Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, Principal of Van Canh Secondary School (Hanoi), believes that the debate over whether to assign Tet homework will likely never end as opinions remain divided. The core issue is how to assign Tet tasks so that students can truly rest without disrupting their learning momentum.

"Reality shows that assigning a lot of homework creates pressure, makes Tet lose its meaning, and leaves both students and parents exhausted. However, if we 'let it go completely' without any educational orientation during the break, the learning rhythm is easily broken, and many students forget knowledge, especially final-year students or those with average or weak academic standing," said Dung.

To allow children to rest without disconnecting from learning, teachers can shift from mandatory assignments to soft tasks. For example, they can request students to write a Tet diary, read books and share reflections, or review old knowledge. 

Depending on the group of students, teachers can encourage experiential learning, applying knowledge from Literature, History, Geography, Civic Education, or STEM activities into practice. 

Students can be assigned projects based on observing customs, traditions, and family lifestyles to report and share after Tet, without the pressure of formal grading or testing. Tet homework should not be a "burden" but rather a "soft thread" that maintains the continuity of learning, helping students return to school with a light and positive mindset.

Nguyen Cao Cuong, Principal of Thai Thinh Secondary School (Hanoi), suggests that instead of assigning homework, teachers assign tasks.

"Tet is an occasion for students to rest and reunite with their families. After an entire semester with many academic and educational activities, children need cozy time with loved ones when Tet and Spring arrive. This is also an opportunity for students to experience traditional Tet activities. Teachers should not assign so much homework that children have to work continuously during the break or rush to complete it just before or after Tet," Cuong said.

He said assigning too much homework is also inconsistent with student psychology. Instead, teachers can assign experiential tasks, such as researching Tet customs or participating in holiday preparations with the family. Additionally, teachers can assign light academic tasks, such as tidying up the study corner or reviewing subject knowledge during the first week.

Cuong also noted that teachers should have discussions with students before the break to educate and remind them about traffic safety and food hygiene. 

"Teachers can also educate students to practice beautiful social etiquette during Tet, such as greetings, giving Tet wishes, or performing good deeds at the start of the year. From there, they can preserve fine traditions," Cuong added.

Letting students enjoy the atmosphere of reunion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Nam, Vice Rector of the University of Education - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, believes that holidays like the traditional Tet should be a time to slow down the pace of life and enjoy the atmosphere of reunion.

"This is not a time to plan for work against deadlines because it will create double the pressure. However, it is still advisable to maintain thinking and learning habits at a gentle level," Nam said.

Nam suggests that students spend about 20-30 minutes each day reviewing old lessons, notes, formulas, or vocabulary already learned. More importantly, autonomy should be given to students so they can schedule their own time and choose study moments that fit their family's activities.

“The core value lies in self-management capacity. When children learn to balance rest and routine, they not only maintain knowledge but also develop essential life skills: caring for themselves, respecting time, and understanding that learning is a long journey, not a sprint.

“Tet is a time for the brain to consolidate what has been learned, not to cram in more. It is an opportunity for students to practice time-management skills and balance responsibility with rest. Let children rest and enjoy Tet in a smart way,” Nam said.

Thanh Hung