This retired elementary school teacher has always hated homework. The kids who already understand the task are bored, the kids who need a little extra practice should get it with the teacher around and the kids who are confused or unable to complete the task feel defeated before they begin. I have never felt that I learned anything new about my students through homework either. I finally, learned to explain to parents that "homework is not a muscle." I sometimes gave homework that engaged the parents; "ask your parent about a favorite memory of third grade" or "talk to a grownup about a family recipe and share with the class tomorrow."