Does Homework Help Young Kids?

Summary of Yang et al. (2024 Summary of Güven & Kalyon (2025)

Background & Existing Knowledge
Homework is widely used in elementary grades, but its developmental appropriateness and effectiveness remain contested.

New Insights from This Study
✔ Most teachers use homework to reinforce learning and build responsibility.
✔ Preferences vary across subjects—literacy sees more creative tasks; math is more drill-based.
✔ Teachers value short, consistent assignments with family support.

Practical Applications: How Educators Can Use This Research

Homework Design
📌 Focus on short, purposeful tasks.
📌 Include creative, project-based elements when possible.
📌 Ensure alignment with classroom instruction.

Parent Partnership
📌 Provide clear instructions and realistic expectations.
📌 Encourage parent support without doing the work.
📌 Communicate purpose behind homework.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice
📌 Consider age-related attention span and motivation.
📌 Offer options for demonstrating learning.
📌 Reduce repetitive worksheets in favor of meaningful application.

Conclusion
Thoughtfully designed homework in early grades can support learning—but only when it’s short, clear, and developmentally appropriate.

Key Words
elementary education, homework design, family involvement, learning support, teacher perspectives

Reference
Güven, B., & Kalyon, D. (2025). Homework in Elementary School: Teachers’ Opinions and Practices. International Journal of Educational Research Studies, 11(1), 45–62.

Suggested Citation
Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Does Homework Help Young Kids? Excellent Educator, 2(11), 6.