"Homework Excuses"

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Home : 2002 : August : 24

"Homework Excuses"
By Sharon

Eileen, Carolyn is absolutely correct. Don't stress yourself or your students out with a homework packet. After teaching 5 years I have realized that I am not going to 100% of the studnets to do all their homework. I make
it easy for myself and for them, but still have them parctice key strategies and comcepts that I have taught doing the day.
Like Carolyn, I give the my students 1 math, 1 reading, 1 writing and 1 other assigment nightly. it may sound like alot but it isn't. I usually try to tie my writing in with other subject areas. I praise all that have completed all assignments.
My studnets

were held accountable for any missing assignments. They had to write what homework was missing and why on a post it and place it on my table. This basically worked, becuase sometimes they have legitmate excuses.

However, I had a student that only completed homework 6 times during the whole year. I complained to everyone (adminstrators, his guardian, his foster care social workers). I even offered him incentives , but nothing worked. I soon realized that I could not stress myself or my other students out.

I am implementing a new program this year for all those students with homework excuses. I will have preprinted forms (6 forms on a 8.5 x 11 shet of paper) that they have to fill out with their excuse, and placed in a basket with a poster titled "Excuses Stop Here".

I hope this helps. If you would like a copy of the homework excuses sheet I'll be glad to send.

Sharon