Wow Loni, I say that much is too much. My son (now in third grade) had to do one essay/research paper last year. It was pretty extensive, but it was his end of the year project and they spent the last quarter working on it. I'm not sure churning out essays that fast in second grade really helps with the complete writing process (prewriting, ordering ideas, editing, etc.)
I have to give our school props in this department. In third grade each night my son has; 1 worksheet (either math or English and takes 5-15 minutes), 20 minutes reading and then usually something that involves discussion with us regarding something they are studying like, "Tell your parents three differences between a fruit and a vegetable." Those are fun and usually become part of dinner conversation.
I think they have found a good balance.
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