2. Blue School in New York City works to provide its
students with educational opportunities designed to
encourage creativity, community involvement, and
global perspective. By giving students in the NYC area
the opportunity to grow as people and pursue their
creative interests, educators build the foundation for
a life of curiosity and learning. Their approach to
teaching and learning is reflected across all aspects
of the curriculum, including homework.
Many schools might consider homework a
measurement of how rigorous their curriculum is, as
well as an opportunity to add to classroom learning.
3. However, a different approach is to use homework as
a way to practice what was already learned in class.
The focus might be on learning for fun, or exploring
the topics discussed in class in a self-directed way.
Blue School’s approach to homework and out-of-
class assignments is to consider after-school time as
an opportunity to pursue interests and be involved
with the community. Students need open-ended time
to unwind, explore, and play. Such activities are not a
waste of time. Instead, they provide students with
valuable opportunities to continue learning in
unstructured settings and build relationships with
family, friends, and the community.
