**There is a lot of information on this page. Please read everything for in-depth explanations and examples. Below is a quick overview.**
-Homework will be given every Monday. It is due, without exception, on Thursday of the same week. -Late homework becomes a zero in the grade book, but still needs to be turned in. The student will serve silent recess until I receive the completed assignment. -Spelling Lists will be given each Monday. The test will be Friday of the same week. -Unfinished assignments must be turned in the following morning before announcements. |
Weekly Homework
Each week, there will be one scheduled, graded homework assignment. It could be additional math fact practice, a writing prompt, or questions further exploring science or social studies topics. It will be distributed in class on Monday. If, for whatever reason, we do not have school on Monday, it will be given Tuesday. It will be due by Thursday morning at 8:00 AM. Your student is encouraged to complete the assignment and bring it back as soon as possible.
For any scheduled homework, I always provide at least 2 days to complete. I do that as a courtesy because I know how hectic life can be. Sometimes, things come up that can't be avoided. I also like to provide the opportunity for the student to try the assignment, and if they find it too difficult, they can bring it in and ask questions before the due date. Since students have multiple days to complete an assignment, I do not give credit to late work. I do, however, still expect the assignment to be turned in so that I can assess their understanding. The student will be in silent recess until the assignment is complete. Each student that successfully turns in the weekly homework assignment on time, with a strong effort, for 9 consecutive weeks, will be treated to a small reward. In addition to the graded assignment, I also suggest our student read for 30+minutes per night. I would suggest reading their AR Book, Children's Magazines, or even the Newspaper (Reading level permitting). Two tips that will help your child improve their academics: 1) Have your child read aloud to an adult for at least 10 minutes a day. This will help their reading rate, fluency and improve self-confidence. 2) Read non-fiction texts. A big emphasis in 4th grade is recognizing the text and graphic features of non-fiction books and articles. They will be tested on this during the M-Step Test in May, so any extra familiarity with non-fiction outside of school is great. Lastly, your child will be tested on a list of 10-20 grade-level specific spelling words each Friday. Lists will be distributed each Monday. Depending on your child's individual needs, I would suggest studying the words by orally quizzing or having your child write the words repeatedly throughout the week. In the past, poor spelling test performances have really hindered students looking to get an A in Literacy. |
"Unscheduled" Homework
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Your child may occasionally have unscheduled homework because an assignment was not finished in class. Assignments that are not completed the day they are assigned must be taken home and be completed and turned in by 8:03 the following day. There will be no penalty. If the assignment is not turned in by 8:03, it will become a "zero" in the grade book, and the child will serve silent recess until the assignment is turned in. I pledge to provide a reasonable amount of time in class to complete assignments. It is not my wish to provide excessive homework.
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Projects
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There will be approximately 3-5 lengthier, project-based homework assignments throughout the year. In each case, the student will have at least 7 days. They will also have access to written directions and a copy of the grading rubric. In many cases, I will also be able to demonstrate successful student examples from previous years.
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