A note about homework

So far this year, we haven't had a lot of homework so we haven't worried too much about the hows and the whys of homework in our class discussions.  In grade 4/5R there are two main categories of homework so far: 1) work that needs to be finished up at home and 2) a small task that needs to be done by everyone (usually something that takes no more than 10 minutes).  We will have bigger project and week-long tasks that will likely be added into the mix when the time is right, but for now we don't have those types of homework.

Homework of the first type is usually a result of mismanaged time, but could also just be that the student needs a little more time to complete the work.  This could also be catch-up work in the case of an absence.  The timelines for this type of work can generally be negotiated unless the success of the next day depends on it being completed.  Generally if this is the case, I try to notify the specific parents, especially if the student expresses concern about his extra-curricular engagements getting in the way that day.

Homework of the second type is generally related to the instruction of the next day and is necessary to be completed in order to further the work at school.  Usually this type of "unplanned universal task" is not very long and can be quite flexible as to when and maybe in what way, or with what materials it is completed.  For example, yesterday's task was to write down 5 topics that would be good writing subjects for their writing time and to bring it to school.  We could have done this at school, but sometimes being in our own environment sparks a different type of creativity.

As there were a considerable number of people who did not finish this task last night, tonight everyone has another "universal task".  This is to sit down with their respective parent(s) and map out a plan in the case of homework.  Maybe homework is done in a special spot.  Or maybe there is a little homework bag in the car (with a pad of paper and a couple pencils).  Maybe it is done before dinner or maybe it is on the way to piano lessons.  Or in between dance classes.  Each person's schedule dictates how that is going to look and it needs to be something that both the parents and the student are aware of.   Please do have this conversation.  Students have been asked to bring their agendas signed to show that they have indeed made this plan with their parents.

If homework is not mentioned in the blog, it will be written in the agenda.  Remember that homework is specific to each person and the agendas are their place to record things to do, goals, plans and events.  While they do get help with this, they are also expected to become increasingly independent as time goes on :)

Hope this clarifies this aspect of school life.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do contact me!  I have found that students often need some help from the "home front" to identify "openings" in their after-school schedule which could be used for homework.  Part of becoming older and more responsible is putting first things first and planning with the end in mind.  Yep, you saw it coming...Habit 2 and 3 of the 7 Habits!