RADIO AND HOMEWORK

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 25, 29 July 1939, Page 8

RADIO AND HOMEWORK

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —In his remarks on "Radio and Homework," Mr. Martyn Renner says "He is going to suggest to parents they should cut out their enjoyment, so his pupils can do their homework in quietness." He says "One criticism will come from the advocate of no homework." Well, here's one of those advocates who wishes she could rouse the parents to the harm that is being done to children in all work and no play at an age when they need extra care. We have got the 40-hour week for adults; why not agitate for a 30----hour week for the children? It is no use pointing out they assemble at 8.45 and are dismissed at 3.30. There is two hours of homework to be added, though most mothers will bear me out that it takes double that time..

How would father like to have to concentrate on a bit of extra bookkeeping while his favourite serial was being broadcast?

I say if they are really sincere in their efforts to help the children and homework has to. be done, let them all have equal quietness by allowing them the use of the classrooms for an extra hour. That would also relieve them of the burden of carrying those heavy books to and from school. Another point: most mothers like their children to take up at least one art besides their school . work, but what chance have these teachers got if their" pupils' time is all marked out with their other school work? Will the college boards give a thought in that direction?—l am, etc.,

C. MacGLASHEN SMITH.