Monday, January 14, 2013

A Homework Question and A New Unit

Why do Mondays always come so quick??? Actually, my day went pretty quick until the almost 2 hour staff meeting. I can't complain. My principal is really good about not having too many meetings. 
Today was a big debate about homework. Should it be given or not? Research says this and research says that. I do have my kids read on a nightly basis, complete no more than 8 math problems, and have a spelling activity that allows for quite a bit of freedom. I feel homework does not have to be a burden, but I do think it allows parents to see what is going on in class. I  also do not want it to ever be a battle or take forever. I think it teaches kids to be responsible. I can also see if someone doesn't have a firm grasp on a particular concept. 
So I would love to hear from others what your view on homework is. 
There was some heated debate at our staff meeting on this subject that narrowed down to a select few feeling that homework is wrong. So I am curious to hear if there is anyone that does not give homework at all. 

Here is a preview of some of the items included in my new unit!



I am off to bed! I get to sleep in an extra hour because we have our last Common Core training tomorrow. It doesn't start until 8:30. Woohoo!!






4 comments:

  1. My feelings- HW is bad when it's given just to give HW. It should be given as a way for students to practice the skills they already know. Understanding doesn't come without practice. I definitely agree with Reading HW, Spelling HW, and Math HW as long as they are doing something that they are practicing. My students actually do 3 things each night: Read for 20 minutes, A math practice page, and 10 minutes of writing in their journal. The writing has benefited them in SO Many ways. Reading is obviously a must- without reading you can't become a better reader. And math is a definite. BUT- I would never give my students a math page with something that we just learned (because mom & dad often don't know how we do it)

    Hope this helps you :)

    Ashley

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  2. Homework for me should only be a reinforcement of what has been taught by me in the classroom. I don't want to frustrate my parents with to much work.
    Night,
    Alice

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  3. Super cute new unit! It would be perfect to add to our first grade weather theme. Very creative!

    Marissa
    WILD About First Grade!

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  4. This has been an interesting post regarding the use of homework. I have used this system - 20 min of reading, a math sheet, and spellers choice. The parents know that the math & spelling should not take more than 20 min total, and the reading can be done in the car, before bed, etc. This is working ok for all but 1 student, who gets differentiated hw.
    ~Jen
    Hello Mrs Sykes

    ReplyDelete

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