, but we want the whole summary of the chapter, reading logs!! With that said, I get the teacher's position, since the homework wasn't done. Our school does take away recess when homework isn't done. We haven't had that problem, but I have heard about it from my daughter regarding classmates in the past.
Message edited 10/10/2017 9:48:00 PM.
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| Posted 10/10/17 9:34 PM |
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WonderLady
LIF Infant
Member since 1/15 355 total posts
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Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Missing homework six times when we haven't even had a full month of school is excessive imo. Not sure that I agree with taking away a second grader's recess though. You never know what's going on in someone's home that the homework isn't getting done.
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| Posted 10/10/17 9:44 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Taking recess away for incomplete homework
I would be complaining to the principal about that immediately. They should never be taking away recess for missing homework. They should never be taking recess away at all unless it was for a safety reason. It is a proven fact that kids need a break in the day and many districts are looking to increase recess time not take it away. I would also ask to look at the homework policies of the district. Last year our teacher had no homework at all and this year we get weekly packets, basically for the reasons you listed. If we are busy one night, we can finish it another.
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| Posted 10/10/17 10:03 PM |
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Adri
Joy!
Member since 5/05 3116 total posts
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Although I agree with doing homework and following the teacher's rules, I think taking recess away is excessive. Kids need that time, they benefit from it.
Can you, maybe, complete the reading part during the weekends, and just copy paste during the week? As a PP stated, sometimes kids read a lot during the weekend and they just get so busy during the week. DS can't read too much during the weeks, due to his sports... but he loves to read and have always been above grade level.
Our 2nd grade teacher was totally against with logs because she said, and I agree, they took away all the fun, and they make reading only a task to complete.
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| Posted 10/10/17 10:16 PM |
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Eireann
Two ladies and a gentleman!
Member since 5/05 12165 total posts
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
I'm replying as the parent of a 2nd grader and as a teacher (albeit, high school).
I would do nothing...except make sure my kid did the homework going forward.
I can't say I like or agree with the idea of removing recess, but the penalty is the penalty and I hope he would learn from it and it wouldn't happen again. Out of curiosity, in your opinion, what would be a fair consequence?
Message edited 10/10/2017 10:32:33 PM.
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| Posted 10/10/17 10:26 PM |
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pnbplus1
Family
Member since 5/09 5751 total posts
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Mommy
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Posted by BargainMama
Reading logs are a joke. Do teachers really read those?! I would bet my DD's teacher didn't last year, because some of the stuff my DD wrote on them was comical, and was never marked off for it. I know my DD's teacher told her students this year that as much as they hate doing them, she hates reading them! So no reading logs! I also think the log is so discouraging to the kids. Who wants to lay in bed to read their book before they go to sleep, then have to get up and write in their reading log? It's like a chore. I hate them. We had them every year up until this year. SO happy for that!! I will take Raz Kids, Newsela, etc. over those 3 tiny spaced line, but we want the whole summary of the chapter, reading logs!! With that said, I get the teacher's position, since the homework wasn't done. Our school does take away recess when homework isn't done. We haven't had that problem, but I have heard about it from my daughter regarding classmates in the past.
This. Read the research on reading logs. If anything they discourage kids from reading. I don't do them. And i have no problem sending my son's 2nd grade teacher an email telling her that I don't do reading logs. I did the same for Kindergarten - told the teacher my son wouldn't be doing homework. So much of what our young children are doing in school is not developmentally appropriate and because i read the research and make what I feel are the best decisions for my child, I am sure to communicate that to the teacher. As for taking away recess, I would in no way accept that and I would be talking to the teacher, principal, superintendent to get that policy changed.
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| Posted 10/10/17 11:37 PM |
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KateBennetReel
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/15 555 total posts
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Keep
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Thank you for your replies. It was 3 homeworks he missed. And it was all 3 entries in his reading log, but again, not because he didn't do it - I wrote her a note explaining that, it was because we forgot to log it.
I feel calmer about it since yesterday. The rules are rules point his home for me because I'm a rebel type, and don't appreciate conformity especially in this day & age where we have kids going off the deep end with violence & little to no empathy. The rules our school have given since the 80's& 90's are creating something awful. And taking recess away is part of this drive to increase academia at an age where that's not helping. Social development is extremely important in an age where isolation is running so rampant.
And I don't believe in homework anymore, let alone punity for not doing it.
What are we teaching our kids here? That free play & socializing is a privilege & not a given? That is not what we teach at home.
There has got to be another way to show kids conformity & rules, but not at the expense of nourishment of the mind through free play.
And I agree about not wanting to cause tension with the teacher so early in the year. But it's the principal. And I have already called the principal on so many issues as it is, I am not sure about going straight to her at first on this issue. But I might if I get no response from the teacher again.
I plan on explaining (email) how I feel about taking recess away as politely and less emotional as I can. And asking how our children can make up the homework? I tried to have him catch up last night, and he was nervous that I was writing the books he read next to the incomplete, like MOM you can't do that! I asked him why not, and he didn't know he just said the teacher will not like that. So I need some clarity on that one
But I do need to remain as united as I can, since it is a partnership we have with our kids educators. With that said, I am going to work on how to word this email as directly as I can.
Also, I don't feel badly about adding books he's read in the past to fill in the gaps of his reading log either. It's just the principal of the thing. Take some other measure to share rule following. Not this.
Rehabilitation over incarceration.
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| Posted 10/11/17 7:30 AM |
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M514
Hi
Member since 8/10 6011 total posts
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Posted by Eireann
I'm replying as the parent of a 2nd grader and as a teacher (albeit, high school).
I would do nothing...except make sure my kid did the homework going forward.
I can't say I like or agree with the idea of removing recess, but the penalty is the penalty and I hope he would learn from it and it wouldn't happen again. Out of curiosity, in your opinion, what would be a fair consequence?
I agree.
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| Posted 10/11/17 7:35 AM |
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KateBennetReel
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/15 555 total posts
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Posted by M514
Posted by Eireann
I'm replying as the parent of a 2nd grader and as a teacher (albeit, high school).
I would do nothing...except make sure my kid did the homework going forward.
I can't say I like or agree with the idea of removing recess, but the penalty is the penalty and I hope he would learn from it and it wouldn't happen again. Out of curiosity, in your opinion, what would be a fair consequence?
I agree.
I meant to reply to this question.
While teachers may think taking away recess is an effective way to punish students for missing homework, recess plays an important role in children’s development. Research shows the value of recess gives kids a much-needed break from studying, teaches them social skills, encourages them to use their imagination, and allows them to exercise. I don't agree that recess is the appropriate place for educators to be looking to make up that time.
Plus, recess is one of the only times they are actually allowed to be social. This is time spent forming bonds with other kids and learning how to communicate. It’s essential.
What are other ways for our kids to make up for incomplete homework other than taking recess away?
I think making up the homework works. Coming from someone who doesn't believe in homework.
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| Posted 10/11/17 7:39 AM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
We had something like this in first grade, but it was homework that took 5 minutes to complete. Kid would do it during recess if it was forgotten... and then go join their friends (it was good for my son to have responsibilities and consequences).
If I were you... I would change my schedule slightly and do the log either first thing home or even last thing in the AM before school.
I wouldn't complain to the teacher or principal yet. While I agree that a reading log may not be the best way to promote reading... I think promoting homework completion is a good start for later.
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| Posted 10/11/17 7:59 AM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Posted by nycgirl
We had something like this in first grade, but it was homework that took 5 minutes to complete. Kid would do it during recess if it was forgotten... and then go join their friends (it was good for my son to have responsibilities and consequences).
If I were you... I would change my schedule slightly and do the log either first thing home or even last thing in the AM before school.
I wouldn't complain to the teacher or principal yet. While I agree that a reading log may not be the best way to promote reading... I think promoting homework completion is a good start for later.
I agree.
Also I don't see the recess thing as a big deal. My son missed recess or specials plenty of time for not completing his class work at that age and last year. I was all for it, and he is fine. I would feel bad if he missed it at the age for hwk because I would feel like it's on me to remind him. In second grade he should be filling out his own log with supervision. That really shouldn't take too long if he is doing the reading (that's the long part).
So many people promote recess in this thread but yet the majority of kids these days have their nose stuck in an iPad or phone. How many people promote recess or play at home? Just curious.
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| Posted 10/11/17 8:26 AM |
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KateBennetReel
LIF Adolescent
Member since 10/15 555 total posts
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Posted by Sash
Posted by nycgirl
We had something like this in first grade, but it was homework that took 5 minutes to complete. Kid would do it during recess if it was forgotten... and then go join their friends (it was good for my son to have responsibilities and consequences).
If I were you... I would change my schedule slightly and do the log either first thing home or even last thing in the AM before school.
I wouldn't complain to the teacher or principal yet. While I agree that a reading log may not be the best way to promote reading... I think promoting homework completion is a good start for later.
I agree.
Also I don't see the recess thing as a big deal. My son missed recess or specials plenty of time for not completing his class work at that age and last year. I was all for it, and he is fine. I would feel bad if he missed it at the age for hwk because I would feel like it's on me to remind him. In second grade he should be filling out his own log with supervision. That really shouldn't take too long if he is doing the reading (that's the long part).
So many people promote recess in this thread but yet the majority of kids these days have their nose stuck in an iPad or phone. How many people promote recess or play at home? Just curious.
Devices & TV - to me, is not the same as recess or free play. Not in my house.
Free play is part of our every day at home.
Also, great tip to get him to do it. He does with supervision. But it is good practice.
Entering the reading from the night before is part of our morning routine. It's when the prior evening's routine gets sidetracked, we're catching up the next morning, and things get pushed, and we're scrambling to get out the door. Especially if the main parent is sick, and the other isn't up to speed. Life can get pretty unpredictable when you have littles.
I feel like it's a partnership with the teachers we have as parents. And I also think I have to advocate for my kid when I see something amiss. It's the message he's learning that irks me. If you don't write it down, you're going to miss out on recess which to me is like lunch. Nourishment for the soul. Take lunch away if you don't do your homework. To me, it's the same connotation.
The punishment doesn't fit the crime.
But maybe this particular direction this thread is taking is a matter of opinion on disciplining, and not so much the principle.
I take devices/ tv privileges away if you're fighting with your sibling. But you can still play independently in your room, you can read, you can just sit there and do nothing. And if you are on punishment for something, and device privilege has been taken away, you can still facetime your cousins on your ipad. You can even take photos with it, but you're pushing it.
That's just me. I'm ok with that.
I'm not ok if you take recess away, when districts are double it up now a days.
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| Posted 10/11/17 8:58 AM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Posted by nycgirl
We had something like this in first grade, but it was homework that took 5 minutes to complete. Kid would do it during recess if it was forgotten... and then go join their friends (it was good for my son to have responsibilities and consequences).
If I were you... I would change my schedule slightly and do the log either first thing home or even last thing in the AM before school.
I wouldn't complain to the teacher or principal yet. While I agree that a reading log may not be the best way to promote reading... I think promoting homework completion is a good start for later.
If I'm reading the original post correctly he's missed 6 homeworks. To me that means that you need to change something at home to fix the problem. I would have no issue with my child being penalized for not completing hw but I would make sure it wasn't happening repeatedly.
As a high school teacher it was crazy how many kids I saw that did not think hw was a priority at all. I think it's important for parents to instill from day one that they have to take those responsibilities seriously and not getting it done isn't an option barring an emergency. The values you instil now will carry through when they're older imo.
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| Posted 10/11/17 9:04 AM |
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Mags1227
Just a mommy ...
Member since 10/10 2665 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Taking recess away form that age group is just punishing yourself. Kids need that time to get their energy out. You take away recess, you will have some very hyper kids in the afternoon.
As the OP said, the punishment does not fit the crime.
Homework should be part of your overall grade. If you don't do it, your grade suffers. That is sufficient punishment in my opinion.
while I agree with having a united front with the teacher/school, if their policies are counterproductive, I will fight them on it. After last year's nightmare teacher, educator status has definitely fallen in my eyes. When teachers/schools start making rules that make sense to kids' development, i'll start following them. Until then, I will find a work around. The last thing I need is a child who hates school/learning because of rules that make no sense.
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| Posted 10/11/17 9:21 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17789 total posts
Name:
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Taking recess away for incomplete homework
We don't have reading logs in 2nd grade (Thankfully). In the past though - we only had to hand them in on Fridays and there was no "penalty" for not completing them... I think ti's an excessive punishment for not completing a day in the reading log.
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| Posted 10/11/17 10:04 AM |
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
It's 2017...educators should know that taking away recess is not beneficial to the child. It's literally going against science. Children need that time, not only socially, but physiologically.
I'd be upset that my school was not keeping up with current research in education, and how to allow kids to perform at their best academically.
And to a PP, electronics are an earned privilege in my house. Playtime with siblings is a given.
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| Posted 10/11/17 12:21 PM |
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Laura1976
Member since 5/05 5754 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
When my son was in 2nd grade two years ago, he had recess taken away from him once because he did not complete his homework. I had tried to make him do it and he fought against it and I eventually threw up my hands and let it go. He lost recess the next day. He never missed his homework again! I think for some kids it is an effective tool.
Reading logs are different, there are nights that my kids don't read because there is just not enough time.
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| Posted 10/11/17 12:41 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Taking recess away for incomplete homework
Posted by LiveForMoments
It's 2017...educators should know that taking away recess is not beneficial to the child. It's literally going against science. Children need that time, not only socially, but physiologically.
I'd be upset that my school was not keeping up with current research in education, and how to allow kids to perform at their best academically.
And to a PP, electronics are an earned privilege in my house. Playtime with siblings is a given.
Tend to agree with this. Look at Pat-Med, they doubled recess. I doubt their super would even ALLOW a teacher to use recess as a punishment.
There has to be other ways to give a consequence for missed homework.
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| Posted 10/11/17 12:43 PM |
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