TDSB Homework Policy

Grade 1

The purpose of all types of homework is to ensure it is both effective in promoting high quality student learning and achievement and it nurtures a desire for students to keep learning.

Homework is reported on only the Learning Skills Section of the Elementary Provincial Report Card as a part of Independent Work and Homework Completion.

No homework shall be assigned on scheduled holidays as outlined in the school year calendar or on days of significance. 

According to a study by the Canadian Council on Learning a good “rule of thumb” is that students’ homework  should not exceed 10 minutes per grade level per day (e.g., a grade 1 student should receive no more than 10 minutes of homework per day).

It is important to remember some other factors:

• • Students work at different speeds, so the amount of time spent on homework will vary.

  • Students should be able to do their homework and have time to participate in other activities, including sports, music lessons, religious activities, language classes, volunteer work and free play.

Homework During Extended Absences 

Teachers shall not be expected to provide detailed classroom work and Homework assignments for students who are away for extended periods of time as a result of family- or parent-initiated absences. For absences due to extended illness, parents may contact the school principal to discuss available options. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

A positive and open school-home partnership will have a positive impact on 

student success in the homework process. 

Teachers are responsible for: 

- encouraging a partnership with family and students that promotes timely, 

regular communication and supports families in the homework process; 

Homework 

* designing homework assignments that clearly articulate their purpose 

and expected outcome; 

* sharing expectations for homework with students and parents early in the 

school year; 

* ensuring any homework assigned is directly related to classroom instruction 

and consists of clear, purposeful and engaging and activities; 

* assigning homework that is appropriate to the student’s age, developmental 

level, learning style, skills and individual needs; 

* teaching the skills necessary for the student to complete the homework 

and become successful independent learners; and 

* articulating and carefully planning homework in partnership with core 

and rotary teachers. 

Students are responsible for: 

* ensuring that he/she clearly understands the homework assigned, i.e. assignments, 

criteria, and timelines, and asks for clarification or assistance 

from the teacher when homework assignments or the expectations are 

not clear; 

* recording assignments in his/her agenda or student planner; 

* regularly completing assigned homework in a timely manner to the best 

of his/her ability; and 

* managing time and materials, e.g. by bringing home necessary materials. 

The family is responsible for: 

* reading in English, French (French Immersion) and/or the family’s first 

language throughout the elementary years of their children’s education; 

* providing an environment, i.e. workplace, block of uninterrupted time, 

usually in the home or in an alternative setting such as a homework club 

for homework to be done; 

* providing encouragement and appropriate support without doing the 

homework for their child; 

* providing a healthy balance between homework, co-curricular activities 

and family commitments; 

* stopping their child from continuing to complete homework at bedtime, 

even if the child is not done,; and 

* contacting the classroom teacher if their child is not consistently able to 

do the homework by him/herself or if challenges or questions arise.