Homework Explained

Want to know about my view on homework? Aside from daily reading, I do not assign much homework, but when I do, it has purpose.

The purpose of the homework is two-fold: extra practice on tricky concepts and becoming more responsible citizens. A student must be responsible enough to not only complete their homework, but also responsible enough to turn it in. But when should they turn it in?

My expectation is homework should be returned the following day unless stated otherwise. I know kids are busy in the evening with extracurricular activities, and I encourage that involvement! That  is why I do not assign homework often. Students that do not have time to finish their homework at home may finish it before the start of school bell at 8:20 or during their recess time. There simply isn't enough time in our jam-packed day to do homework at school. And that is kind of the opposite of HOMEwork, anyway.

At home, you can give your child as much or as little help as needed as they complete their homework. I will only take a completion grade on homework which will later be reflected on the Work Habits part of our report card.

Another important comment I should make about homework: I do not send home homework ahead of time. Homework should be a reflection and expansion on something done in class. Not new information. If I haven't taught it yet, I do not expect kids to do homework on it yet. If I send home a sheet on adding three digit numbers in a packet on Monday, but we spend more time than planned on another concept and don't even get to three digit numbers in class, then the homework isn't truly extra practice on something we've learned. My schedule and plans are flexible to go with the learning flow of the students. Assigning homework before the week doesn't work for us.

Thank you.