The idea of scrapping homework is more for the benefit of parents than children.
That's according to Newstalk Breakfast host Ciara Kelly, who was speaking as a curriculum change could include a focus on foreign languages, science, technology and engineering.
A new framework is set to be published soon by Education Minister Norma Foley, in what will be the biggest reform in 25 years.
Ciara said any move away from homework would be a mistake.
"We're doing it to satisfy parents.' Is it time to scrap homework for primary school students? Ciara Kelly doesn't think so. @NTBreakfast pic.twitter.com/69yA5MQcR9
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) March 6, 2023
"I really feel strongly that we are making a mistake with homework," she said.
"I think for many kids, homework is the only responsibility that they have.
"I think giving children age-appropriate challenges breeds resilience, breeds confidence, breeds strength.
"I also think homework is useful for three things: one is revision".
A young boy doing his homework at home. Picture by: dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock PhotoCiara said this trains your brain to remember things.
"You learn something in school, you come back to it a little bit later on and it cements that knowledge in your head," she said.
"For things that you don't have time to practice, like long division, multiplication or those types of processed-based things.
"Music, maths, those things.
"But the most important thing, the strongest association with positive academic outcomes is a love of reading.
"There are children in this country, if we do away with homework, that will never read a book.
"Their homes are not set up like that - we are taking that from them, that is a mistake".
'Helicopter parents'
Ciara said this is not about children, but about 'helicopter parents'.
"We're getting rid of homework because parents find it stressful," she said.
"Modern, helicopter parents do their kids homework with them, and practically for them, and they find it a stressful flashpoint in their day.
"We're getting rid of it to satisfy parents so they don't have to do it.
"We are throwing out babies with bathwater - it is a terrible idea.
"Leave the kids to do their homework like you used to in the old days; it's a matter between them and their teachers.
"Let the teachers correct it, there's no stress, there's no flashpoint - and let kids be kids... by giving them age-appropriate, kid-related tasks that educate them and support their learning," she added.
