Learn English meaning of ‘no-homework policies’

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

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• manage one’s time
• on the fence
• basics
• family time

• policy
• kid
• come to think of it
• dread

• math
• give something a shot

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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Children learn in many different ways. In the US, it is often normal for a kid to have homework to do after school. Homework is supposed to help children with managing their time. They can decide when to do homework and how much to do. However, many people are on the fence about the value of homework. They think there are other ways for kids to learn the basics.

Some schools are beginning to use no-homework policies. The idea is that kids will be able to enjoy more family time with their parents and siblings. During family time, children learn a lot. For example, they might read, cook, or play games during this time. Many people think that these experiences are much more valuable than homework.

Dominique loves the idea of a no-homework policy. Find out if she can make Andy change his opinion in today’s English lesson.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Dominique

Andy_H

Dominique:  My little cousin goes to school where they have a no-homework policy.

Andy_H:  No-homework policy?

Dominique:  How amazing is that?

Andy_H:  Whoa, whoa… Hold on! Your cousin doesn’t get homework?

Dominique:  No! None.

Andy_H:  Doesn’t that worry you?

Dominique:  Not at all. I mean, the teacher’s in there to teach the kid while they’re in the classroom. So, if they’re not at home, who’s teaching them?

Andy_H:  Well… true, but isn’t a part of homework to learn the basics of having some kind of benefit from managing their time and also their ability to work on their own. I don’t know… I think I’m a little on the fence on this one.

Dominique:  What?! Imagine going to a university and not having any homework. I mean…

Andy_H:  OK, that would have been nice in a university. Does it help with family time?

Dominique:  Yeah! I mean, you come home. You get to have family time with your child and not have to worry about homework. As a parent, who wants to do homework? I don’t.

Andy_H:  You know, come to think of it, I don’t either.

Dominique:  I graduated a long time ago. No thank you!

Andy_H:  And I do dread having to try to teach my son math. I am not good at math.

Dominique:  Yeah, me neither.

Andy_H:  OK, well, no homework… let’s give it a shot.

 

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