Homework Information

This page should answer many of your questions or concerns about homework. Please note that this information applies specifically to homework assigned by me, the policies of other teachers (i.e. gifted, ESE, writing) may differ.

I believe the process of completing homework assignments is vitally important to a child’s development. When a child completes homework assignments, that child develops life-long learning skills and habits: taking responsibility, organizing, planning, following directions, managing time, and working independently or with others. Throughout the year, your child will be asked to complete a variety of homework assignments. You can make these experiences both meaningful and successful by letting him or her know how much you value their effort and the importance of homework. Here are some suggestions:

• Help your child schedule a special time each night for doing homework.
• Try to be available to look over papers and discuss your child’s questions and concerns. Parents often wonder, "Should I correct my child's mistakes? How will the teacher know he/she is having a problem?" My advice is, yes, point out the mistakes to your child in a gentle way, and use that opportunity to reteach and clarify the skill. If you would like me to know about a particular problem area, always jot a note, and I'll be sure to respond.
• Express your pride in your child’s effort and accomplishments. When you observe your child displaying good homework habits, immediately reinforce this behavior with praise.
• Track your child’s good habits on a homework chart. When five checks (or whatever number you choose) are made on the chart, reward our child with something small but special- a favorite meal, letting a fried spend the night, or renting a favorite video.

Fourth graders should spend approximately 1 hour on written AND reading homework Monday –Thursday and reading homework (30 minutes) over the weekend. In general, written homework is not sent home over weekends unless it is unfinished classwork, make-up work from an absence, or a long term project. Please sign your child’s planner and reading log each night once he or she has completed their assignments.

If your child has diligently worked for 1 hour and has not finished the homework assignments, please let me know with a note in your child’s planner. Your child will not be penalized for incomplete homework if it is evident that an honest effort was made.

WHAT KIND OF HOMEWORK WILL BE ASSIGNED?
On most nights, students will be assigned writing homework (sentence work or workbook page), math practice, and to read independently for at least 30 minutes.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED FOR HOMEWORK?

The homework for each night is posted on the classroom "Planner Board." It is the responsibility of each student to copy and highlight his or her own homework from the planner board into their personal planners.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY CHILD DOES NOT COMPLETE AN ASSIGNMENT?

Students who do not complete homework are at a disadvantage for many of our learning activities during the day. Students will be charged $5 of Mrs. Ferraro’s Fortune for each day the homework is late. Students have until Friday to turn in missing homework for credit. Students with incomplete homework will not be allowed to participate in Fun Friday for that week.

I will be happy to work with you to answer any questions or concerns you may have. I can be reached through the main office or at Ferrarme@sbac.edu.

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