5E’s Homework Expectations & Tips

Short-Term Homework Assignments

Each night, Monday through Thursday, generally, the following nightly HW is assigned: Math: Home Links &/or supplemental worksheets & packets Reading1 & 3: 30 minutes of reading, 1 reading response (10 minutes of

work), complete the log Wordly Wise 30002 & 3

(Day 1) – pre-test, (Day 2) – Word Lists & Flip Cards,

(Day 3) – Finding Meaning & Just the Right Word, (Day 4) – Applying Meaning & Word Study, (Days 5&6) – Passage & Comprehension Questions, (Day 7) – post-test, then the cycle begins again.

Science /history: occasional short-term / long(ish)-term assignments

Typing Club2 & 3: 40 minutes per week

HW is expected to be completed each night - WELL. In the event that HW cannot submitted the following day, that student will receive a ‘0.’ However, if they bring it in the following day (& share it with me during lunch/recess or before/after school), I will be more than happy to delete the zero. (Please note that Reading Response make-up work needs to be done over the weekend)

If incomplete HW becomes pervasive, that student will be expected to work with me during lunch or after school to make-up the accumulated work (this goes for the classwork as well).

1 – during long-term research assignments, I will change the literature reading & response to research and note taking (see project handout – “How to Write Your Research Note Cards”)2 – during long-term research assignments, I will suspend these assignments at the appropriate times3 – Generally, these HW items may be done over the previous weekend to alleviate conflicts with sports and other complicated weekly schedules

Long-Term Homework Assignments

Long-term assignments are exactly that – long-term. Any long-term assignment will be broken up

into smaller due dates/”chunks”4, which are supported in class through lessons, modeling, more lessons, peer collaboration, more lessons, etc. (& more lessons). These assignments have very specific expectations along the way to completion.

Please note that all steps along the project schedule are explained, modeled, discussed, then explained, modeled, & discussed again – each session allowing for students’ questions that may come up (each time a step is explained) 5.

As with the short-term HW assignments, each “due date” within the project is expected to be met. In the event that a part6 of the project is not ready for submission on a particular due date, that student will receive a ‘0.’ However, if they bring it in the following day (& show it to me), I will be happy to check-off the zero. However, these long-term projects always have a “Deadlines / Work Performance” in the rubric – multiple lateness will be reflected in the final score.

If incomplete assignment parts/”chunks” become pervasive, that student will be expected to work with me during lunch/recess (or after school) to make-up the accumulated work.

4 – please see Project Schedule, Expectations, & Checklists in any of the long-term assignment Packets (additionally, Writing Mentor Texts & Writing Workshop): The Great Debate Research & Presentation Project ??? Westward Expansion Historical Fiction Novel ??? American Civil Rights Movement Research & Presentation Project5 – if your child is still struggling with a concept, it is up to them to ask for help. I’m usually available during lunch or after school6 – the “Presentations Begins” date is not movable (unless previously discussed with student)

End of Unit Assessments

I generally assign an end-of-unit assessment for science and history units 2-3 weeks in advance of the test – students should not wait until the night before to study for a test. They are given 2-3 weeks for a reason.

I give the students a study guide, which includes Definitions to Know and Concepts to Understand – 2 very different types of studying. Their job is to (1st) match the definitions and concepts to their class notes – which are cited and dated, and (2nd) come to class prepared with questions they might have regarding the study guide or their notes for our in-class review sessions. Some assessments include an open-ended essay question. Along with the study guide, the students will receive a copy of the essay question, so they can study & plan their response, (however, they may not bring notes or planning papers for during the test).

HW Tips

Set up a homework space

Set up a space in your house where your child will do his/her homework. This space should be quiet, well lit, and far away from distractions7. Make the area off limits from other family members. This will stress to your child the importance of his/her work.

7 – distractions such as cell phones, computer, television, children playing, etc. A note about cell phones – when a student sits down to do their work, his/her cell phone should have a “home” during HW time. It is way too tempting to check the texts that have been coming in, check the updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media.

Provide a homework toolboxProvide your child with the necessary supplies he/she might need to complete homework. Put all supplies in a pencil box, organizer, or small cardboard box. This will save time by having all materials needed without searching. Some items for your homework toolbox: pencils, erasers, scissors, colored pencils, notebook paper, ruler, etc.

Set a homework scheduleSetting a homework schedule will help your child learn responsibility and understand the importance of their work. Set aside a specific time for your child to complete homework each day. Remind your child when the time arrives. You might want to assign a time when an adult is available to help when needed.

You also might want to get a desk calendar for your child. He/she would be able to record the long-term assignment due dates & test schedules, therefore having a “visual” of how much time they have to complete the assignments.

Praise your child! We all love to hear what a wonderful job we are doing. Praise your child; this will build confidence and self-esteem. If there’s an item or section of the HW that is in need of revision or editing, first start with a compliment: “I love the way you…,” then explain where the work needs to be modified & corrected. Praising is a great motivator – he/she will strive to complete assignments with fidelity.