| Homework varies from teacher to teacher and from grade to grade. In my
years of teaching, I have sought to utilize a style of homework that is in
the best interest of my students. As a result, I have come to understand
that a "one size fits all" approach to homework is not sufficient. I
believe that there is value in creating a culture where parents actively
participate in their children's education by choosing the best way to
support, challenge, and enrich their childrens' academia at home.
Many parents are familiar with the more traditional view of teachers
prescribing worksheets and activities that serve to reinforce the concepts
learned at school. In addition, I would like to extend an alternative view
which can offer parents the freedom and time to choose what activites their
children will participate in after the school day. I have provided a brief
description of both styles of homework. Whichever you prefer, showing
interest in what your child is learning is KEY to validating the importance
of education, boosting the self-esteem, and creating life-long learners.
The tradional style of homework that is offered is typically TEACHER-
PRESCRIBED and can be characterized by the use of daily handouts or weekly
packets. Daily handouts go home each day and are returned the following
day. Weekly packets are usually sent home on MONDAY and returned on
FRIDAY. Both types of teacher-prescribed homework can include grade-level
worksheets, activities, and reading assignments that reinforce the concepts
and skills taught during the week. This style of homework gives parents a
glimpse of the curriculum within the classroom while providing students with
additional practice at home. In the first grade, it is expected that
students complete the assignments with the guidance of an adult. As
such, the homework is checked and returned by the teacher, BUT NOT
GRADED!
An alternative to this can be viewed as a PARENT-DIRECTED approach. This
style of homework gives parents the option to utilize activities and
resources that best support/challenge/enrich their child's learning at
home. This approach focuses on creating authentic learning opporunities
through the use of such things as oral dialogue, educational websites, board
games that involve using good judgement, written response to literature, and
researching topics of interest via the library or internet. These types of
activities promote active engagement which increases the likelihood that
learning is taking place. In addition, the absence of a standardized
homework packet lends itself to extra time that can be used to focus on the
mastery of particularly difficult concepts or skill.
Of course the best activity of all- READ, READ, READ!
The Bottom Line- I truly believe that parents play a vital role in the
education and future success of their children. Whether you subscribe to
the more tradional view of teacher-prescribed assignments or you are
interested in incorporating parent-directed activities, INVEST in your
child's future through parental involvement.
* On Fridays, I will meet with every student for our "weekly wrap-up". This
gives students a chance to share educational activities that they enjoyed
throughout the week. both at school and at home.
IF LEARNING IS MEANINGFUL & FUN, YOUR CHILD WILL WANT TO LEARN!
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