Homework

• Kindergarten - Up to 10 minutes of reading 
• 1st grade - Up to 15 minutes
• 2nd grade - Up to 25 minutes
• 3rd grade - Up to 35 minutes
• 4th grade - Up to 40 minutes
• 5th grade - Up to 50 minutes
• This guidelines include time spent on daily reading.

• Teacher Responsibility
  • Give clear, concise directions

• • Retrieve and/or model all assignments in class

• • Provide legible handouts

• • Assign work that meets the school's homework policy time guidelines and is grade level appropriate

• • Reinforce previous (not new) learning

• • Communicate with students and parents the positives and negatives about assignments

• • Keep accurate records

• • Give response to students and parents about assignments

• • Provide opportunity for student and parent feedback

• • Vary assignments and avoid busy work

• • Be accepting of exceptional situations when homework can not be completed

• Student Responsibilty
  • 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

• • Have a good attitude about homework

• • 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

• • Support your 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 your child's 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 them

Homework is designed to support what has been learned in class. Current homework guidelines encourage teachers to provide students in first grade with 10 minutes of homework, then adding 10 additional minutes for each progressing grade so that by fifth grade, students should be assigned approximately 50 minutes of homework. Parental support is essential to the success of each student.  Homework is corrected and returned to children, when appropriate. The District homework policy is included in the Mill Valley School District Directory.

Homework is assigned at Strawberry Point School on a regular basis and is considered a valuable part of the instructional program and 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. Homework is most effective when all three do their part.

At each grade level there is a consistency in homework frequency and quantity. If your child is consistently working on his/her homework, but exceeding the time guidelines, please contact the child's teacher. 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.