homework

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homework
By JES

I would like to add a comple of comments. In my first response, I was merely replying to the "keep in or not" question. As far as believing in homework, I really don't assign homework. If assignments done in class are
not completed, then they may need to be completed at home -- we call this homework. Lots of times -- if most students are not finished -- I'll say everyone can have another day in class before that assignment becomes homework. I give students every opportunity at school to get things done. Our district does not have a "homework policy." I do have one on-going assignment. Students

read 20 minutes/per weeknight, and parents sign planners indicating the reading was done.

So, I really don't believe in homework -- as a teacher or a parent. I also believe every student needs to have recess -- especially an active child who could become a behavior problem without this outlet. I never just keep a student in for recess to complete assignments without talking with the student and giving her/him a chance to correct the problem. If the problem persists, then I still don't use recess as a work period without speaking to parents. All of you who've responded are invested in education and willing and able to see that assignments are done in a timely fashion. All parents are not as able or as willing. Some parents are so consumed with daily survival that homework is way low on their list of priorities. I've had parents tell me to send all unfinished work home, and they'd see that it was done and turned in. I've also had parents tell me to keep their child in because doing the work at home is so painful and such a hassle. My students know when they are in for their 15 minute 4th grade recess to do "homework," it's because I don't want them to get behind -- not to punish them. They also know that they will be able to go out for their 15 minute lunch recess. Communication with the student and the parents is the real key.