A Homework-Free Christmas: The Gift Students Deserve
With Christmas just around the corner, the festive frenzy is easy to spot. Amid dazzling decorations and captivating window displays, everyone is eagerly anticipating spending time with loved ones. But here’s the million-dollar question: should Christmas homework set a barrier to this joyful anticipation?
The Benefits of Revision
Technically, students are given two weeks to rest and enjoy their holiday. Many argue that this timeframe should be partly dedicated to revision—focusing on weaknesses or practicing already taught material. Undoubtedly, revision is a cornerstone of academic success, as it helps consolidate memory and reinforce learning.
Research by Dunlosky et al. (2013) highlights that “practice testing and distributed practice” significantly enhance learning and long-term retention across various educational contexts and age groups. Revisiting past material increases comprehension, ensuring students can effectively incorporate knowledge into their oral and written interactions.
Consequently, most educators agree that revision worksheets are beneficial and should be assigned during the Christmas break. However, there’s a critical factor that often gets overlooked but should always be a top priority: students’ mental well-being.
Prioritizing Mental Health
It’s no coincidence that both students and educators are given a two-week break during Christmas. Besides its cultural, religious, and historical significance, this holiday serves as a much-needed period of rest and recovery. A mid-year break is essential for improving mental health, fostering productivity, and recharging without losing academic momentum.
Dr. Cathy Vatterott, in her book “Rethinking Homework: Best Practices That Support Diverse Needs”, emphasizes that homework should be purposeful, not mindless busywork. Christmas is a time to disconnect from academic goals and focus on emotional and social development. This connection happens through family traditions and spending time with friends, not by isolating oneself in a room doing assignments.
Adopting a balanced approach to homework respects students’ personal time. Moreover, imposing too much revision during the holidays can backfire, leaving learners unmotivated and disengaged. It’s not surprising that mistakes often occur when students return with assignments completed under pressure.
A Better Approach
What should teachers do? Deciding whether or not to assign Christmas homework is a complex question. For most students, the ideal answer is “no,” for the reasons mentioned above. However, exceptions exist—for instance, when a student struggles with certain topics or is preparing for important exams. Even then, any assigned tasks should be moderate and clearly explained, so students see their value and feel motivated to complete them.
While this is a topic open to debate, the guiding principle is clear: Christmas should be a joyful time for everyone. So, let’s embrace the holiday spirit and make this Christmas carefree for students, educators, and families alike.
