Homework....What *I* Do

Jenaya at The Lesson Plan Diva is hosting a linky party, inviting everyone to write about their homework routine.  I thought it was a great idea...so here we go!





For homework each night, I give 3 things.

My students must read for 30 minutes each night.  They can choose anything they wish, and we go over how to choose books quite a bit in the beginning of the year.  Most of the time, they are reading their Reading Olympics books.

They then must record their reading on their Reading Log.  Since there are 5 different choices of responses, I check off the one response and the log goes back in their folder.  These logs really have helped to keep the kids engaged, accountable, and on track with their reading.  I have used them for years, and haven't looked back to the "sign this" type. 

Math homework is something that I have created for my students.  It is a 10 problem cumulative review.  I create my own questions based on all of the standards that the kids need to know.   The review is NOT just 10 problems of whatever we did that day.  Rather, it has one problem of that, plus 9 other types of problems.  I have a copy of the 5th grade math homework and the 4th grade on TpT.  I know it is pricey, but it is worth every.single.penny.  I promise.

Doing homework like this has been a LIFESAVER.  That, combined with Calendar Math, lifts the weight of "I have to get it in" off my shoulders.  I *know* the kids will get it.  They see the problems over and over and over again.  The skills are repeated all year long and they just don't forget them.  This also leaves me time for Concept Lessons, Head Problems, Two-Problems, and all of those other thinking lessons that I wouldn't get to if I was just focusing on rote skill the whole time. Honestly, if you do one thing in math, do this.  (and I promise,  I will write an entire post about it later)


Comprehension is also a cornerstone thing I do.  I wrote about it in detail here, so click on over to read about it.

So there you have it.  My homework routine in a nutshell.  One thing that is important to note is that I GO OVER the comprehension and math homework each day.  That is key to its success.   I do also add Root Word homework once a week, and a science review once a week.  But that is it.  :)