2nd grade Homework

Homework!

Oh boy, yuppie….  That that a delicate topic?  

After years of instruction here is my viewpoint on homework:

The general rule is 10 - 15 minutes of homework for every grade level. That would be 20 - 30 minutes for 2nd grade.  I do not include reading at home when I’m talking about homework.  So, I expect approximately 15 - 20 minutes of homework and 15 - 20 minutes of at-home reading.

I only assign homework Monday-Thursday (not including the reading).

No parent assignments! If it’s a project that parents are going to have to do, then it’s not helping the kids.

The kids should be able to complete it as independently as possible.  I love the idea that parents sit with their children and help them finish their work each night, but I know with afterschool football practice, multiple kids or evening jobs that is not always possible. That is why I send all homework on Monday and expect it back no later then Friday.

Nothing on the homework is new material.  If I haven’t taught it, it doesn’t belong on a homework page.  The purpose is to reinforce what’s already been taught and to show parents what’s happening in class.  If a child is struggling on the homework (with content that should have been mastered) it’s a sign to parents and me that the child needs some support.

What does homework look like in my class:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Spelling	Spelling	Spelling	Spelling

Read15 -  20 min.

read 15 - 20 min.

read 15 - 20 min.

read 15 - 20 min.

Read 15 - 20 min.

On Monday 2 things go home:

1. Spelling practice (Get to 50).  To be completed a little at a time or all on Thursday night.  If this doesn’t come back to school on Friday morning, they must practice their spelling words 2 times during morning time. (it takes less than 10 minutes).

2. Reading Log for the Month. The reading log isn’t due until the last Friday of the month.

Other helpful links:

Weekly Word Work