Dear Parents and Students,
Recently, I have been on the hunt for a more meaningful and authentic way to assign homework. Too often homework becomes busy work used to meet the expectation that students will have something, anything to complete at home throughout the school year. In my opinion this is not a productive use of anyone’s time. While I strive to assign homework that is both appropriate and important, I have found that my delivery is not as effective as it could be.
As I attempt to grow and evolve as a teacher, I consistently seek feedback from my colleagues, parents and students alike. One thing that has become clear through my conversations is that homework, while it is a tool to be used for review, practice and preparation, can be more impactful. Combining this with the new expectations set forth in the Common Core State Standards, I have decided to make some changes.
First, for math we will be using an on-line program called XtraMath. This program, with which many of you may be familiar, is designed to improve fluency and automaticity. Doing this will allow students to spend less energy and time on solving facts when they should be focused on higher level thinking and problem solving. Each student has an individual account and an access pin so they can proceed at their own pace. The expectation is that this is being done 2-3 nights per week, and there may occasionally be supplemental assignments coming home to support our in class learning.
Next, you will see a week’s worth of homework coming home on Mondays. This homework will tie in reading, writing and content area (science and social studies) skills. Many times I will present students with an article or short passage to read (and re-read) throughout the week with accompanying assignments. The assignments are not due until Friday morning and can be done at the students’ pace. I do not expect to see assignments coming in on Tuesday morning, but a busy or ambitious student may turn in the assignments on Wednesday or Thursday.
Hopefully this clarifies my expectations for homework. Also, I hope knowing in advance what is expected of the students will help everyone with organization.
Thanks!
Mr. Perreault
Recently, I have been on the hunt for a more meaningful and authentic way to assign homework. Too often homework becomes busy work used to meet the expectation that students will have something, anything to complete at home throughout the school year. In my opinion this is not a productive use of anyone’s time. While I strive to assign homework that is both appropriate and important, I have found that my delivery is not as effective as it could be.
As I attempt to grow and evolve as a teacher, I consistently seek feedback from my colleagues, parents and students alike. One thing that has become clear through my conversations is that homework, while it is a tool to be used for review, practice and preparation, can be more impactful. Combining this with the new expectations set forth in the Common Core State Standards, I have decided to make some changes.
First, for math we will be using an on-line program called XtraMath. This program, with which many of you may be familiar, is designed to improve fluency and automaticity. Doing this will allow students to spend less energy and time on solving facts when they should be focused on higher level thinking and problem solving. Each student has an individual account and an access pin so they can proceed at their own pace. The expectation is that this is being done 2-3 nights per week, and there may occasionally be supplemental assignments coming home to support our in class learning.
Next, you will see a week’s worth of homework coming home on Mondays. This homework will tie in reading, writing and content area (science and social studies) skills. Many times I will present students with an article or short passage to read (and re-read) throughout the week with accompanying assignments. The assignments are not due until Friday morning and can be done at the students’ pace. I do not expect to see assignments coming in on Tuesday morning, but a busy or ambitious student may turn in the assignments on Wednesday or Thursday.
Hopefully this clarifies my expectations for homework. Also, I hope knowing in advance what is expected of the students will help everyone with organization.
Thanks!
Mr. Perreault