203 Homework Policy
After much research and experience with teaching 3rd grade students, I have concluded that the best homework strategy for students in the lower grades is to give suggested at-home activities, but not require them.
In previous years, I have tried making homework more flexible for families, and have significantly reduced the amount of homework I required students to turn in. I received lots of positive feedback from families who appreciated a more flexible and less strenuous homework schedule because it made home life with their children more productive and enjoyable for all.
There are also studies that have been conducted and widely discussed in the last few years that have come to the conclusion that most homework does not have a positive effect on student achievement in the lower grades. (See: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar07/vol64/num06/The-Case-For-and-Against-Homework.aspx)
Because of my experience and these wide-reaching studies, I will be sending home a schedule of suggested work that students and families can do together at home each week, but I will not be collecting homework. The suggested homework will give opportunities to practice skills taught in class that day. If you are concerned that your child needs extra help with topics covered in class, you may send completed homework to school and have your child give it to me. I will then review it and find a time to review certain concepts if I think it's necessary.
I will also have links to suggested extra practice and resources on our class website if you would like your child to get additional practice or an extra challenge.
If your child has work that was not completed in class, sometimes I will send that work home to be completed. This work WILL be collected.
In previous years, I have tried making homework more flexible for families, and have significantly reduced the amount of homework I required students to turn in. I received lots of positive feedback from families who appreciated a more flexible and less strenuous homework schedule because it made home life with their children more productive and enjoyable for all.
There are also studies that have been conducted and widely discussed in the last few years that have come to the conclusion that most homework does not have a positive effect on student achievement in the lower grades. (See: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar07/vol64/num06/The-Case-For-and-Against-Homework.aspx)
Because of my experience and these wide-reaching studies, I will be sending home a schedule of suggested work that students and families can do together at home each week, but I will not be collecting homework. The suggested homework will give opportunities to practice skills taught in class that day. If you are concerned that your child needs extra help with topics covered in class, you may send completed homework to school and have your child give it to me. I will then review it and find a time to review certain concepts if I think it's necessary.
I will also have links to suggested extra practice and resources on our class website if you would like your child to get additional practice or an extra challenge.
If your child has work that was not completed in class, sometimes I will send that work home to be completed. This work WILL be collected.
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