Glover School third-graders got a taste of true democracy last night, presenting their "Declaration of No Homework!" to the School Committee.
Sally Shevory's class has been studying America's Declaration of Independence and decided to write their own version, on an issue close to their hearts.
Here it is.
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"This homework issue is unfair! We do not want homework because it is taking away our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Meanwhile, with homework we do not have time to spend with our friends and family. Our country is based on freedom, so why aren't we getting it?!
"We don't think homework is fair because we have six and one half hours of concentrating and hard work in school. Our brains get tired, we need a rest. We are only eight to 9 years old. Adults don't like to bring home extra work, why would kids?
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"If we must have homework we should have extended time in school to work on homework. Then if we are having trouble, the teacher can help us so we don't have to stay up late. Also a reason why we should not have homework is because every child should have the freedom to choose what they want, when they want to do it.
"If we didn't have homework we could be outside playing. Then, when we got to school the next morning, we won't be energetic, we would be calm and ready to learn. Homework generates a lot of paper waste, we are environmentalist and believe in being 'Green.'
"Mrs. Shevory says 'We have as much freedom until we take away someone else's.' Do we have freedom? NO! Do we have a say? NO! Do we have a choice? NO! Should we? YES! Homework is a black hole that is sucking us in when we do it. Homework is the raging fire and we are the helpless house burning down. Teachers are taking away our freedom by making us do work in school and then at home.
"That's why we don't want homework!"
After the presentation, the School Committee questioned the students about their presentation, taking suggestions on ways to lessen the homework load.
Some ideas from the third-graders? Let them use calculators and computers more often, and don't make assignments due the next day.
