Educators!
I am the author/illustrator of a book for kids entitled WordPlay Cafe, which is being billed as one of the most well-disguised vocabulary builders to come along in a while. In the book, one of the tenets I preach is that, if a word has too much power (or in this case, negativity—eg., homework), then just change it. Call it paper-surfing, or pencil bending, or even domework (as in "work for your head"). Do anything to approach it differently. You'll be surprised at what a difference it can make.
And while you're at it, ask your students to illustrate the occasional 2-paragraph theme you've assigned. I guarantee they will remember it!
-michael kline