Why is my back aching?

When I greet students in the morning as they arrive to school I am sometimes concerned by the image of small middle schooler struggling under the weight of their backpack, laptop, and periodically a musical instrument. I am very pleased to say that I have seen this image less and less as our students have become more adept at utilizing their locker space, and are becoming more organized with their homework and co-curricular activities.

The following article highlights that this is a global concern, and that it certainly is an issue that educators must consider:

Lockers to be made a must in schools

This is also supported in Cathy Vatterott's book, "Rethinking Homework" when she quotes recent research claiming that a student's backpack should not exceed 10% or 15% (depending on the research) of the child's body weight. (2009, p. 23)

A holistic education does not just focus on academic development, but also social, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. To truly deliver on the promise of a holistic education we need to consider how much we are asking our students to carry from one class to the next, and from school to home and back again each day.

Vatterott, Cathy (2009) Rethinking Homework: Best practices that support diverse needs. ASCD: Virginia