Why do I assign homework?

 

Homework helps develop the student's responsibility and provides an opportunity for the exercise of independent work and judgment. Homework is designed to review materials and to reinforce skills and materials taught in class, to prepare for an upcoming class topic, to extend or generalize concepts or skills learned from familiar to new situations and to offer opportunities for the student to integrate, extend, or creatively apply skills already learned.

 

When is homework assigned?

 

• Your child will be given two homework assignments daily, except on Friday. Homework will be assigned in these subject areas: Language Arts, Math, Science, or Social Studies. Your child is also asked to read for at least 15-20 minutes each night.

 

• If there is an assignment requiring your child to read, s/he may count that as part of the reading homework. If the reading is difficult, please give your child some support. The level of support will vary based on your child's reading ability. Encourage the use of highlighters and pencils to underline important information.

 

• On Mondays, a Monday Review will be handed out.

 

What is a Monday Review?

 

• The Monday Review is a collection of assignments and assessments that have been checked during the week. Your child will receive this packet on Monday It will come in two stapled packets--one packet stays at home, while the other is due on the upcoming Monday with your signature. 

 

• The packet that comes back to school on the upcoming Monday includes homework assignments that need corrections. Your child might not have any assignments to correct if s/he has made no errors with the previous week’s homework. 

 

• I will also accept the packet earlier if your child has made the corrections, if any, to the assignments in advance; however, please feel free to take the full week to review these assessments and assignments with your child. 

 

• The Monday Review also includes assessments that may have been taken throughout the week. These assessments do not require corrections, but we encourage you to review them with your child.

 

• Reviewing the assessments and assignments that are in the Monday Review is important. It can give you a sense as to how your child is progressing in third grade.

 

How will you know what your child has to do for homework?

 

I make every effort to check that your child has written down his or her homework in the agenda. Children who come to school tardy may miss this part of the day since it occurs as part of our morning routine; however, the assignments should still be in their homework folder.  

 

When is homework due?

 

All assignments should be turned in the next day except for the Monday Review packet, which will be turned in on Monday--a week from when it was received.

 

What is the student's homework responsibilities?

 

Your child is expected to do their best on their homework. I ask that it be done neatly in pencil with their name and number on the top.  

 

What responsibilities do you have as a parent with regards to homework?

 

• Parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for children; therefore, we ask that you make homework a top priority. Please provide necessary supplies, a quiet environment, and set a daily homework time.

 

• Your child might need help with remembering to read the directions, and perhaps understanding what to do.

 

• It would be very helpful to check your child's homework after completion to see that s/he:

• wrote his/her name and number

• understood and followed the directions when completing the assignment

• completed both sides (if applicable)

• placed the homework in her/his backpack

 

What should you do if you have a homework-related question?

 

If you have questions or comments about a homework assignment, please write it on the homework page or on the homework pad. If your child consistently struggles with the homework, please contact me via email or a note.

 

What are the consequences of missed or incomplete homework assignments?

 

• For missed or incomplete assignments, the student will complete an "Oops slip." The slip will be taken home that evening for a parent to sign. If your child misses homework repeatedly, we will contact you. I will also contact you if I notice that your child is not putting forth his or her best effort to complete it.

 

• If there is a legitimate reason why your child was not able to do her/his homework, please send me a note, since there are always exceptions to the rule. Please understand that being "too busy" with other extra-curricular activities does not constitute an excuse for homework.

 

• If your child forgets to take home his/her homework folder, please consider contacting other parents in the classroom to make copies of the homework.