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 |
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| Preparation |
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| Practice and Application |
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| Extension and Creative |
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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