I typically assign homework every night from Monday through Thursday in both ELA and social studies. While homework accounts for ten percent of a student's overall grade, it does make a huge difference in how well a student fares in class. For that reason, it is expected that homework be completed each night and will be graded for completeness and student preparedness.
The homework I assign is used to prepare students for the next day's classroom activities. Students are expected to read, write, question, brainstorm, respond to, infer, research, make connections, comprehend, clarify, and be ready to share their findings with our class. Homework prepares students for the daily tasks and empowers them to confidently engage with their fellow classmates, therefore, it is imperative that students complete any and all homework nightly. Students who do not complete their homework assignments fall behind their peers and begin to feel defeated.
I promise to keep homework to roughly 20 minutes per subject give or take. There will be nights where there will be no homework in social studies, but a bit more in ELA and vice versa. I always ask parents to give me until November 1 to work with your child before asking for modification, as getting used to a new routine does take time and patience. If after November 1 your child is still struggling, we can arrange a meeting to discuss strategies and possible modifications that can assist them. But, I honestly ask that every child be given the opportunity to grow independently and put forth an honest effort nightly. Any missing homework will be sent home on a Friday and expected to be completed over the weekend for partial credit. Together, we need to hold our learner accountable in order to make them career and college ready. I ask parents and guardians for your support as together, we help to foster independence, which is a gift in and of itself.