Thomas Kidd Homework Guidelines Homework is a bridge between home and school. Like all aspects of a studentís education, it is most effective when there is an active partnership between student, teacher, and parent. ~For all students, adult support is critical. ~As the student matures, he or she becomes more independent and assumes greater personal responsibility. We recognize each child has particular needs and abilities. ~~Your childís teacher will endeavor to assign homework that is appropriate and supportive for your childís learning needs. Homework is only one component of a studentís out-of-school activities. ~The total amount of time which a student is required to spend completing class work or homework should not compromise other important aspects of a studentís life such as family activities, community and recreational activities, rest, relaxation and play. PRIMARY GRADES (K-3) Homework in the primary grades might be thought of as ìhome supportî or ìhome connectionî because the involvement of a parent or a care giver is so important to its success. ~The principal focus is to develop literacy, numeracy, study skills, time and resource management, curiosity and self-confidence. ~In addition, this will enhance communication between home and school. Roles and Responsibilities Teachers: -in September, teachers will communicate to parents the manner in which reminders and information will be sent home (i.e. home reading, agendas, reminder books, weekly notice) -establish a regular routine using the above mentioned method -provide clear, explicit instructions and feedback -encourage students to develop social responsibility with increasing independence (i.e. emptying their bags, returning items to teacher, completing any assigned tasks) -teach the necessary skills to complete tasks Students: -take reminders, assigned books, materials or agendas home to share with parents and return to school each day -understand what is expected and ask questions to clarify expectations when necessary -return items and complete tasks on time Parents: -provide positive reinforcement and encourage their child to be an independent learner -ensure children practice daily routines (i.e. emptying and filling bag, home reading time) -support completion of tasks by actively interacting with your child during homework time -ensure children get adequate sleep - establish a regular bedtime -limit the time your child watches television and/or plays video games -read to and with your child daily (Home Reading Program) and discuss the story -help with basic sight words to support their reading and writing programs -involve your child in simple mathematical activities (i.e. ~baking, counting, playing board and card games) -visit the school and public libraries -participate in community activities, e.g. Beavers, Cubs, Sparks, Brownies, sports, music and dance lessons, Community Centre activities INTERMEDIATE GRADES (4-7) What is commonly referred to as ìhomeworkî actually takes several different forms and should be appropriate to the age and abilities of the student. ~School work done at home may involve:         -completion of class work;         -homework- required activities intended to be done at home; or         -home study- optional activities intended to be done at home or self-selected study activities. Homework itself may also take many forms, including:         -problems, worksheets and drills         -reading, writing, thinking and discussing         -research and projects, or         -reviewing the dayís work and studying for quizzes and tests. The purpose of homework is to:         -to help promote self-reliance and responsibility         -to help students plan their time and meet commitments         -to provide individual study time         -to review class work         -to develop study techniques         -to promote communication between school and home. HOMEWORK ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Teachers: -in September, teachers will communicate to parents the manner in which the student agenda will be used -establish a homework planning routine using the student agenda in class on a daily basis -provide clear, explicit instructions and feedback -encourage students to develop the habit of using the student agenda with increasing independence -teach the necessary skills required to complete homework assignments Students: -take the student agenda home to share with parents and return to school each day -understand what is expected and ask questions to clarify expectations when necessary -contact the teacher to find out about homework assigned during the studentís absence -record homework assignments in the student agenda and complete homework assignments to the best of his/her ability -ask for help from the teacher when necessary -submit homework on time. Parents: -ensure students use their student agendas as organizational tools -talk to the teacher if they are unsure about the homework assigned or the time required to complete it -provide a quiet work space and the necessary materials -support completion of tasks ïprovide positive reinforcement and encourage their child to be an independent learner ïensure children get adequate sleep-establish a regular bedtime ïlimit the amount of time their child watches television and plays video or computer games Time Requirements Because students vary in their needs, abilities, interests, involvements, and family priorities, the amount of time which a student can be expected to spend on completion of class work,  homework and home study will also vary.  The following maximum guidelines are offered with this basic understanding in mind, and on the assumption that parents and teachers will work together to determine what is appropriate for each student, particularly in the elementary grades. A primary home reading program should not require more than 15 minutes per day on average, although some students may well choose to spend more time reading for pleasure.  When other forms of homework are added beginning in Grade 1, that should be done gradually, one or two days a week at first.  The total time required should not increase beyond 15 minutes per day initially, but as students are able to accept the responsibility it may increase, until, by the end of Grade 3, the maximum time a student spends to complete class work and homework reaches an average of 30 minutes on any one day, three or four days a week. Some parents will want their children to have more homework at an earlier age than others.  Teachers can provide these parents with advice about appropriate homework activities and assist where reasonably possible, but they are not required to provide individual homework or to exceed the preceding guidelines in order to satisfy individual parent requests.  Parents who want more homework may also consider encouraging their children to do crossword puzzles, scrabble, math games, lego, building models, cooking and other self-selected activities which require thinking and the application of basic academic skills while promoting persistence and attention to detail. In the intermediate grades homework and completion of class work should initially not exceed 30 minutes per day, three or four days a week on average for most students.  This may increase to a maximum of 45 minutes three or four days a week on average in Grade 6, and 60 minutes some nights by the end of Grade 7.  The transition from primary to intermediate grades involves different forms and quantities of homework.  Teachers and parents should work together to support students through this transition, which should not be abrupt.  Students will require very direct and specific assistance as they learn how to manage their time and develop the skills of working and learning independently.