I’m tired of them!”

It’s true that teachers sometimes have to assign repetitive homework, and it’s helpful for parents to know why. Here are the four kinds of assignments—and the reasons schools use them:

1. Practice homework. Sometimes students need to do the same kind of work repeatedly to help them remember a skill. This is especially true when it comes to learning math, word definitions and spelling.

2. Preparation homework. This is a way to introduce kids to new topics. For instance, middle schoolers might read a book about animals before studying animal families.

3. Extension homework. Children need to be able to connect separate topics. For example, they might be asked to compare and contrast two historic events.

4. Creative homework. It’s challenging for students to use different skills to show what they’ve learned. For instance, your child might be asked to build a model for science class.

Of course, all homework builds self-discipline. So even if he doesn’t see a reason for an assignment, your child should do it.

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