WINNIPEG — The new school year has kicked off, and with it comes a new round of homework, which means anxiety for many students.
It’s a new season, a new grade, a new teacher or teachers and perhaps even some new friends. But, there’s also the dreaded homework.
According to some students in Winnipeg, they’ve been getting homework since Kindergarten and have only seen the amount raise each year. Aliya Kabani is in Grade Seven and said every year she’s seen her homework go up by ten minutes.
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A typical day of school normally ranges anywhere from one to four classes, with each class having the possibility of more homework. This can be an overwhelming situation for many students, as many already have a full day of school, chores and extra curricular activities.
“If I’m up late at night and I’m doing homework, I don’t know whether I’m managing my time correctly or if I’m following my routine. And then in the morning I have to check over my homework and it’s a bit stressful,” Kabani said.
Keith Strachan has been an educator for 32 years. In all his years of teaching, the anxiety levels of students is constantly rising, he said.
“I don’t think it’s fair to put students under the kind of stress that some of the students are under. Anything we can do to mitigate the stress will only enhance their learning,” Strachan said.
However, since homework isn’t going anywhere for now, psychologist Dr. Cathy Moser said students need to take a balanced approach to their work.
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“Chill, relax. The best thing we’re teaching children these days, especially the ones who have anxiety, is meditation,” Moser said.
As the “too much homework” debate continues, experts say to remember that you don’t have to be perfect.
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