Homework policy

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Homework policy
By Debbie

Hi all,
First, I'd check with your district and the state department to see if there are set guidelines for homework assignments. Our district has set up minimal times for such at each grade level.
I too have homework
folders, which I send on Monday afternoon and they're responsible to have these in on Friday mornings (gives me the weekend to decide on activities, and look over everything) The parents like this arrangement, because they can plan their week so everything gets done by Friday and they can choose when there's time.
Assignments might include:
Reading every evening (parents sign

off on a log sheet included)
Literature response
Spelling-word work possibilities are abundant in Word Matters, Guiding Readers and Writers, or any of Cunningham's books
Math-strategy games, practice problems, etc.
Writing-list topics for topic list, research, prewriting-web, drawing, etc. to use in class
Content areas-gather information for projects thru interviews, internet, or other sources
Homework is meant to be things that are reinforced through practice at home, and may need to be individualized. Parents are there to support, but not teach.
Homework is an expectation, and they are expected to complete it...seems that when they don't, it's usually due to: lack of time to complete it (busy families, extra curricular activities, etc.), didn't really understand the lesson so they aren't able to complete it, no support/supervision, or a choice not to. If my kids don't complete their work in a timely fashion, maybe they're holding up a literature conversation, etc., I usually have them stay in after lunch to complete this. Another time that I've used is during 'Kids Time' (where they can work on something of their choice).
Hope this helps. Post again or email, if you'd like additional information... ;-D