Homework Guidelines

I am hoping that by listing my guidelines here, this will eliminate some of questions that normally arise.  

First, grades 5-7 are given assignments that should last between 15 and 30 minutes. Students in these grades SHOULD NEVER SPEND MORE THAN 30 MINUTES DOING MATH HOMEWORK!!  If they have reached the limit, they need to write "spent 30 minutes already" (or similar) on their homework paper.  I set this limit to help me determine each student's understanding.  For instance, if 4 students ran out of time, then the homework was too difficult or I need to re-teach a concept.  NO ONE will ever be "in trouble" for running out of time!

Eighth graders should expect to spend about 45 minutes on math homework as it is more detailed.

Sometimes students ask their parents for help, which is fine, I urge parent participation. However, it is the student's responsibility to complete the assignment.  I ask parents to pose questions to the students to help guide their thinking.  A few examples that I ask are: "What do you think you need to do?"  "What is the question asking you to do?"  "What information do you know about the problem?"  ...and, the best one...."What does it say in your notes?" or "How did you do this in class?"

The Weekly Journal Question is in addition to the above times, however, 5th graders have 3 nights to complete it and 6th and 7th graders have 2 nights to complete it.  I should not be given the "I didn't have time" excuse (unless there are extenuating circumstances which I am contacted about).  An answer to the problem IS NOT required, but a response is.  Some weeks the questions are truly difficult and some weeks they are just plain easy.  I do this on purpose!  If a question is difficult, students should write what they know, what they are supposed to find out, and what information they feel would help them to solve the problem.  If the question is really easy (these are sometimes the hardest to write about) students need to write about their solution process as though they are giving it to someone who does not know anything about mathematics.  All responses should be one paragraph in length (minimum) and no more than one page. 

I set high expectations for all of my students and I will help them in every possible way to meet, or exceed, those expectations.  I firmly believe EVERY student can be good at math, and some will be great, but no one will fail to achieve success if they work diligently and take responsibility for their learning.