Over the years I have learned some important things about giving effective homework.
- The rule “Quality over Quantity” should always be considered when assigning homework…Less is more.
- This is so true when it comes to homework. More is not better….it’s just MORE. If a child is exhausted and hates what they are doing, what am I really accomplishing?
- It can be a valuable tool for keeping parents informed and involved.
- When I assign homework, not only are my students getting a few minutes to put their knowledge to the test, but parents now have the opportunity to see how their child is doing, and what they are learning in class and expected to know. It’s a win, win, win.
- It can help teachers make informed decisions and help guide instruction.
- When I see a student struggling on a skill from their homework, I know I have some reteaching to do. Class time is so limited and already stretched to the max, so I don’t have as much time as I would like to see if each and every student understands what I’ve taught each day. Homework is the perfect way to see if a students “gets it”, and it didn’t take any class time.
- It can help build student confidence and skill retention.
- Because I use a mostly-review style homework , students who didn’t get to master a skill in class while it was being taught, will be given the opportunity to continue to practice that same skill on their nightly homework. In my experience, I have seen my students’ self-confidence boost! They may not master the skill on the first, second, or third night, but eventually they do. Homework gives them the opportunity to keep practicing and feel success at their own pace.