The meaning of a break is a pause in an activity to allow time for relaxation. Homework over break doesn’t fit that definition. Teachers should not give homework over break because it gives students unneeded stress, it impinges upon students’ plans and it is unnecessary.
Students look forward to break because that means that they can relax without worries about school, but when a teacher or teachers assign homework, students are stressed out instead of relaxed. Instead of enjoying the holiday, students are worried about completing their assignments.
Any plans that a student may have had could be canceled, pushed back or rushed. And in the end, it translates into more work for everyone: The students have work to complete and the teachers have work to check and grade.
Students are likely to do any assigned homework the night before it is due or the morning it’s due. Although procrastination is the students’ fault, teachers could be understanding and not assign the work.
Even though more work could increase a student’s understanding of the lesson, it is work that could be done after students return from break. No homework over break is a win/win situation for all.