I don't think homework helps children. I say that from experience. I have had my children in Public school and home schooled them. The only reason they have homework is all the time wasted in Public School. If the children are given the time to do the work there is no home work.
Education is important but so is down time and play time. We overwhelm our children to pass a test and stress them out unnecessarily. When children have a more balanced life they are happy. That is actually the bigger issue in my book is that we are no longer teaching children how to learn, it is all about passing a test, not true learning. Ask a child to look something up they don't know, most can't do it. They don't know how to research because they have stop teaching children how to learn.
I really respect that. Thank you. You have widen my views on homework even further. I was actually looking at some of its benefits but regardless of the fact that it still has some, kids really do need their fair share of play at home.
I agree with @tecnosgirl, homework serves only to educate children to serve the economy, in my view children should be learning life skills for independent living, most when adults are ignorant of the skills needed for interaction with others. It should be a requirement for every child to travel the world (the government should fund this..ha!ha!.:) to broaden their perspective of life in general. I say this as a lecturer who use to teach in a London, UK college. Peace.
I have a feeling I am going to jump ship soon and head over to the Anti Homework campaign. Thank you for your thoughts. Peace.