Week 7, Entry 10: Homework

At the kindergarten level homework should be developmentally appropriate, connected to and reinforcing classroom learning, engaging, fun and purposeful.  Parents must serve as a vital link in providing planning, guidance and necessary support since kindergarteners are developing homework routines for the first time in their school careers. Just as school should be a positive first experience, so should homework. I reinforce this philosophy ever year with my school parents at orientation and through my weekly newsletter. I encourage parents to use homework as a family time to interact and play. Homework should never last more than 30 minutes, if it goes beyond that time frame, I ask parents to stop and contact me. Since the kindergarten program at my school is full day, I do not begin a homework routine until we are at least 6-8 weeks into the school year.Kindergarteners need freetime to play! Each week I post the homework assignments on my website and also e-mail parents to remind them to check the posts. At the end of each school day, I wrap up our classroom activities and discuss that night's homework assignment and answer any questions. As much as possible I try to keep written assignments to a minimum. Students are often assigned speaking and listening activities such as practicing reading sight words, counting skills ( by 1's, 2's, 5's & 10's), or retelling a story from class. When homework is written, I "grade" the homework complete or not complete. Any assignments not complete are sent back home to give students a second chance. I also try to write personal comments on student homework so both parents and students recognize that I value their time and effort. I also simplify or lessen homework assignments at busier times of the year--especially Christmas. I use parent feedback to also guide frequency of homework assignments in an effort to provide a positive home school connection.