Homework tips and guidelines...
Recent research is making educators around the world re-think homework. There is not a ton of research proving that this age-old practice of bringing school work into the home is beneficial for students. As a mom, the value I see in homework is that I get a glimpse of what is going on in the classroom However, I can't say that homework brings a lot of joy into our home. At times, just the opposite has been true.
Homework during your child's fourth grade experience? Here is my current thinking:
Meaningful practice is important. I haven't found too many worksheets or even tech based apps that provide meaningful practice. So, let's agree to the following:
Have you been a proponent of reasonable homework for your child? Does your child miss written homework? Let's keep talking about this topic. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I will definitely be asking how fourth grade "homework" is going when we meet for conferences in November. In the meantime, thank you for trusting me as I continue to experiment with this homework policy. I take your child's education to heart. I am so grateful for your trust.
Homework during your child's fourth grade experience? Here is my current thinking:
Meaningful practice is important. I haven't found too many worksheets or even tech based apps that provide meaningful practice. So, let's agree to the following:
- Bring math into your home. If you are making a purchase with cash, let your fourth-grader take the lead. Invite your fourth-grader into your thinking when you use math to: measure, cook, figure out a family schedule, estimate a price, figure out the tip, etc.
- Play math games with your child. Circles and Stars is a must! Your students also LOVE "Oh no, 99!" Play any game with your child. Board games grow brains. Chess is a "thing" for us this year. Don't know how to play? Model being a lifelong learner by trying to learn chess this year along with your child.
- Read TO your child. Your days are numbered when it comes to reading TO your child. Do it whenever they will allow and whenever you can manage to keep your eyes open long enough to get through a chapter etc.
- Read with your child. Sit, side by side, and read your own materials. Modeling reading as a healthy life habit is critical.
- Encourage your child to read. Take him or her to the library. Take your child to a bookstore. Even if you don't buy a book, a bookstore is a lovely place to spend a half hour or more.
- Show an interest in your child's learning by asking very specific questions about his or her day.
- Encourage learning and growth. Let's not focus on grades or perfection. Instead, let's measure our success by how much is learned and how much fun has been had.
Have you been a proponent of reasonable homework for your child? Does your child miss written homework? Let's keep talking about this topic. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I will definitely be asking how fourth grade "homework" is going when we meet for conferences in November. In the meantime, thank you for trusting me as I continue to experiment with this homework policy. I take your child's education to heart. I am so grateful for your trust.