Why do fourth graders have homework?
There are several reasons I believe students should have homework periodically throughout their fourth grade year. First, it promotes good study habits and organizational skills. Students should gradually become accustomed to planning and scheduling their time so all needs, wants and obligations are satisfied. Second, homework reinforces questions and key concepts taught in the classroom through practice and/or enrichment activities. Third, homework reinforces our conviction that the responsibility of learning occurs at home and at school. It facilitates and encourages parent involvement.
What is fourth grade homework?
Homework can take a variety of forms. We expect fourth graders to read alone or with family members every night for about 30 minutes. The reading can be for pure enjoyment (fiction books, magazines, etc.) or in a content area if necessary. Other types of homework seen throughout the school year are:
1. Unfinished classwork from that day, as determined by the teacher.
2. Individualized practice/reinforcement to master key skills.
3. Periodic review of key skills/concepts.
4. Problem solving mathematics activities.
5. Projects that strengthen and extend the learning that occurs throughout a thematic cycle.
6. Enrichment activities that facilitate connections betweeen school and real-life experiences.
What happens to/with homework?
If incomplete classwork is assigned as homework, it should be done and returned the following morning. If not done or not done satisfactorily, and no note is sent from home, the teacher will determine the consequence. It may include redoing the work in class or taking it home again with a note by the teacher. Homework assigned as practice or reinforcement is always reviewed by the teacher and occasionally assessed. The homework grade is compiled by completion not accuracy. For example, if your child completes 5/5 assignments that equals 100%; 4/5 = 80% and so on. Most importantly, homework helps us monitor students' progress and identify any "gaps" in their comprehension. It enables me to flexibly group students for any reteaching that might be necessary. The assessment of enrichment activities, projects, etc. is determined by the teacher . Be assured they will be displayed and celebrated with pride!
How does absentism effect homework?
When students are absent, upon their return to school, they are expected to retrieve homework from the absent folder on the board. For 1 or 2 consecutive absences, they are to return all missing homework the very next day. If your child has been absence for 3 or more days, they will be exempted from those activities. Their homework grade will be modified such as the following;
Present for 2 activities the weekly homework grade would be 2/2 =100%
Present for 3 activities the weeklly homwork grade would be 3/3 =100%
Please note that missing assignments will tremendously effect your child's weekly homework grade.
How can parents help?
To help ensure positive homework experiences, we offer the following suggestions.
1. If possible, schedule some regular "quiet time" in your home. Students could fullfill their school work responsibilities and other family members could read, draw, write, etc.
2. Designate a consistent drop-off place where materials (backpacks, etc.) are put immediately after school and again after work is completed for the night. Ask your child if he or she has homework(and perhaps check their backpack or agenda) until they start remembering on their own. Make sure completed work gets back into the bookbag!
3. Create a learning environment conducive to your child's learning styles. (Your child's teacher can help you with this.)
4. Provide basic materials like pencils and sharpeners, paper, a ruler, folders, crayons, scissors, etc. at home so that all supplies don't have to be transported to and from school.
5. Check work for effort, accuracy, etc. and provide positive feedback!
Homework should enhance the learning that's occuring at home and in the classroom. Please share these experiences with your child. Also, please share with me, those experiences you create at home. I appreciate your support and invite your input.
There are several reasons I believe students should have homework periodically throughout their fourth grade year. First, it promotes good study habits and organizational skills. Students should gradually become accustomed to planning and scheduling their time so all needs, wants and obligations are satisfied. Second, homework reinforces questions and key concepts taught in the classroom through practice and/or enrichment activities. Third, homework reinforces our conviction that the responsibility of learning occurs at home and at school. It facilitates and encourages parent involvement.
What is fourth grade homework?
Homework can take a variety of forms. We expect fourth graders to read alone or with family members every night for about 30 minutes. The reading can be for pure enjoyment (fiction books, magazines, etc.) or in a content area if necessary. Other types of homework seen throughout the school year are:
1. Unfinished classwork from that day, as determined by the teacher.
2. Individualized practice/reinforcement to master key skills.
3. Periodic review of key skills/concepts.
4. Problem solving mathematics activities.
5. Projects that strengthen and extend the learning that occurs throughout a thematic cycle.
6. Enrichment activities that facilitate connections betweeen school and real-life experiences.
What happens to/with homework?
If incomplete classwork is assigned as homework, it should be done and returned the following morning. If not done or not done satisfactorily, and no note is sent from home, the teacher will determine the consequence. It may include redoing the work in class or taking it home again with a note by the teacher. Homework assigned as practice or reinforcement is always reviewed by the teacher and occasionally assessed. The homework grade is compiled by completion not accuracy. For example, if your child completes 5/5 assignments that equals 100%; 4/5 = 80% and so on. Most importantly, homework helps us monitor students' progress and identify any "gaps" in their comprehension. It enables me to flexibly group students for any reteaching that might be necessary. The assessment of enrichment activities, projects, etc. is determined by the teacher . Be assured they will be displayed and celebrated with pride!
How does absentism effect homework?
When students are absent, upon their return to school, they are expected to retrieve homework from the absent folder on the board. For 1 or 2 consecutive absences, they are to return all missing homework the very next day. If your child has been absence for 3 or more days, they will be exempted from those activities. Their homework grade will be modified such as the following;
Present for 2 activities the weekly homework grade would be 2/2 =100%
Present for 3 activities the weeklly homwork grade would be 3/3 =100%
Please note that missing assignments will tremendously effect your child's weekly homework grade.
How can parents help?
To help ensure positive homework experiences, we offer the following suggestions.
1. If possible, schedule some regular "quiet time" in your home. Students could fullfill their school work responsibilities and other family members could read, draw, write, etc.
2. Designate a consistent drop-off place where materials (backpacks, etc.) are put immediately after school and again after work is completed for the night. Ask your child if he or she has homework(and perhaps check their backpack or agenda) until they start remembering on their own. Make sure completed work gets back into the bookbag!
3. Create a learning environment conducive to your child's learning styles. (Your child's teacher can help you with this.)
4. Provide basic materials like pencils and sharpeners, paper, a ruler, folders, crayons, scissors, etc. at home so that all supplies don't have to be transported to and from school.
5. Check work for effort, accuracy, etc. and provide positive feedback!
Homework should enhance the learning that's occuring at home and in the classroom. Please share these experiences with your child. Also, please share with me, those experiences you create at home. I appreciate your support and invite your input.