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The Chickahominy Middle School

Homework Design Team Presents. . .

Homework in the Homework in the Real WorldReal World

A Balancing Act

• Everyone is busy Everyone is busy these days.these days.

• Most households Most households face a whirlwind face a whirlwind schedule that schedule that challenges parents challenges parents to juggle several to juggle several events at once.events at once.

• We understand We understand how tough it is to how tough it is to find the time to find the time to help your kids do help your kids do homework!homework!

Time is scarce in the real Time is scarce in the real world.world.

• Many middle school students resist their parents’ offers of help with their schoolwork. They want to be left alone.

• You might agree that it’s time to let go and back off from managing your child’s schoolwork.

• As a loving parent, you want to believe that he or she is capable...

“I can do it myself!”

The Real Truth, as Teachers See It

• As teachers, we often see a different reality.

• Many students are not doing their homework and this affects their class performance.

Most students who successfully complete homework have consistent parental guidance at home.

Their parents may “back off” occasionally, but they remain aware of the assignments, and expect to see evidence of completion.

Pre-teens: Stuck between two worlds

Bridging the huge gap between elementary and high school is a scary step, even if pre-teens try to act nonchalant and “cool.”

Middle schoolers still Middle schoolers still need parents and need parents and teachers to step in at teachers to step in at times to guide and times to guide and encourage them.encourage them.

Pre-teens need to be reminded that independence is earned at a cost, not granted as a wish.

Our goal in middle school is to help your child gradually develop the responsibility to complete assignments without help. -----> However...

We do not believe that most middle schoolers are developmentally mature enough yet to manage all of their academic work alone.

Why is there homework? Isn’t the classroom enough?

• Homework makes connections to the real world outside of the classroom.

• Homework allows time to practice and master new skills, and to digest new information.

• Homework removes the pressure of competition and eliminates peer distractions.

• Homework allows the teacher to adjust future lessons to students’ needs.

• Homework fosters a feeling of success and readiness.• Homework completion builds good habits and a strong

work ethic valuable for a lifetime.

Whose job is it?

• Education is a three-part process that involves school, parents, and kids.

• Your child’s success in school is assured when the responsibility is shared.

The school’s?

The parents’?The kids’?

The School’s Job• Provide basic facts and

information• Provide resources• Teach basic skills• Guide students in the

learning process• Stimulate interest &

curiosity• Assess levels of

accomplishment• Communicate progress

to students and parents

The Parents’ Job

• Set reasonable expectations for academic success

• Provide time, space, and materials for homework

• Check for homework completion

• Act as the child’s cheerleader and advocate

• Communicate with and support the teachers

• Establish meaningful incentives and consequences for academic performance

The Students’ Job

• Learn!• Complete

homework and classroom assignments

• Follow classroom and school rules

• Study for tests and quizzes

• Keep school papers and materials organized

Real World Suggestions

Here are some suggestions for dealing with real world homework problems...

“I feel like I’m nagging all the time.”

• Post a daily “To Do” list that your child can check off on his or her own. Homework is first on the list!

• Encourage regular use of an assignment book.

• Remind only once!

• Back up your “nagging” with real action. Have a plan for consequences when your instructions aren’t carried out.

“How do I get my child to study?”

• Your opinions about homework are contagious!

• State your expectations firmly and clearly: homework is non-negotiable.

• Provide the time, materials, and a place to study.

• Some students are more comfortable on the floor; others prefer a desk.

• Find out what works for your child.

“My child says he studies but still fails.”

• Your child may need to learn better test-taking strategies.

• He or she may need to organize notes more efficiently. Clean out binders & bookbags regularly.

• Study skills can be taught. Show how to make flashcards or offer other suggestions.

• Avoid distractions such as unsupervised television or computer use.

“I feel that my child has too much homework.”

• For block schedules, Hanover County designates 40 minutes per class for homework.

• We suggest that student do their homework the same night they were in class. Material is fresh and students finish more quickly.

• For projects and tests, transfer deadlines to a wall calendar to help your child see the deadlines’ approach. Spread out the work into manageable “chunks.”

• Contact your child’s teachers if you think there is an unfair amount of work.

• We agree that outside activities are important and worthwhile.

• Students can accomplish both if they learn how to manage their time.

• Outside activities are good motivators for academic success.

• Your family must decide priorities if there is a conflict.

“My child has conflicting activities.”

Questions? Concerns? Please

Call!To check assignments, call SNAPSHOT (365-SNAP).

To speak to a teacher, guidance counselor, or administrator, call CMS (730-8240).

2001 Homework Design TeamChickahominy Middle School

Hanover County, Virginia