Homework+Policy

Students will have homework everyday of the week! I try to keep homework to a minimum on the weekend by only assigning their nightly reading and multiplication fact practice.

__Reading__ Nightly reading is an important aspect of your child's reading in order for them to grow as learners. They will be required to record 20 minutes of reading in their planners or on a calendar. Students must obtain a parent signature for verification. Not only is the timed reading a part of their grade, students will also be required to take a weekly Accelerated Reader quiz on the book they chose from the library that week. The book should be on their individual reading level and one that they can finish within a week.

__Multiplication__ Students will also be tested weekly on multiplication facts and should have them memorized by November for more ease with the math curriculum. There are many new math concepts that 4th graders are going to learn and multiplication is an essential skill. Students can practice multiplication using flashcards, whiteboards, or even multiplication.com.

__Math Homework Pages__ As a part of our school wide advancement in technology in education, students will have the opportunity to retrieve their homework online. My class last year was the first class to participate in this program and they found online homework retrieval fun and more individualized. Basically, students log on to their math account at www.pearsonsuccessnet.com, click on the homework link, take a quiz (which levels their homework), and then they either print it out or record their answers onto a sheet of paper. Students without access to the internet can use the school computers either after school or during the first part of recess. My goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible. If you have questions or concerns about this process, I am more than happy to help you figure out a game plan to make this work for you and your family.

__Other__ Spelling lists will //not// be sent home. Students will have at least one spelling practice page during the week to practice skills. (Refer to the Spelling section for more information) Students may receive homework in science, writing, literacy, or social studies.

__Planners__ Students should write their homework down in their planner at the end of the school day. __Planners must be signed by the parent on a nightly basis.__ This is so I now you that that your child has homework. This is also so I know that you child has fulfilled their reading time and has completed their homework assignments. Since a parent signature is a requirement, points may be taken off of homework assignments if there is no parent signature. Homework assignments will be checked in the morning. Students who have completed the assignments will receive full credit for quality work. Homework is meant to be practice for skills they are learning in school and I do not want students worrying about their grades if they are struggling on their homework. I would like my students to attempt homework even if they find it difficult. You are welcome to write a note in your child's planner if you feel as if they are having difficulty with an assignment.

Students who do not attempt their homework will still be required to complete the work either during recess or at home on their own time. Until incomplete homework is complete, students will receive a grade of a zero. Students who do not practice skills by completing homework tend to fall behind in academic areas. As I have already stated, homework is the student's responsibility and their grade may be affected negatively if they choose not to do their homework.