Homework Policy

  I’m sure the children ask parents, “Do we have to have homework?” The answer to that question 
  is, “Yes, absolutely!” There are many good reasons for having homework. Here are a few:

      To help establish good study habits

      To develop a sense of responsibility

      To practice and reinforce concepts and skills

      To complete work not finished in class

      To make up work if you are absent

It is very important for the children to do their homework and hand it in the very next day. There are times we can get forgetful, or something unexpected comes up, and we may forget to bring our homework to school. Students will have a second chance to bring their homework in. If they forget a second time they will have to miss their playtime to complete it.

Homework will be kept in the S.T.A.R. Book so papers do not get crumpled and rumpled. Children must always have their name and date on homework papers. If an assignment is turned in sloppy it will not be accepted and it will have to be done over. Neatness is very, very, very important to me. There are many reasons for this:

      I spend a lot of time correcting papers and LOVE reading students’ work. Neatness makes this job easier for me.

      Being sloppy is a hard habit to break.

      You should ALWAYS do your PERSONAL BEST. This shows that you take great pride in what you do.

      If you DO IT NEATLY THE FIRST TIME, you will not have to do it again.
 

Homework Help Websites

Fact Monster

Homework Hints

      Prior to starting, ask your child if he/she understands the task.

  If your child is unclear, work through a small part together. Sometimes it helps to ask them
     to try to teach the concept to you.

  Write a note to the teacher if your child has great difficulty with the homework.

  Provide a special work space where homework can be completed. This shows that
     homework is a very important part of your child's education.

  Praise your child for doing a good job on his/her homework. Check to be sure it is neat.  
     Give encouragement, as well as comment about possible improvement, if needed.

Teacher Links

Students who are absent are required to make up any work that is missed on the day they were absent. I made a handy Absent Homework Form for this purpose. It helps to organize the missed work and provides a checklist for the student to keep track of what was completed. Graphics on this page are from D.J. Inkers.

The Homework Record Sheet is kept in the Homework Folder in each child's S.T.A.R. Book. Each time they bring in their homework they put the record sheet along with the assignment in the Homework Basket. I number the record sheet to correspond with the S.T.A.R. Book number. This makes it very easy to see if someone has not put their homework in the basket. There is a place on the sheet for comments from parents or me, as well as a column that notes On time, Late, or Incomplete. I use foil stars for on time homework. All children who bring in 10 on time homework assignments get to pick from the prize box, or partake in whatever reward we decide upon as a class.

I can be forgetful and I don't like to nag students about homework. If a child is late with their homework I simply put a reminder on their desk the next morning.