An essential educational activity completed at home meant to reinforce and practise previously taught skills and concepts. As well, an opportunity to complete and extend tasks begun at school.
RATIONALE:
We recognize students apply themselves at school. However, appropriate types and amounts of homework naturally support student progress at school. Completing and practising previously taught skills and concepts and extending classroom activities adds value to the goals of school. Homework provides opportunities to both regularly inform parents of classroom programming as well as build a supportive partnership between school and home. Appropriate homework contributes to the essential planning, time management and life skills of maturing students.
TYPES OF HOMEWORK:
Although there are common homework expectations the types of homework reflect the differences associated with age and grade.
PRIMARY |
JUNIOR |
INTERMEDIATE |
| Spelling Reading Math Language Collections Musical Instruments |
Incomplete homework Home reading Math/Problem Solving Some project work Studying for tests No homework on weekend except reading |
Practice of previously taught skills Completion of assignments Finishing incomplete class work Review of notes Preparation for tests Daily reading |
* All focusing on organization, time management, age appropriate responsibility and positive life skills.
TIME GUIDELINES:
Despite the suggestion that homework be a daily, consistent expectation, time is also affected by age and grade as well as a number of individual and classroom circumstances.
PRIMARY |
JUNIOR |
INTERMEDIATE |
| Encourage reading as a daily activity Monday to Thursday -- minimum 10-20 minutes maximum 30 minutes (or 1 completed package/week) |
Gr. 4 - 40 minutes (20 read, 20 - 0ther) Gr. 5 - 50 minutes (20 read, 30 - Other) Gr. 6 - 60 minutes (20 read, 40 - Other) |
Average of one hour/night (Beyond incomplete class work) Math - 15-20 min./night English - 15-20 min./night Assignments Review of notes Prepare for test Daily reading |
ROLE OF HOMEWORK and ASSESSMENT:
The regular completion of homework impacts student progress in a number of ways. It may directly influence student achievement through practising and reinforcing concepts taught. Although homework is not assigned a specific mark or grade in subject achievement it certainly influences such achievement. It is specifically used to report on one of the identified essential student Learning Skills
CONSEQUENCES:
As homework plays a considerable role in student progress it is a valued and expected student behaviour. Regular failure to complete homework or to return it to school are both student responsibilities. This will be communicated with parents and plans outlined, with an appropriate grade level progression of consequences, in order to positively address any concern.
