******Remember to read your AR book each night!!!!!!!!!********
**Parents please be sure to check your child's planner each night to
ensure that they have completed their homework. All assignments
should be recorded by your child in their planner and the planner
should be signed by you upon the completion of the work. Many times
we build on their homework the following day in class (this is especially
true of the problem solver and writing) and failure to have it done
interferes with our planned activity. Thank you!!**
Don't Forget- The planner can also be used as an excellent source of
communication between the parent and the teacher! If you write a note in
your child's planner, please remind them to show it to me. Thanks!
*E-mail is an even better means to contact me as I check it a few times
throughout the day. My e-mail address is mhosey@dallassd.com.
Homework Machine
The Homework Machine, oh the Homework Machine,
Most perfect contraption that's ever been seen.
Just put in your homework, then drop in a dime
Snap on the switch, and in ten seconds' time,
Your homework comes out, quick and clean as can be.
Here it is- "nine plus four?" and the answer is "three."
Three?
Oh me...
I guess it's not as perfect
As I thought it would be.
Shel Silverstein
Wouldn't it be easier if we all had a homework machine? Unfortunately,
that's not possible and homework is actually quite beneficial. Homework
reinforces skills and concepts learned in school and most importantly, it
builds responsibility.
National guidelines suggest 50 minutes to one hour of homework a night for
students in fifth grade. Students in my class will be asked to spend about
50 minutes on homework each night, but it will vary slightly from night to
night. Homework is meant to reinforce or practice what has already been
learned at school, it should be completed independently and without
frustration.
Homework should never be frustrating and should never take over an hour an an
half (not including bathroom, snack breaks, daydreaming, etc.) If your child
genuinely does not understand an assignment, and they have given it a good
try (they must show some evidence that they have tried the assignment), then
please write me a note that explains the situation. I will work with your
child the next day to help them complete the assignment. However, please use
this policy carefully, be sure your child has tried. If homework
constistantly takes a lengthy amount of time or seems unusually challenging
for your child, please contact me to discuss this issue.
Assignment Books:
On the first day of school, students will recieve an assignment book to
record their homework each night. Before students are dismissed from school,
I will initial their assignment books, which will signify that their homework
is written down correctly. I may also include a quick note to a parent or
guardian in the appropriate place on the page (Parents/guardians are also
welcome to do this) Each evening, students will complete their homework
and have a parent or guardian intial that their assignments are completed to
the best of their ability.
If students come to school without their homework done, they will complete
the missing assisgnment during recess.
I am aware that homework can be problematic for some families. Here are some
suggestions to make homework time productive and INDEPENDENT:
1. Build a homework routine-always complete homework at the same time each
evening in the same place
2. Cut down on distractions-complete homework in a quiet place (no
television, no radio, etc.)
3. Gather supplies and have them available near where your child will be
working(paper, pencils, crayons, etc.)
4. Check in on your child to be sure they are staying on task. It is
sometimes helpful to go over the assignments with them and determine about
how much time each one will will take. Using a clock or timer can be
helpful, too.
5. Glance over your child's work when they are done (please do not check
every problem/assignment to make sure it is correct) and sign their
assignment book.
