Homework Entry #10

Personally I believe that under the right circumstances with student buy-in homework can be very beneficial.  Our building just finished a book study around the topic of best practices for homework and came to the same conclusion.  

Meaningful homework is homework that is purposeful or authentic for the students.  It needs to be in support of classroom learning.  For first graders that means extending the opportunity to  practice the skills students are learning in class.  A condition for homework is that students are able to complete it individually, which means that any given homework should always have been taught and practiced in class already.  That's why I believe in scaffolding homework practice three to five days behind classroom practice. Any assignment given is used as formative assessment to drive instruction.  Students will know what they need to do differently because problems done incorrectly are identified and skills are retaught to students.

Here are other homework tenants (adapted from Hill & Flynn, 2006 and Vatterott, 2009) that I use in my classroom:

• Homework is kept to 10 minutes. 
• Parents should not need to help with homework, but should be involved in modeling, listening, and checking.
• Homework is returned for constructive feedback.
• Homework is not turned in for a grade.
• Homework is explained before it goes home with opportunities for the students to ask questions when neccessary.
• Homework assignments are differentiated to meet the needs of the students.

Our building also supports a school wide homework policy with incentives and motivation for students to do their homework.   


Technology would be a great way to provide feedback on homework.  In our school a large majority of the families do not have access to computers, so technology as a means of communication and feedback is minimal.  I know a teacher who sends e-mails to parents with homework feedback that includes a list of mastered skills and skills for more practice.  I have also heard of teachers who set up homework blogs for questions (in middle and high school). These are great ways to implement technology and homework feedback.  

 NO MORE OF "MY DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK!"
Students do not have to make excuses if best homework practices are applied in classrooms!