• HOMEWORK POLICY

     
    Homework is assigned at Tam Valley School on a regular basis and is considered a valuable part of the instructional program. It is designed to extend and reinforce classroom learning, encourage personal responsibility and develop good study habits.
     
    Students, teachers and parents all have important roles to play in homework and homework is most effective when all three do their part. At each grade level there is a consistency in homework frequency and quantity.

    Tam Valley’s homework policy follows the district guidelines:
    Kindergarten - parent reading out loud to child
    1st grade - approximately 10 minutes daily
    2nd grade - approximately 20 minutes daily
    3rd grade - approximately 30 minutes daily
    4th grade - approximately 40 minutes daily
    5th grade - approximately 50 minutes daily

    These are average times and may vary because of individual abilities and study habits and because of special projects. Daily reading may also be assigned for 15-30 minutes. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if homework is taking an excessive amount of time or is becoming a battle between parents and child.
     
    Teacher responsibility regarding homework:
    Give clear directions.
    Assign work that meets the school's homework policy time guidelines and is grade level appropriate.
    Provide legible handouts.
    Reinforce previous (not new) learning.
    Vary assignments and avoid busy work.
    Give response to students and parents about assignments
    Be accepting of exceptional situations when homework can not be completed
     
    Student Responsibility
    Take home and return all assignments.
    Make up missed or incomplete work when possible.
    Complete assignments in an appropriate place and within the allotted time.
    Be accurate and neat.
    Ask for explanation or clarify if you need it.
    Proofread your own work and check for errors.
    Try your best.
    Discuss problems or concerns about homework with your teacher.

    Parent Responsibility
    Provide an appropriate time and place for homework.
    Make school the number one priority during the academic year.
    Model a positive attitude.
    Provide support of the child's efforts.
    Ask your child to share assignments with you regularly.
    Encourage your child to ask for specific help (i.e., proofreading accuracy, content) .
    Note: Do not "critique" the entire assignment unless asked.
    Know when to stop a child when he or she is struggling and exhausted.
    Communicate and cooperate with your classroom teacher if your child is having difficulties or working longer then the time prescribed.
    Try to assist your child without doing their work for him/her.