Homework Policy

Posted on August 14, 2013 Updated on August 14, 2014

1. The reason I am assigning this homework

a) It is an opportunity for me to have some “one on one” time with each student.  With 30 kiddos in one classroom I find myself having a very difficult time getting to know each student.  I will be able to use this writing opportunity to really get to know each student.

b) It is an opportunity for each student to take personal responsibility for their learning.  They have the power to think about, question, theorize on and discuss any topic of their choice.  I want them to practice taking responsibility for their own learning.

c) I will also be able to personally work on individual skills with each student. If they need to work on spelling words, I can suggest that.  If they are working on adding commas to their writing, we can do that.  Each student has different needs and I feel like this homework option allows me to meet them.

d)  Parents will be able to look at the book and see what their kids are thinking about.  You should also feel free to write in the book.  If you have questions for me or your child or you would just like to add to the conversation you are welcome to chime in.  If you would like to suggest topics or you are wondering about the math that came home the week before you can write it down.  When you write it in the book we will all think about it together.

2.  The Reading Log

Each week students are required to do at least 2 hours of reading per week and keep track of it in their reading log.  The reason I am having students read each week is because it will help them manage their time, explore their own interests and build on the characteristic of responsibility. I will show them how to draw their own reading log in the book when they need a new one.   

3.  The Book

The book will start out as a simple composition book with a little bit of cool tape on the edge. But as we spend the entire year filling it with thoughts, questions and memories it will become a reflection of you in the third grade.

Each week you will write an entry in the journal.  If you are unsure of what to write about just tell me about what you are reading.  Each week I will write back to you.  We will go back and forth writing to each other each week and we will explore and learn about anything that comes up.

You must keep track of your book, we will be putting all sorts of things in it throughout the year, pictures, drawings, completed work, journal entries and responses as well as other fun stuff. If you lose the book it will not be an accurate reflection of your growth over a year. I have attached a photo of a book just waiting to be filled.

3. Due Dates

Your due date depends on the duck tape put on the spine of your journal. It is also written on the front of your book.

Leopard: Monday
Mustaches: Tuesday
Penguins: Wednesday
Flying Pigs:Thursday
Sheep: Friday

In order to be able to connect with each student every week I have to be follow my homework policies exactly without exception.

No late journals will be accepted. If your journal is not returned on the day that it is due you must spend your extra recess time writing an entry and I will not write back to you. If you are absent or there is an emergency that prevents you from handing in your journal you will get two responses the next week.