Homework in 4th Grade

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Home : 2004 : July : 27

Homework in 4th Grade
By R Orofino

I have taught fourth grade for seven years. My policy for homework is:
Daily math assignment - practice from the day's lesson with one word problem. I give struggling students only five math problems; the rest get about
8 to 10 problems depending on the complexity.
Independent reading for 20 to 30 minutes every day. Students usually have a strategy to practice and use sticky notes to prove reading. This gets checked during independent reading time in the during class. It takes less time when the students are working in book clubs - they tell on each other.
Science and Social Studies: One project

a month for one or the other.

I check Math homework during Math by asking if anyone had a problem with the homework. All students must have the homework out. This way I know who did or did not do homework. They give up recess time to do the assignment.

I usually don't have a problem with homework. The parents and students understand the need for Independent Reading and to Practice Math.

This year we are beginning a new spelling program, so I will have to work in spelling practice. However, experience has taught me to first directly teach the students how to study spelling to cut down on cramming before a test and promote long term memory skills. They should only practice about 3 or 4 words they do not know nightly. So, this should only take about five minutes or so.