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By Janine

Homework Woos–Why I Deserve A Medal with FTSF 36

Filed Under: Kids Posts Tagged With: Kid's homework, medal, Pre-school

Welcome back to Finish The Sentence Friday Blog Hop (FTSF).  We give you a sentence and you finish it (however long or short you’d like).  Please feel free to link up and follow any or all of our hostesses, which are below.

JANINE
STEPHANIE

KRISTI

And now for this week’s sentence to finish:  “I deserve a medal for the time I…”
And the next sentence to finish:  “The bravest thing I’ve ever done is… ”

 

I deserve a medal for the time I….tried to do homework with my 4 year old.

Medals, but Sadly Not for Me!!
Being a teacher in my past, I have lots of homework to former students over the years.
 
I would assign it daily and send them on their merry way, never quite thinking or wanting to think about what goes in behind closed doors in their homes when the went home to complete said homework assignments.  By the way, that is assuming they actually did it, but I digress.
 
Now, I am no longer the teacher, but the parent helping to complete the homework.
 
Last week my girls started back up with pre-school for the year.
 
Lily is in the 3 year old program and not getting much homework to be honest, but Emma is now in the 4 year old program.
 
Four year old pre-school now is there to prepare the kids more so then ever for kindergarten and the rest of their academic futures.
 
I was born in the 1970s and was in Kindergarten in 1982.  At this time, kindergarten was not what it is nowadays by any means.  Back then, we were only there half a day and it was a glorified nursery school experience.
 
More Medals for the Girls, But Again Not For Me!!

More Medals for the Girls, But Again Not For Me!!

 
I don’t even remember getting much homework, but now homework starts in pre-school at 4 years old.
 
On the second day of school, Emma came home with an assignment to trace a line using the rainbow method, which is to have the child pick out three different color crayons and trace the line three times with the different colored crayons.
 
Seemed simple and easy enough.  I was a teacher again and taught middle school math and science.  Teaching 4 year old to trace a line shouldn’t be difficult.
 
Let me just tell you from the onset, I met my match as a teacher.  We started and Emma needed to have a purple, red and yellow crayons.  No other colors would do.  Then, she began to show me how you have to push, push, push the crayon with the pointer finger of the other hand to get it neatly across the page to the other side of the line (this seemed harmless enough).
 
I forgot to mention, we were told to make copies of every homework assignment, so as to let them practice before doing it on the real sheet.  So, the practice sheet went fine, but by the time she got to the real deal, she was already tired from the long day, as well as doing said practice sheet that she was getting careless, sloppy and telling me, “She could do it herself”.
 
Once the lines were done and definitely were more then a bit messy, she had to color the images that the lines were connecting (like a dog had a line connecting him to his dog house).
 
The Homework Assignment in Question (Got a Star in the End from the Teacher Anyways!

The Homework Assignment in Question (Got a Star in the End from the Teacher Anyways!

 
Emma decided to color every image purple (not light purple, but dark).  Seriously couldn’t tell the dog from the dog house when she was done.
 
Actually before she finished, she was in tears about being told nicely by me that maybe she should use a different color for the next images of the fish to his bowl.  
 
I ended up calling a time out and telling her she would take a break.  I called Kevin at work and told him what was going on and asked him if he would try to sit with her when he got home and see if the results would be better.  After all, he was an art teacher and this was coloring not math!
 
By the way, it did get completed with Kevin, but not before she grumbled and complained some more with him.
 
In the process, I took to Facebook where a relative of mine was complaining about her elementary age daughter and the same topic of homework.
 
Even the next day, this topic came out waiting to bring the kids to the classroom and other parents confided in me that they too had their issues with homework the night before.
 
I was secretly happy it wasn’t just me, but will admit I may deserve a medal for all the many nights I will be doing homework with both Emma d Lily in the next 10-12 years.
 
God help me, if not a medal maybe a little hug!!  (Bonus if anyone can tell me what I movie I just quoted!) And definitely not the next night’s homework being a sheet of cutting lines with a safety scissor, where Emma almost cute my hair with said safety scissors.  Just another night in paradise!
 
And by he way, since she had to do homework with her father who may be a bit of a perfectionist, mixed with OCD, she has been doing her assignments perfectly with me this whole past week now!
 
Pass It On!!

Pass It On!!

 

Now that you have told you why I deserve a medal, tell us why you think you do!!

Finish the Sentence Friday

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa @ Golden Spoons says

    September 19, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    Ack!!! Homework!! This year has been really rough so far. My oldest started 6th grade at a middle school for acadenically gifted kids and the homework is ridiculous. My middle is just completely spent by the time she gets home and wants to do nothing that requires any focus. It is truly maddening -for them & me!
    My recent post For Squirt – An Our Land Guest Post

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 19, 2013 at 10:36 pm

      I know Lisa and this is only 4 years old. I am so not looking forward to as both my girls get older, because this year it is only the one, but next year starts the fun with two for the price of one and for too many years that I don't even want to count. I know it is my job to help them, but they just don't make it easy sometimes!

  2. @TaoOfPoop says

    September 19, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    I think you did great. And so did Emma! You do deserve a medal!
    My recent post My Geriatric Pregnancy

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 19, 2013 at 10:34 pm

      Thanks so much Rachel and was never so glad to be done with homework that day to be quite honest!!

  3. April (@100LBC) says

    September 19, 2013 at 10:31 pm

    Girl, homework only gets worse! But it’s ridiculous to have 4yos “practice” first.I hate that D has to redo it when it’s messy. Can’t imagine purposely doing it twice! A medal and a hug to you!

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 19, 2013 at 10:34 pm

      April, trust me I know it gets worse and seriously just not looking forward to it at all. But you are right I am now making the copies just in case, but we are not doing the practicing first. Using those practice sheets on the weekend to do just that and practice. And thanks so much!! 🙂

  4. Kristi Campbell says

    September 19, 2013 at 10:41 pm

    OMG we are not at homework stage yet. But I can say – right now – that you TOTALLY deserve a medal for being there. Totally and so much.

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 19, 2013 at 10:46 pm

      Thanks Kristi and I admit I miss last year when we still were innocent with no homework yet either.

  5. Chance of Wine says

    September 19, 2013 at 10:50 pm

    Homework starts at age 4 now?! Oh my goodness! I'm not looking forward to that!!!
    My recent post I think Simon Cowell is kinda sexy

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 19, 2013 at 10:53 pm

      God I know and tell me about it, Dani. Only been two weeks and so over it!

  6. tinarobmorley says

    September 19, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    Kids teach us more than we teach them! Hahaha!

    Don't worry what her homework looks like or what the teacher will think or how well it compares to others. Be glad that she did it, encourage her for finishing and remember that she is only 4. 🙂

    Take care!
    My recent post Make My Saturday Sweet – Blog Hop #50

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:52 am

      Thanks Tina and you are right they do teach us more then we could ever have imagined to be taught!! 🙂

  7. lrconsiderer says

    September 19, 2013 at 11:27 pm

    *little hug* No idea what movie it is though 😉

    They get homework SO early these days! Well done for being there for her and trying to help her out. Sounds like you and Kevin have it covered between youse 🙂
    My recent post 7 Quick Takes 45 x FTSF

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:52 am

      Hint Russel Brand is in this movie 🙂 But seriously, they do get homework so early these days and was a bit shocked, but Kindergarten isn't want it used to be, so they need to be prepared from all I hear. Just really sad though that kids just can't be kids anymore. We try our best though to keep them from growing up too quickly in our house, but still society is another story I suppose.

      • lrconsiderer says

        September 20, 2013 at 8:57 am

        Ah well, in that case I can safely say I have never, nor will I ever watch it.

        Such a shame the whole 'YOU MUST LEARN' starts so young. BAD society. We should all copy the Finns. Their education system is great.
        My recent post 7 Quick Takes 45 x FTSF

      • Janine Huldie says

        September 20, 2013 at 9:10 am

        But it was really funny Russel Brand or not! But still I know if more of us took the Fin’s standpoint I think we would be so much better off!

  8. Lanaya says

    September 19, 2013 at 11:53 pm

    I can totally tell which one is the dog … geez mom! LOL!!!
    I am going to die when it comes homework time with Rey. You know me, I like to control everything and this is definitely an area I'm going to need some MAJOR zen moments come my way.

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.co

    My recent post Hollywood Hotness {and Husband #2 material}

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:49 am

      Lol, I know what was I thinking. But see again just more we have in common, because yes you already know I am a bit of a control freak and this was causing me to have a bit of a mild stroke! Teach me how to have more zen moments, please!!

  9. Karen says

    September 20, 2013 at 5:55 am

    oh dear Lord, I feel your pain…I can't even try to get Dino to work on his letters after he worked on them all day at school…how dare I. Then doing that family tree project was torturous….I got a glimpse into a future of homework hell. I think as teachers we have expectations for what will happen and when we can't do that with our kids it becomes a challenge/failure.

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:47 am

      Karen, I know and so glad you weighed in, because the teacher in me is ashamed that I was complaining, but it isn't as easy as it looks to try to help our own kids with their homework. I truly felt like a failure that first night and when I was writing this I thought that I hoped others would understand this and not judge me to be quite honest.

  10. massholemommy says

    September 20, 2013 at 7:09 am

    Oh my friend, just wait until they get older. My oldest is in 4th grade and the amount of homework he gets M-Th is absurd. He spends at least an hour per day on homework and I don't think it's right. And it's not always easy, either. The math he comes home with is hard – I've had to google some of it. My 1st grader luckily only gets one math worksheet per night which takes about 5 minutes.
    My recent post Teen Celebrity Crushes

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:46 am

      I am so not looking forward to that at all. I was a teacher and always tried to only give no more then 20 minutes worth of math homework per night and never on the weekend if I could help it. But god help me as they are getting older and am sitting her shaking thinking about it!!

  11. @wakefielddoc says

    September 20, 2013 at 7:29 am

    my god! homework for 4 year olds?! growing up in the 60's I think the first time I had 'bring-home-homework' was, like the 7th grade! but..but that can't be right! lol
    all I remember of grade school was staying after school to write my spelling words 50 or 100 times (each!)… but that was not remedial spelling, it was punishment for something I did in the course of the day… the nuns were not overly imaginative in their idea of discipline.
    My recent post Finish The Sentence Friday, the Wakefield Doctrine (you can close your damn eyes and listen…it’s a video Post!)

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:44 am

      Oh god to I remember the nuns and their punishments. Luckily, I was too much a goody two shoes back then for their punishments, but still will probably have nightmares about them until I am old and grey! That said, I know homework for 4 year olds is a bit crazy. She doesn't have school on Fridays, but that doesn't stop them from giving her homework on Thursdays for the weekend. Granted it is just tracing and coloring, but still! Crazy I know, but thanks Clark for weighing in!!

  12. Blond Duck says

    September 20, 2013 at 7:52 am

    But she's so cute!
    My recent post The Birthday Magic

  13. MelChi says

    September 20, 2013 at 7:55 am

    Hehehe… I take my hat off to you. Seriously, that and teaching people to drive, that takes A LOT! 🙂 Can't believe how big your girls are getting!! Have a fab weekend x
    My recent post It’s the Little Things That Count….

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 8:11 am

      Thanks Melanie and I know looking back over some pictures recently I couldn't believe how much they have grown even over this last year! Have a great weekend now, too!! 🙂

  14. LisaAndAshley says

    September 20, 2013 at 8:03 am

    I had to do a mind-numbing hour of homework with Abby the other day. I was the person designated to pass her the colored pencils as she needed them. By the way, she felt very strongly that this job should come with no distractions like me checking the iPad, so I just sat there. Good times! ;)-Ashley
    My recent post Pinterest Nightmare #631: Drop Crotch Pants

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 8:12 am

      Oh god, think I would kill myself if I wasn't allowed to check my iPad or iPhone while Emma traces and colors now. She does want me to pay attention and help, but yes I do occasionally check my e-mail as a diversion!! Thanks Ashley!! 🙂

  15. Rosey says

    September 20, 2013 at 8:50 am

    Tweens and homework is the worst. I would go back to the coloring days (well I'm in those too, lol) in a heartbeat. My daughter can be suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch a pain w/hers. ESPECIALLY if it's a big deal thing and she starts doing it the night before a deadline. I guess it's just harder to monitor what is due when, when they get older. 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 9:08 am

      Rosey, how I am not looking forward to the tween and teen years. Seriously this is bad enough now and we are only in pre-school. God help me for those years!!

  16. Undiagnosed but okay says

    September 20, 2013 at 9:55 am

    Yes, you deserve a medal and I hate to tell you this but it gets worse. Much worse
    My recent post I should be a Gold Medalist

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 10:36 am

      Thanks Kerri and lord do I know it gets worse. Trust me I wrote this and was feeling guilty that she is only 4 and I am already complaining!

  17. stephanie2006 says

    September 20, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    You definitely deserve a medal for that! I remember Lily's kindergarten teacher showing me a picture that was a prime example of "Lily-doesn't-want-to-draw". So yes, you deserve this medal 😉
    My recent post The Lesser Of Two (Or More) Evils

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 4:18 pm

      Thanks so much Stephanie and that is exactly what I think I am going to get one of these days as for her coloring/drawings!!

  18. stephsprenger says

    September 20, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Yes, you DO deserve a medal- I feel your pain, mama! You know I HATE math homework (even 2nd grade is killing me) and I think it may be the worst part of the day. Take my advice- pour yourself a drink first next time- it helps! 😉
    My recent post Maintaining Mommy’s Poker Face

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 3:46 pm

      Thanks Stephanie and I think I may try that next time for sure!! 🙂

  19. christyb says

    September 20, 2013 at 5:00 pm

    Awe, you DO get a medal for what you went through – awww! Your past experience as a teacher will be a blessing when they are in middle school I bet. I didn't realize your husband also was a teacher! Hugs for you, Janine!
    My recent post You Win Some…

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 5:15 pm

      Thanks so much Christy and I so hope you are right. Kevin actually taught art, but also lost his position due to the economy. Do now he works at Canon 🙂

  20. Leah says

    September 20, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Honestly, I think I can have a nervous breakdown when it comes to homework. I finish my day at work, then come home to do hours of homework and then get back to my work again! It's crazy – but at least they are learning now and it will prepare them for the future!
    My recent post List of Traditions

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 6:58 pm

      I know Leah, it is so crazy and know it will only get worse. Just truly trying not to think about what is in my future!!

  21. tamaralikecamera says

    September 20, 2013 at 6:31 pm

    I think I have the opposite problem – I don't think I'll be able to help with homework. We don't have any yet (well WE do, but the kids don't) but I'm scared. I am not a former teacher and I don't have even an ounce of patience for schoolwork. I'm terrible! So you deserve a lot of medals. I deserve a medal for holding out all day in the heat at the New England fair. Five hours, baby!
    My recent post Three Truths, One Lie: Kids Will Be Kids.

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:01 pm

      Right not this really isn't that bad and sure you will be able to help trace a line or a circle, but my bigger issue is how everything has to be done the way she wants to do it and not really the way the instructions are telling her to do it. And I should be able to help having been a teacher, but even this simple thing made me feel like such a failure. But yay to you on the 5 hours, seriously you are my hero!! 🙂 xoxo!!

  22. NuggetOnABudget says

    September 20, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Lol I loved reading this! It's so cute that Emma had homework and that you were able to help her with it, even though that turned into a fiasco! I would have been frustrated as well…I even get that way now with Sofia when she "wants to do it herself" and ends up only painting with the water instead of the water AND colors and therefore just makes a big watery mess of a picture lol. Even sitting here now she wants to "paint" after she saw the homework and coloring done by Miss Emma. She also wanted to see more of "the girls"! xoxo
    My recent post a doggie fun list.

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:00 pm

      Tell Sophia, the girls ask about her often, especially when I read your blog and they see pictures of her. And I know everything has to be done on their own. Seriously, drives me crazy. Bad enough when it is just playing and fun, but homework seriously is going to be the death of me yet!! xoxo!!

  23. cgacad says

    September 21, 2013 at 12:09 am

    oh goodness, cannot wait to hear your stories of when they are teenagers!

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 21, 2013 at 7:22 am

      Heaven help me when we hit the teenage years!!

  24. notinjersey says

    September 22, 2013 at 9:28 pm

    wait a second, I think you are a year older than me! I think I started kindergarten in 1983. could be wrong…but hey, you are so right that there was no hw in kindergarten back then! on the other hand, my now 1st grader could not color like that in preK, he had to be forced to make a tiny line on a page, so Emma is doing great!
    My recent post Pleygo Lego Review

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 22, 2013 at 9:44 pm

      Seriously, moments like these I just feel old, lol!! But seriously, thank you for saying that about Emma's coloring. But still can't believe they get homework in pre-school. Truly is a whole new world!!

  25. Lisa says

    September 25, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    Can I just say that homework sucks? I think that is what you are saying, too, so let me just agree with you. I also used to be a teacher, but of elementary-aged kids and I thought homework sucked even then. UGH! We are about to be issued our first homework assignment in our household as well and I anticipate a VERY similar experience to you (my 4 year old daughter just started PRE-K also). Four year old daughters have a few things to tell their moms about, especially when we feel sure we are an expert on the topic;).
    My recent post Helicopter Mom Goes to Nursery School

    • Janine Huldie says

      September 25, 2013 at 9:44 pm

      Lisa, I totally agree homework does suck. It has gotten a bit better after this first instance, but still god knows what awaits me as she does grow up. I feel for you nd sounds like we do have a lot in common and could so commiserate on this and so much more!!

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