Dear Trinity Families and Friends,
This evening marks the beginning of the 2017-2018 School Year. Teachers have been busy planning lessons, preparing classrooms and completing in-service training. This evening begins at 5:45 on the Garth for parents only. To be successful, students necessitate structure and routine and the information you will receive this evening will help in making a smooth beginning to the school year. Occasionally, I will come across a student who has an extremely difficult time completing homework. Research reveals that homework, when carefully designed, implemented and evaluated, is an effective tool for improving understanding, enriching learning, and encouraging personal connections. At the beginning of the school year children will need to get back into a routine in learning how budget time and focus on the task at hand.
At the beginning of the school year it is important to spend an extra five or ten minutes after school with your child detailing the day’s homework. This extra time will pay dividends in the long term. As we get back into the routines of the school year here are several helpful homework hints.
Set a definite study time each day. Your study period should have a start and end time. If you finish before time is up, review.
Take a break from school before you begin your homework. If you are in the upper grades and have a lot of homework. It’s okay to schedule one or more short breaks in your study period.
Find a proper place for studying. It should be away from the T.V. and other distractions. Some people can study with light music on in the background. Remember children need a place to sit, write and keep proper posture and an area that has adequate lighting.
Be prepared before you start. Gather all materials needed to complete your assignments. Get pencils, textbooks, sharpener, and eraser. Get organized.
Make a list of Homework assignments. Check it at the end of the school day and make sure you take the necessary materials home. You can always have a study buddy to call or use our school website.
Work backwards to plan long range assignments. Record due dates on a calendar or on your student planner and write in what you must do each week or day to complete the assignment on time.
Start the most challenging assignment when you are the most alert.
Purposes of Homework
- To increase student achievement
- To expand, reinforce, enrich, or prepare for regular class work
- To encourage personal connections to learning
- To provide an opportunity to pursue special interests or ability areas
- To establish independent study skills and good habits
- To complete work started in class
Teacher responsibilities include
- Ensuring that students understand and know how to complete assignments successfully
- Defining the work to be completed at home and making sure appropriate resources and materials are readily available
- Giving instructions to parents, when appropriate, and explaining how they may help the student complete the homework assignment
- Considering homework as one part of the total learning process by monitoring, collecting, and providing meaningful feedback to students
- Regularly reviewing and grading homework assignments to give students feedback on their learning
- Informing students of homework assignments missed because of absence or substituting another activity for the missed assignment
Student responsibilities include
- Understanding the homework assignment(s) before leaving school
- Taking home all necessary materials to complete assignment(s)
- Having an organized means for keeping and carrying homework to and from school
- Arranging for a place to work and having a regular time to study
- Scheduling time for homework that is compatible with family and/or afterschool activities
- Completing homework with a minimum of parental help
- Completing homework assignments as carefully and as neatly as class work
- Completing homework and turning it in on time
- Budgeting time for long-term projects
- Completing all work missed because of absences or after school activities
Parent responsibilities include
- Reading and discussing teacher’s homework policy with the student and encouraging good study habits
- Providing necessary assistance and a positive, supportive attitude and encouraging good study habits
- Communicating any concerns and questions regarding homework assignments to the student’s teacher
- Encourage the child with positive feedback and encouraging the student to seek additional help, if needed, from the classroom teacher.
- Providing an appropriate time and environment for study and learning; checking the homework for completion and showing an active interest in it.
- Monitoring television, electronics, computer games, and outside activities to be sure the student has sufficient study time.
And sometimes ……………………….leaving your child in extended day is the best answer.
With warm regards,
Mark J. Ravelli
Head of School