Homework
ABS Homework policy: Teachers will assign homework that is meaningful and relevant to the current topic of study. Homework may come in the form of projects, reading, or research. We will avoid using “busy work” for homework.
“A new study offers further reason to doubt that kids benefit from being made to work a ‘second shift’ of academics when they get home from school. No research has ever found any link between homework and achievement in elementary school. Now it appears that homework may not offer a boost even in high school - and certainly not enough to compensate for its disadvantages.” – Alfie Kohn
After reading Alfie Kohn’s The Homework Myth, I have truly reflected on my practice of assigning homework. Students will not be assigned homework, but will be encouraged to complete Curiosity Work. Students will be urged to explore topics and reading choices that interest and excite them and share with their peers and me. I want to help “change the default” by supporting children in their independence to complete quality work, which gives students ownership of their learning.
Alfie Kohn stated, “A study says kindergarteners perform better on an academic task if their classroom has bare walls. But what's the task - and is it worth doing?” I want students to engage in academic tasks that are meaningful and worth doing. I look forward to instilling a love for learning in your children in fourth grade year!
Every Night
1. Read 30 minutes (read by yourself, read with an adult, or listen to a book recording)
2. Online exploration (Reflex Math, Khan Academy, or Vocabulary Spelling
City)
Every Week
1. Read Scholastic News. Respond to 3 choice reading prompts and bring in on Friday.
2. Book Club Blogging work when assigned (may use class reading time)
Monthly
1. Reading Response Letters (may use class reading time)
2. Curiosity Wall Responses- a chance for students to explore a topic they are curious about and share with the class
Long-Term
1. Projects aligned with classroom learning goals will provide students with an opportunity to engage in material in a creative and intellectual way.
“A new study offers further reason to doubt that kids benefit from being made to work a ‘second shift’ of academics when they get home from school. No research has ever found any link between homework and achievement in elementary school. Now it appears that homework may not offer a boost even in high school - and certainly not enough to compensate for its disadvantages.” – Alfie Kohn
After reading Alfie Kohn’s The Homework Myth, I have truly reflected on my practice of assigning homework. Students will not be assigned homework, but will be encouraged to complete Curiosity Work. Students will be urged to explore topics and reading choices that interest and excite them and share with their peers and me. I want to help “change the default” by supporting children in their independence to complete quality work, which gives students ownership of their learning.
Alfie Kohn stated, “A study says kindergarteners perform better on an academic task if their classroom has bare walls. But what's the task - and is it worth doing?” I want students to engage in academic tasks that are meaningful and worth doing. I look forward to instilling a love for learning in your children in fourth grade year!
Every Night
1. Read 30 minutes (read by yourself, read with an adult, or listen to a book recording)
2. Online exploration (Reflex Math, Khan Academy, or Vocabulary Spelling
City)
Every Week
1. Read Scholastic News. Respond to 3 choice reading prompts and bring in on Friday.
2. Book Club Blogging work when assigned (may use class reading time)
Monthly
1. Reading Response Letters (may use class reading time)
2. Curiosity Wall Responses- a chance for students to explore a topic they are curious about and share with the class
Long-Term
1. Projects aligned with classroom learning goals will provide students with an opportunity to engage in material in a creative and intellectual way.