How is homework going?

School has been underway for a month and hopefully your family is settling into some familiar routines.  My guess is that one of those routines includes homework.

One important tool that fourth grade students use to help develop organization skills and time management strategies is the assignment book.  While each classroom teacher may have slight differences as to how the assignment book is used in their classroom, the basic approach is the same.  Each day all homework is posted and reviewed.  Students are given time to record their assignments in the assignment books and put all of their assignments together to go home.

The Lincoln Street School Homework Policy states that fourth grade students should expect 30 to 50 minutes of homework four times per week. (Link to policy here: http://lss.sau16.org/content/homeworkpolicy.pdf )  If your child is spending more time than this or homework is becoming a struggle, please either let me or the classroom teacher know.  You can reach me at 775-8881.  There is voicemail if I am unable to take your call.

A few suggestions about homework:

1.  Ask your child to show you their assignment book & homework each afternoon.  There is a space on every page for a parent signature.  Some teachers request a parent signature, while others don't.  If you are actively checking the book consider signing.  It lets your child know that you are communicating with their teacher and can help with accountability.

2.  As your child finishes an assignment, help them to develop the routine of checking it off in the book and placing the completed assignment back into their folder.  If they get in the habit of putting the assignment book and folder back into the backpack when they are finished, it will help make your mornings run more smoothly!

3.  Set up a routine place and time that works well with your family schedule for homework.  Make sure that it is relatively quiet and that your child has the materials they will need to complete most assignments close at hand - mostly pencils, crayons or colored pencils, scissors and a ruler.

4.  Homework should be an opportunity to practice a skill students have learned at school.  If your child is very confused about an assignment, or you feel that you are doing a lot of "teaching" vs. checking, please write a note to let the teacher know.

5.  Communication is key.  Please let your child's teacher or case manager know if homework is becoming a struggle.  We can help you troubleshoot problems or modify your child's homework to make it a more successful experience for both you and your child.