A Word About Homework
There has been a great deal of research, discussion and debate about amounts and efficacy of homework . My research and experience with middle school students has led me to this conclusion: If students are applying themselves and working hard, to the best of their ability, at school for 6+ hours each day, they are learning, growing, achieving, and- often- exhausted. When school is over, students need time to hang out with siblings and friends, play an instrument, participate in sports, scouts, and other activities, be with family, read and have "downtime." This is critical to growth, happiness and developing interests outside of school. Core homework is, generally, nightly reading and one weekly writing assignment- often about the book. Every once in awhile I will assign work and/or projects to be done at home, and students will have time to plan and prepare. There will also be tests and quizzes for which students must study. In addition, students who do not finish classwork must complete this work at home. I have found that when students are overwhelmed with homework, the first thing "to go" is reading. Reading daily is absolutely critical to your child's development as a learner and thinker. Please make sure your child is reading each night, and if they are at any time overwhelmed with the amount of Core homework, please have them talk with me. If you feel your child "needs" more work at home, ask them to read more, write a story or keep a journal, try a new outside activity, or create a project of their own design. If your child has ANY opportunity to be "bored" and creative (note: limit screen time!!) , that is a very, very good thing! 5 |
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