Adams Homework Policy

Ensuring that homework is beneficial requires a balanced approach and clear communication between the student, the teacher and the family. Homework that is assigned should be purposeful, appropriate to the age level of the student, and tailored to the needs of the child and their family.

Reasons for assigning homework include practicing new skills, applying previously learned skills in new contexts, and/or fostering productive study habits and independence. Homework has the additional potential benefit of helping young children understand that learning happens everywhere, while also providing parents with information about our curriculum and opportunities to support their student in their learning.

The staff at Adams understands and promotes the importance of unstructured play as essential to fostering the cognitive, social, physical and emotional well-being of children. Therefore, time spent on homework should be in addition to, and never a replacement for free play.

With these ideas in mind, we practice the following approach to homework:

• A maximum of 40 minutes of homework per night allocated as follows:
  • A minimum of 20 minutes spent reading from self-selected and/or teacher assigned texts either independently or with an adult is a nightly homework requirement.
  • A maximum of 15-20 minutes total spent working on learning math facts and/or sight words in addition to assignments provided by the teacher that are relevant to the learning taking place in class at that time.
• Homework should be able to be completed by the student independently.
• While homework is an expectation and participation in homework is strongly encouraged, there are no consequences imposed on a student who does not complete homework.
• Families may choose to modify assignments by adding to or decreasing the amount of homework assigned.
• Learning occurs in a variety of ways outside of school. We encourage students and their families to explore opportunities to foster growth and responsibility in many ways including participating in completing household chores, discussing current and world events, and through participation in local community activities.

Student Responsibilities

• To assume responsibility for completing homework independently and to the best of the student’s ability.
• To make sure to understand homework assignments by listening to directions, asking questions when something is unclear, and carefully reading instructions.
• To gather all necessary materials to complete assignments before leaving the classroom, and return homework assignments to school on time.

Family Responsibilities

• To provide a consistent routine and environment that is conducive to completing homework. Provide limits/guidelines on “screen time.”
• To ensure that the student receives the educational benefit from the assignment by encouraging independence, offering assistance and answering questions as needed without influencing the result.
• To notify the teacher if the homework is creating a problem at home.

Teacher Responsibilities

• To provide meaningful homework assignments that students can complete independently.
• To clearly communicate homework directions and expectations.
• To monitor the amount of homework assigned so that it corresponds to school guidelines.