An elementary school in Park Slope, Brooklyn is abandoning traditional homework assignments in favor of an at-home learning program that also inspires more family time. After witnessing many other schools adopt a no-homework policy [1], parents and educators at P.S. 118 decided to do the same.
Instead of homework assignments — like workbook exercises, for example — the school created a program called "Exercise Your Brain" that lists different fun, engaging, and interactive activities. A chart for the program [2], shared by DNAinfo, suggests activities like writing a rap song about a nonfiction topic, constructing a board game, or hosting a taste test with a recipe the student has created.
Thus far, the new program has been a success. In an interview, third grade parent Carrie McLaren said [3], "It acknowledges that what kids come up with on their own when they're given free time is more beneficial than worksheets and canned lessons." Adding, "[It] acknowledges what I think the goal of every teacher should be, which is making connections for kids between what goes on in the classroom and their daily life."
