Originally Posted by BeckyC
Please read my original question --- I do require my DD to complete the required assignments. I was asking if you require your kids to do the optional work - the busy work. To me, that is just a waste of time.

In our case, the required work is usually the "busy work." The optional stuff is usually where there are opportunities for creativity and exploration. So yes, I have my kids do the optional things, too, like science fair projects, releasing trout in the lake last Saturday, writing a book for the Young Author's contest, doing art projects, writing book reports on what they've read, making a model of a California Mission as extra credit, etc.