These answers are based on my observations over the years of thousands of children. However, you are the ultimate expert on your child, so feel free to agree with the information you like and disregard anything with which you disagree!
1. How much time should my daughter be spending on homework? 30 - 45 minutes is more than enough. If you find your daughter is spending more time on math homework than that on a regular basis, please let me know.
2. Why doesn't my son ever bring homework home? It is possible that your son is completing his homework during study center.Â
3. Why doesn't my daughter ever bring homework home (part 2)? If your daughter says she finished her homework in class and study center, but progress book is saying she didn't complete her homework, then I suggest you ask your daughter to show you her written work. This enables you to verify that the homework is complete, if you like.
4. How do you grade homework? Students are assigned math homework on average 4 times per week. I grade homework based on completion. I look at how much of the homework was completed, and if the homework was completed in the way I instruct students to complete the homework. For example, I consistently tell students to write the original problem and show all of their work. I do not grade for accuracy, except on rare occasions.
5. Why do you call on my son in every class? He is shy and doesn't like to be called on. I believe every student should have an opportunity to shine in front of their peers. I believe every student needs to practice speaking in front of a group of people. I don't ever intentionally call on a student when I believe they aren't prepared to succeed. If your son isn't able to answer the question asked, then I will help them arrive at a successful conclusion. On the rare occasion that your son might be completely at a loss, and I didn't anticipate his confusion, then I will call on someone else, with the understanding that your son will get another opportunity. I tell the students from the first day that this is how my class operates. I try to set up a safe environment in my room so students feel comfortable in taking risks.
6. What can I do to help my daughter increase her test scores? I tell my students that they should never have to study for a test the night before a test. If they can get a good night's sleep and relax the night before, then they are in great shape. The way to avoid cramming, which doesn't promote long term knowledge acquisition, is to make sure they use their homework as a learning exercise and not as a "doing" exercise. If your daughter is learning the concepts a little bit each night and spending a few minutes reviewing the content each night, then studying won't be necessary. This isn't something that many 6th graders understand, but it does work.
7. What can I do to help my son increase his basic math skills? Have your student practice his multiplication and division facts for just 5-10 minutes each night until he can recite his facts immediately after reciting the problem. There should be little or no time gap between the problem and his answer.
9. What can I do to help my daughter to increase her basic math skills (part 2)? If your daughter needs to review a particular math skill, check the different sections of this site. Each topic has numerous videos and documents she can review. She can also look on the challenge me/help me section. I wouldn't have her spend more than a few extra minutes per night to avoid burnout.
10. Do you give extra credit? I do not give extra credit. I believe that a student's grade should reflect mastery, and retention, of the material.
11. Should I get my son a tutor? This is an area where I defer to your wisdom.
12. Will you tutor my daughter? Thank you for thinking of me, but I do not tutor students. The district has an approved tutor list that you can request.
13. I have a question that isn't on here. What should I do? I am happy to respond to questions anytime. Please email me at levine_kevin@dublinschools.net.
14. How can you teach math, when you don't even know that 8 comes after 7? I just wanted to see if you were paying attention.