Homework Guidelines

GRADE ONE

Students will be assigned homework.  Please check your child’s agenda daily to make sure all assignments are completed.  Homework varies and can be different in each class.  The teacher will determine what practice is necessary in her specific classroom and will indicate it on the “Parent Newsletter”, the agenda, or even on Class Dojo.

Students will be expected to:

• Read a minimum of 15-20 minutes every night.  
• Complete all homework on time.
• Do their best to work on the independent practice portion.
• Review before weekly tests.

If students do not complete daily work in class, (reading, writing or math assignments, or science etc.), they will be expected to finish these assignments as well as assigned homework.  These assignments will NOT be included in the homework section in the newsletter, because each student will be working at his own level.

GRADE TWO

Homework at this level provides an opportunity for young students to practice skills being learned during the school day. Homework also serves as communication between home and school, as parents of the youngest students can see what is being learned during the school day by the homework that is assigned.

Usually, homework will be assigned daily, with an average of 10 to 20 minutes each evening. It must be turned in the next day.  To assist students in the early grades with homework, parents should do the following:

• Provide a quiet space, away from the TV/computer/video games, where the student can do homework each evening.
• Decide with the student if it is best to do homework as soon as they get home, later in the afternoon or evening, or in two segments to break it up.

Occasionally, there will be times when young children do not complete their homework. But when a student repeatedly does not complete homework assignments, the teacher will contact the family to help get the student back on track. If a student is taking a very long time to complete homework, it may be a sign that the assignment is too difficult, and parents should contact the teacher.

GRADE THREE  

In grade 3, homework will be graded and used as a mark in the report card. Homework is very important for your child because 1- it is practice and 2- it helps prepare your child for upcoming quizzes and tests. Your child has many subjects and keep in mind that he/she may have homework in both the English subjects (Science, Math included) plus homework from the Arabic Subjects( Arabic, National studies, Islamic…) in the same day.

On average, as a homeroom teacher, I usually assign homework at least twice a week. You can find the homework written in your child’s diary. It is your child’s responsibility to copy the homework from the board into his diary. Then, the teacher will sign and after your child completes the homework, you must sign the diary too.

Each child works at his/her own pace and for that, your child may finish very fast or he/she may need extra time to complete the work. As a parent, you should be able to know if your child can finish fast or needs extra time. Your child may also need your help and support. Please note: helping your child does NOT mean writing your child’s homework for them! If a student does not complete his own work, further action will be taken.

What to expect?

Students will get maximum 30 minutes of homework 3 times a week for English subjects. This will change according to the needs of the students.  This is not including reading time. Your child should have reading time everyday for at least 15-20 minutes.

Here are some guidelines to help you encourage your child to complete his/her homework.

Homework Routines: 

Step 1:    

• Find a location in the house where homework will be done.
• This place should be a nice quiet place with no distraction so that the child can focus completely on the homework. 

Step 2:   

• Set up a homework center. 
• Provide a table and chair for your child in order to feel comfortable while working.

Step 3:   

• Establish a homework time.
• You should set a fixed time for your child throughout the day to complete all his homework.
• You should make sure your child is not hungry and has already used the washroom so that the focus will only be on the homework.

Step 4:   

• Establish a daily homework schedule.
• In this step, you should create a schedule with your child.
• For example, complete the English homework first, then take a 5 minute break, followed by Math or Science (then break) and finally, Arabic subject homework.
• This step is planning out what homework to do first, second, third…and whether you will give your child a break after each subject or not.
   

Step 5:  

• Check that your child has completed his/her homework.
• When your child says that he/she has finished the homework, it is your responsibility to check if the homework is all complete.  
• YOU MUST SIGN THE DIARY TO CONFORM THAT YOUR CHILD’S                

      HOMEWORK IS COMPLETE!

GRADE FOUR

Homework helps students reinforce and practice skills and concepts learned in school. Homework also helps students prepare for upcoming lessons or projects.  Having regular routines at home for completing homework will help your child be successful at school. Each student will have communication dairy for recording his/her daily homework assignments.

• ​How much time should my child spend on homework?
• The general rule is an average of 10 minutes per grade level. 
• 4th grade = 40 minutes
• Time spent on homework will also depend on children’s ability to remain on task and focused.  The examples given do not include nightly reading time.
• Whose Responsibility Is It?

Student Responsibility:

•  Check for homework assignments daily.
• Record assignments daily.
• Show parents and teachers any communication from home or school.
• Complete all homework assignments.
• See teacher if there is difficulty with assignments.
• Do homework independently (exception of noted ‘family’ homework assignments).

Parent Responsibility:

•  Provide homework environment (daily routine, space, and time).
• Check tablet, folder or planner daily to ensure assignments are completed.
• Check with child’s teacher for any homework concerns.
• What if my child is absent? How do I request homework for my child after an absence from school?

Much of the learning experience that occurs during a school day cannot be captured through make-up work.   However, to inquire about what your child is responsible for please contact your child’s teacher. Every day in school is an opportunity to learn.  Student grades will reflect their lack of participation and/or progress.

Consequences if homework isn’t done:

• Any child who doesn’t do their homework will be held back at 2nd recess to complete it.
• Next, they will be pulled out of the PE class to do their homework.
• If even still he/she follows suit, the parents will be called for a special appointment to discuss this matter.
• Also, every quarter homework and class work will be marked on the report card. It means that if your child doesn’t do the homework he/she will lose marks on the Report Card.
• School Diary- is the most important because all our correspondence will be through it. So, please check the child’s diary everyday and sign it. If you need to contact us, the diary is the best source.

Thank you very much. If you have further questions or concerns to discuss, please feel free to call our school reception and get an appointment to meet us.

Thanks once again. We look forward to building a good relationship with you and your child, and thus providing them with the best education.

GRADE FIVE

Homework is an important factor in students’ learning process. I strongly encourage students to complete their homework on a daily basis. Approximately one to five hours of homework a week are suggested for each elementary school student. Homework assignments usually reinforce previously taught skills, and may prepare students for future lessons, promote creativity, and/or be a reflection on the student’s day at school.

• Reading is encouraged on a daily basis. A reading log will be the responsibility of each student and parents will be expected to sign accordingly. 
• There will be a warning system with regards to incomplete homework.
• The first time a student does not complete their homework, they will stay in class during recess to complete it.
• The second time a student does not complete their homework, they will have detention and will have to bring the homework the following day.
• Any subsequent times, students will lose 1% per incomplete homework.

We strongly encourage parents to get involved in supporting their child’s homework activities. Feedback from parents is just as important for the child