The Benefits of Reducing Homework

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The Benefits of Reducing Homework “My dog ate my homework,” is a famous, desperate excuse theoretically used by students who have failed, out of a lack of self-discipline, to complete homework assignments. Although several people believe that doing homework consistently leads to success in life, it is often placed by high school students in the same category as chores; mundane and difficult. While it is true that completing homework can contribute to success in a class, it also can limit the amount of time that high school students are able to work on other educational pursuits. Decreasing the general amount of homework that students are assigned on a daily basis may enable them to pursue other important endeavors such as mastering musical talent, improving athletically, and spending meaningful time with friends and family. Singing and music in general are things that most people have been familiar with since infancy. Mothers often sing lullabies to their babies, toddlers learn their “A, B, C's” to a song, and may find the pots and pans in the kitchen and compose a symphony to the clanging chorus of wooden spoons on metal surfaces. Music is something that many students, especially in their high school years, value and even need in order to feel emotionally complete. Music also encourages school excellence. A study at the University of California at Irvine illustrated this point: “One study at the University of California at Irvine showed that preschoolers who took several months of daily group singing lessons as well as private keyboard lessons scored much higher on spatial- reasoning tests - critical in the development of math and engineering ability.” Speaking from personal experience, several of my friends and I ha... ... middle of paper ... ...ork,” be employed if the homework assigned to high school students were to be reduced, and more time set aside for personal improvement outside of academics. Time set aside for improving musical talent, athletic ability, and family/friend closeness not only would improve school performance, but also enrich the life of the student. Developing talents in several areas leads to a more rich, fulfilling life full of learning and meaning. Works Cited "Physical Activity may Help Kids do Better in School, Studies Say (Posted 2013-10-24 18:06:45)." The Washington PostOct 24 2013. ProQuest. Web. 15 Nov. 2013 . Prince, Cathryn J. "Getting Kids to Tune in Early to Musical Instruments." The Christian Science Monitor: 20. Jun 20 2000. ProQuest. Web. 15 Nov. 2013 . Rosenberg, Merri. "When Homework Takes Over." New York Times: 0. Apr 18 2004. ProQuest. Web. 16 Nov. 2013 .

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