Homework

Homework is an aid in developing life-long learning skills such as self-discipline, commitment, time management, responsibility, independence, initiative, and problem solving. Homework is an opportunity for a cooperative effort between home and school, and involves parents, teachers, and students.

Time Guidelines

In grades 1-8, homework should take 5 to 10 minutes per night per grade, plus read aloud or independent reading time.

Grade 1 - 5 to 10 minutes
Grade 2 - 10 to 20 minutes
Grade 3 - 15 to 20 minutes
Grade 4 - 20 to 40 minutes
Grade 5 - 25 to 50 minutes
Grade 6 - 30 to 60 minutes
Grade 7 - 35 to 70 minutes
Grade 8 - 40 to 80 minutes

In grades 9-12, homework depends on assignments, course, or program. Some students, including those with special needs, may have more of an in-class focus for their learning.

Grades 9 and 10 - 6 to 10 hours per week
Grades 11 and 12 - an average of 10 to 20 hours per week

Types of Homework

Homework offers a variety of mediums that encourage and support children with their in-school experiences. Four main types of homework exist.

Type	Reason	Examples
Completion	Work not completed in class To keep up-to-date with classroom work	Completing classroom assignments, including reading responses, notes, exercises, pieces of writing
Preparation	Home preparation for the next day's class work	Collecting information, reading background materials, or studying for quizzes, tests, and exams Completing tasks associated with sacramental preparation Using planners to establish regular study and review time
Practice and Application	To develop, review, and reinforce specific skills presented in class To transfer skills or concepts into new situations	Developing, reviewing, and reinforcing specific skills presented in class Completing extra questions in a textbook if an assessment item demonstrates that the students has not mastered a skill Writing a letter after being taught the components of a business letter Reviewing and drilling of numbers, operations, and troublesome spelling words
Extension and Creative	To enrich classroom experiences and deepen the student's understanding To provide opportunities for problem-solving and critical thinking To integrate skills	Identifying local plant and animal life in the environment Volunteering to help in local parish or a community group Working on projects, research, and independent study Inventing a product to solve a problem Creating designs, stories, drama, and prayers

Roles and Responsibilities

For homework to be effective, the school, teachers, parents, and students share the responsibility for using good homework practices.

School

Develops and communicates school guidelines for homework to be used by teachers, parents, and students
Offers information to assist parents in helping their children at home
Works with the community to develop programs to provide students with support for homework
(i.e. peer tutors, homework clubs)
Teacher
Explains to students the purpose and importance of homework and its connection to school success
Teaches the skills necessary for the student to complete homework (e.g., note-making, preparation for upcoming test)
Assigns work that is appropriate to the student's age, developmental level, learning styles, maturity, skills,
and individual needs
Uses homework as a vehicle for developing and reinforcing learning, not as a punishment for misbehaviour or failure
to perform as expected
Works collaboratively with other teachers to assign reasonable amounts of homework and avoid overload in rotary
class situations
Summarizes and reports on homework completion in the Learning Skills section of the Provincial Report Card

Parent

Provides encouragement and appropriate support, without doing the homework for the student
Expects the student to complete homework regularly
Shows interest in the student's schoolwork and progress

Student

Ensures that he or she clearly understands the homework (i.e. assignments, criteria, timelines)
Asks for help if homework assignments or expectations are not clear
Completes homework regularly

Study Tips

Praise and encourage your children in their work
Talk to your children about what they are learning in school
Read with younger children
Let your children help you with reading and writing activities: recipes, newspapers, letters, shopping lists, etc.
Encourage your children to ask the teacher for help if they find the work difficult or confusing
Set a consistent time when homework will be done each night
Check that homework is completed
Provide a quiet place away from distractions such as television and telephone
Have your children practice mathematics, reading, and writing skills daily
Keep in touch with the teachers and call when you have a question or a concern