I agree with you, BeckyC. I think we have to support the teacher, but if the homework assigned is generally pointless and soul-killing (and certainly so if it's optional!), making the child do it isn't always the best choice. That just teaches the child that BOTH teacher and parent are unreasonable.

Ahh, reasons we chose to homeschool...Now when he gets homework, I know it has value, and so does he!

There are certainly times when busy work is a necessity. But I have a hard time thinking that schoolwork in elementary school is that time. FWIW...

Kriston