Students stressed out by holiday homework, claim parents

HYDERABAD: Summer break is a fantastic time for students since they have plenty of time to engage in their favourite hobbies, however as summer break has started, nearly all students in private schools have been assigned holiday homework. Although the practice is not new, some parents are worried about the piles of summer assignments. The parents of a Class 1 student reported that their daughter was requested to complete reading assignments and share answers to some questions at the conclusion of each of these "classes”.

"At first, I thought this was a nice approach to encourage my child to read, but I was surprised when I received a PDF about the books she will have to read and write. We read the books in middle school. We read those books in middle school. What I thought would be exciting has now turned burdensome for my kid," said Kiran T.S.

Mira Baig, a mother of children in Classes 3 and 4, stated that her children have been asked to study lessons that aren't even on their actual syllabus for the coming year but meet the criteria of a higher level.

"When I questioned the teacher, she said it was to challenge their minds and not for any marks. But why should my children learn something that the teacher will not teach them in class? We are all in favour of improving our children’s memory and skills, but this is too burdensome," she said. Another parent described it as minor 'harassment' that schools inflict on their students because they prioritise their reputation over organic and holistic learning.

"We barely get holidays because of the boards. If brushing up is the only agenda and not finishing up the portion, as we believe, why are we being asked to be accountable every week for these assignments,” asked a class 11 student at an international school in the city. The debate has additionally spread to Twitter, indicating that some parents support it. @vamsi_chanti, a parent, stated, ".. as a parent, I am completely fine with summer holiday homework." It allows the child to be engaged while also expanding their skills/talents. Of course, it depends on the type of holiday work provided, but to put it frankly, it is foolish."

According to the principal of a school, holiday homework is required to ensure that the child is always practising what he or she learns and that the mind does not become sluggish. "We don't give students work to the extent that it becomes cumbersome. It is only to see that they don't lose touch with the basics like formulae and grammar, etc. Our parents are more than happy about the worksheets we give, and while it's not a mandate for marks, it is highly encouraged," she told Deccan Chronicle.