Homework Policy

Homework gives children the opportunity to:
- finish work not completed during school hours;
- practice and rehearse;
- review and prepare for tests;
- explore topics in greater depth;
- pursue learning without artificial time barriers imposed by school routines.

Homework can teach children about:
- routines and habits;
- time managements;
- how school learning can extend beyond the four walls of the classroom;
- responsibility and independences;
- self-motivation and self-direction.

What is a Reasonable Expectation?

Kindergarten - Students may be asked to gather materials for classrooms activities. They should be read to on a regular basis.
Primary Grades - Students should be engaged in print experiences on a regular basis for 10-15 minutes at a time. This should include looking at or reading books independently, being read to and sharing books with parent or sibling.
Junior Grades - Students should regularly spend approximately 45 minutes on self-directed activities to review, to finish assignments, to investigate or to explore.
Intermediate Grades - Students will be assigned approximately 90 minutes of homework per night on a regular basis.

Homework Responsibilities

Students will...
- take home necessary material to complete work and return it on time for checking;
- ask for assistance from the teacher if they have any questions about the assignment;
- keep track of due dates and keep their parents informed about tests and projects.

Teachers will...
- provide clear instructions and be available if a student has any questions about the assignment;
- communicate with parents if homework is not being completed, or if class time is not being used wisely;
- check that homework is completed.

Parents will...
- provide a quiet area in which their child can work;
- teach their child time management skills and help him/her organize his/her time so that it includes his/her chores, TV programs, clubs and homework;
- provides activities that support school experiences, e.g. cooking, visits to special places;
- communicate concerns with the teacher;
- be part of the homework process, i.e. answer questions, ask questions, read written work; but

       REMEMBER: THE HOMEWORK IS YOUR CHILD’S WORK AND NOT YOURS!