Very interesting article in The Washington Post this week describes one school’s change from traditional homework to research based activities for home.  I wasn’t much of a worksheet proponent as a student or as a teacher, so for me, this change is both refreshing and inspiring. 

Ironically, I saw first hand last night the difference between “traditional” homework practices and those that are focused more on children researching or reading at home. 

Last night, my son “forgot” his homework folder at school (which is another conversation all together). But instead of a lost night for homework activities, we visited Raz-Kids.com. 

Raz-Kids.com is a reading site that provides books online with audio and visual components.  Children go through a 3-step process online.  First, the book they choose is read aloud to them, with complimentary pictures and video.  Second, they are asked to read the book aloud and even record it in the self-contained program if they so desire.  Finally, they are asked to take a short 5 question quiz addressing basic comprehension of the book.  Raz-Kids.com keeps track of books read and completed and as a reward for students, provide points in which they can use to “buy” characters and devices for their own area.  My son has access to building a space rocket interior, where he can add furniture, but also aliens and robots.  Of course, all of this is tagged to the particular student, so it requires a login and password (both of which were set up by his teacher). 

So, my son’s “forgetfulness” contributed to an evening of engaging books and not boring worksheets.  His teacher has asked that 1st graders read at least 10 minutes every night to their parents.  I think my son was online last night reading books for almost an hour.  And it didn’t stop last night.  He was up bright and early this morning reading online again. 

Because yes, he needed to get more points to add the orange alien to his rocket ship. 

Bye bye “traditional” homework.  Hello engagement. 

For the complete article I mentioned at the beginning of this post, please visit The Washington Post “Gaithersburg school says no homework – just free reading.”