Homework
There are many research-based reasons why our second grade team is moving from a standard assigned homework sheet to the new homework guidelines listed below:
Homework should consist of the following nightly routines:
Reading Resources
Word Study Resources
Math Resources
- Research from Carol Dweck has reminded us of the ways in which teachers and families can build intrinsic motivation so that children will become lifelong learners. We want our students to be global citizens, problem solvers, and critical thinkers, not merely children who can complete worksheets. Though the article was published in 1986, other peer-reviewed quantitative studies have reinforced Dweck's findings.
- The homework we are assigning now is adaptable to meet a wider range of student needs. It also gives students time/space to research other topics of interest. Teachers can also tailor specific tasks for students with areas of need.
- The time spent on homework will be more focused and developmentally appropriate.
- Though there is no official log or worksheet to turn in, conferences and frequent formative assessments give more than enough information for teachers to know whether or not a student is completing tasks at home. If a child is not completing homework, I will have a conference with the child so we can create an action plan together.
Homework should consist of the following nightly routines:
- 15 minutes of reading
- 5-10 minutes of word study practice
- 5-10 minutes of math practice
Reading Resources
- Here is a set of great ideas for helping your child to enjoy reading at home and at school.
- Classroom library books are always available for children to take home.
- Children will check out from the school library at least once a week, and are allowed to check out three books at one time.
- This article, and this one, by world-renowned literacy researcher Richard Allington, matches the ideals I strive for in our reader's workshop classroom. Our reading time is highly structured, rigorous, and involves a great deal of planning and conversations with students to help them develop new strategies for self-selection and reading of texts. These ideals can also be practiced at home.
Word Study Resources
- Routines for nightly practice
- Additional ways to practice word study words
- Second grade sight words -- Students should know how to read and spell these words by the end of the year
Math Resources
- Ways to practice math at home
- England IXL login (username and password were sent home on Friday, September 9)
- Khan Academy
- Sheppard Software math games