It is sound educational practice to develop good study habits by encouraging children to take upon themselves school-assigned responsibilities at home at an early age. It is equally important to make each school-assigned home responsibility an effective part of the child's learning program.
Homework should be:
.. an outgrowth of and preparation for class activities
.. an opportunity to build work habits
.. a vehicle to develop and reinforce skill
.. a child's responsibility
Parents often wonder whether they should help their children with homework. Children should be encouraged to begin an assignment and to complete as much of it alone as possible. However, many assignments which seemed clear in the classroom reveal hidden difficulties once the child is on his/her own, and herein lies much of the value of homework. Anything a parent can do to explain, discuss, or remove confusion is heartily encouraged. In addition, the fact that a child's parents find his/her work important, interesting, and worth sharing will enhance the child's own respect for his/her school work - homework or otherwise.
The amount of time a child spends on homework will vary considerably. Some children work fast, others slowly; some are conscientious, others less so; some do their homework at free moments during school time, others do not; some budget their time so that long-term assignments are painless, even fun - others wait until the last minute and cause family chaos.
When assignments are made, teachers will consider the total amount of homework for which the child is responsible.
From Kindergarten through Grade Two teachers assign homework as conditions warrant. In Grades Three through Five homework is assigned on a routine basis. Some assignments are given nightly and others are of a long-term nature. The following is a general estimate of time allotment for homework:
Grade Three - 30 min./day Grade Four - 45 min./day Grade Five -60 min./day
When homework is assigned, deadlines are expected to be met; however, latitude for extension must remain with the teacher in consideration of extenuating circumstances. Consequences for incomplete homework assignments are left to the teacher's discretion.
The students should receive feedback on assignments, be it by teacher correction, student correction, discussion, etc.
Parents and Homework
Parents can help begin to train and develop independence and responsibility in their child or children concerning homework by:
.. providing a specific place to do homework that is quiet, has enough work space, and has proper
light for good vision
.. supervising and scheduling specific time for homework to be done
.. asking to see completed homework
.. being sure your child brings his/her homework and books back to school each morning
.. informing the teacher when your child does not understand assignments or cannot do the work
.. showing interest in your child's homework and other school experiences
.. talking with, listening to, and doing things with your child
.. avoiding comparing your child with other children
.. letting your child know you care about his/her success
.. informing the school that another language other than English is spoken at home
