Have kids ever shown up to your class with unfinished work? You might ask them as to why they didn’t do it, but answers may vary. They could’ve had sports to do, chores, a road trip, etc. Since they already had to go through school for five days in a row, why would two extra days need to be added, especially on the days they were given to have their own free time?
The students’ only time off from school is during the weekend. Since working and attending school for seven to eight hours are exhausting, students are always focused on school and work, so they need days off without having to stress. McCaravan.org states, “A free weekend helps to get prepared for the next grind to start. No-homework weekends ensure better sleep cycles and a body that has recovered and refreshed.”
The students already have to go to school five days a week. Going to school five days a week can be draining, so having two days to relax is needed. Tenneytutors.com says, “Without doing so, students become burnt out, which can lead to a decline academically that eventually snowballs. This can bring about feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety, which can only hurt academic progress more.”
Excessive homework interferes with students’ personal growth by limiting time with family and friends, which helps strengthen relationships. According to TenneyTutors.com, “Of the more than 50,000 high school students that Challenge Success surveyed from October 2018 to January 2020, 56 percent said they had too much homework. In that sample, students reported doing an average of 2.7 hours of homework per weeknight and 3.0 hours on weekends.” The statistics show that students spend nearly three hours on homework assignments. During these hours, students could have accomplished things like exercising. Exercising helps to keep the mind sharp and the body healthy. This lack of time for personal activities limits their growth.
Students should have the weekend to focus on themselves and the things they love. Taking away that time would be unfair since schools have already taken six to seven hours. So, a homework-free weekend helps to strengthen the bonds with the people they love.