Homework strengthens and enhances the interaction, partnership, and communication among students, teachers, and parents. It provides the opportunity for students to develop independence, self discipline, and responsibility to become life long learners.
Although homework times may vary, the following chart summarizes current research findings that state homework should equal approximately 10 times the grade level.
Kindergarten | 5 - 10 minutes, 3 - 4 times per week |
First Grade | 10 - 20 minutes, 3 - 4 times per week |
Second Grade | 20 - 30 minutes, 3 - 4 times per week |
Third Grade | 30 - 40 minutes, 3 - 4 times per week |
Fourth Grade | 40 - 50 minutes, 3 - 4 times per week |
Fifth Grade | 50 - 60 minutes, 3 - 4 times per week |
Research supports that daily reading has shown numerous educational benefits to children. Therefore, additional reading is not included in the homework times stated above.
Your child's teacher will require specific assignments as homework. Some assignments will be due the following day. Others may have long-term due dates. A variety of homework may be assigned. The four categories of homework are:
PRACTICE: Assignments in which the student repeats a skill which has been presented in class.
PREPARATION: Assignments to help students prepare for a future lesson or new concept.
ELABORATION: Assignments in which the student transfers an idea or skill to a new or different situation.
Parent/child selected enrichment activities are another integral part of making a well rounded child.
Art: Lessons, attending exhibits, museums, practice a special art technique, complete a project to show something learned
Community/Home: Community service projects such as helping at a senior citizen home, tutoring other students, picking up trash, home projects such as caring for animals or pets
Computers: Keyboarding practice, computer aided art or design, educational games, using a computer encyclopedia
Current Events: Watch and discuss the news, write a letter to the editor, discussions, reports
Hobbies: Clubs, rocket building, map-making, story telling dramatics, sewing, reading
Home Projects: Building, cooking, gardening
Languages: Take classes, study languages on tape practice with a friend
Math: Puzzles, practical problems, board games, practice math facts, logical thinking activities
Music: Practice an instrument, sing, create a rhythm or song attend musical performances, dance
Reading: Fiction or non-fiction, alone or with someone, be an "Eagle Reader"
Science: Experiments and projects, visit a science center ' see science exhibits or demonstrations, classes
Writing: Thank-you notes, letters,journals, reports, creative writing, use spelling words in a story, shopping lists
When used effectively, homework can ...
The Issaquah School District Board of Directors has adopted a specific policy regarding homework. The following is an excerpt from that policy.
"The District believes that homework is a constructive tool in the teaching/learning process when geared to the needs and abilities of students. Purposeful assignments not only enhance student achievement but also develop self-discipline and associated good working habits. Homework, as an extension of the classroom, homework must be planned, purposeful, and clear."
Vacca, J.L., Vacca, R.T., Gove, M.K., Burkey, L.C., Lenhart, L.A., & McKean, C.A. (2003).
Reading and learning to read. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Marzano, R.J., Pickering, D.J., & Pollock, J.E. (2001).
Classroom instruction that works: research based strategies for increasing student achievement. Danvers: McREL
Prepared by Maple Hills Site Council 2006-07.