Parents Furious After Six-Year-Old's Handwriting Homework Asks: 'What P***** You Off'

6-Year-Old's Handwriting Homework Asks: 'What P***** You Off'
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Parents have criticised a primary school after six-year-old pupils were given homework asking them to write about "what p****s them off".

Bishop King Primary School, in Lincoln, set the piece of work for their Year 2 class as part of a handwriting exercise.

Jay McCulley, 30, and Jade Dixon, 28, said they were "gobsmacked" when their son Mason McCulley came home from school with the swear word on his exercise sheet.

McCulley said: "It was shocking. Their teacher has clearly just printed it off the internet and didn't even check it through."

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Parents also criticised the homework's American spelling of words

The "handwriting challenge", which asked kids to complete 25 different tasks, was set to the entire class of 40.

Parents criticised teachers for setting the "clearly American" piece of work that also instructed children to write their "favorite number" and "the color of their shirt".

Other bizarre requests asked "Handwrite what pumps you up", "Handwrite something in cursive" and "Handwrite your reason for liking Harry Potter or Twilight better".

McCulley, a courier driver from Lincoln, said: "Mason came back last week and luckily I picked out his homework before giving it to him.

"I took it straight off him and called up the school the next day.

"You'd have thought a primary school teacher would check through their work before handing it out to six-year-olds.

"The headteacher sent out a letter apologising, but she hasn't said anything in person.

"All the other parents are outraged. We're lucky that Mason didn't see it, but some of their kids have. He's been asking lots of questions, but we can't say anything."

McCulley said all the parents were at a school play on 8 December, but when the headteacher gave a speech at the end she didn't apologise for the homework.

He added: "People are pretty outraged. It's just lazy work from the teacher really."

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Mason (right) with his mum and dad

Full-time mum Dixon added: "I think it is disgusting and does not set the children a good example at all.

"I am angry knowing I have to leave my kids there for six hours - it makes you wonder what other mistakes they are making.

"Mason feels it's all his fault because it was his homework. Some parents think it's funny, but most of us are shocked. This is about our kids' welfare.

"The school are making us feel like we're the bad parents - they don't see that we're protecting our kids.

"It's not just a silly bit of homework. Twilight is rated a 12, Mason doesn't even know what Twilight is."

Another angry parent, who did not wish to be named, said her young daughter asked her: "Mummy what does p****s mean?"

She added: "I nearly fell off my seat. I am absolutely appalled the teacher could not be bothered to even read the work she was setting them.

"Not only is it teaching them how to swear, it's teaching them how to spell incorrectly. It is a joke."

In a letter sent out to parents, head teacher Kate Rouse, admitted the school had failed to check the homework before it was sent out.

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The head teacher admitted the document was "not appropriate"

Rouse said: "It is with deep regret, that a piece of homework was given to the children of Oak class last Thursday in error.

"We acknowledge that this document was not appropriate to be given to the children and I apologise for any distress caused.

"We always endeavour to check all documents, however failed on this occasion.

"We hope you understand this was not intentional and accept our apology.

"If you would like to discuss it further please make an appointment to see me at a convenient time."

A spokesperson for the school added: "It is a very unfortunate incident and we are very sorry.

"This was not intentional and letters have been sent to parents to explain and apologise."

Parents Cliffs' Notes: The Best Homework Helpers For Kids
Create a good homework space(01 of09)
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Many of us were used to doing our homework at the kitchen table while our parents cooked dinner, but kids can really benefit from having a quiet, separate space to do their homework, away from the distractions of the TV, electronic devices and siblings. This space should be inviting, free of clutter and stocked with all the supplies they’ll need to complete their work. Check out these tips for creating a great homework space. (credit:Getty Images)
The Internet can help!(02 of09)
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To parents, the Internet seems like a huge, overwhelming mess of distractions, inappropriate content and, well, trouble for children. But when it comes to learning, there are so many great resources out there for kids that will help them get ahead at school while keeping them entertained and engaged. Sites like National Geographic Kids offer information that is fun and reliable. (credit:Getty Images)
Set a standard time(03 of09)
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Kids thrive with routine, so make homework time a part of their everyday schedule by setting aside a certain timeframe each weekday for them to complete homework. Find a time that works for your family, such as after school but before dinner. If they don’t have any homework, don’t let them slack completely. Use this time productively -- ask them to get ahead on their reading list or play a learning-oriented game together. (credit:Getty Images)
Go over things together(04 of09)
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If your child is feeling overwhelmed with homework, go over their assignments with them and help them prioritize and organize their assignments. Creating a to-do list for them might even be helpful. (credit:Getty Images)
But don’t be too available(05 of09)
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Parenting Magazine suggests that as your child grows older, you spend less and less time with them on their homework. This teaches them to work through their own problems before they seek help. (credit:Getty Images)
When you do help them, lead by example(06 of09)
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When your child has trouble finding a solution to a homework problem, resist the temptation to blurt out the answer. Instead, WebMD suggests you show your child the way to find the answer for him or herself using resources and information available. It’s just like that old “teach a man to fish” analogy -- you’re teaching your kids to be self-sufficient learners, and they’ll take that lesson with them throughout life. (credit:Getty Images)
Make it fun whenever possible(07 of09)
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For most kids, sitting at a desk alone learning long-division sounds about as fun as letting their little sister yank on their hair while helping grandma clip her toenails. Try to find ways to make homework assignments more exciting, such as hosting a study group with your child’s friends, or making math problems into a game with food or toys. (credit:Getty Images)
Encourage them(08 of09)
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Get to know what’s going on in your child’s school schedule -- ask them when the next test is, for instance -- and follow-up on things. Give them praise and encouragement when they need it, and help them understand what went wrong when they do poorly. Kids are much more likely to keep up with their schoolwork when they know you’re involved with their progress. (credit:Getty Images)
Ask for help if you need it(09 of09)
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If your child isn’t doing well in school, don’t be afraid to ask teachers, other parents or even professionals for help. Maybe the solution is simple, such as needing new reading glasses, or maybe it’s something more complex. Don’t be afraid to reach out. (credit:Getty Images)