The Issue of Homework

Let me climb up on my soapbox for a minute. I want to talk about the issue of homework. (can you hear the frustration in my voice?)

• Homework is on Monday and Wednesday each week and is to be returned the following day. The exception is if there is a holiday and it will be the next day.
• Homework is for the sole purpose of practicing best handwriting, writing the letters correctly, and learning how to use the lines and spaces. I cannot work with every child individually each day on this. That's your responsibility.
• Students need a clean, quiet place to work.
• They should have an adult with them to monitor their work.
• Students should sit up straight, use their free hand to stabilize their paper, and have plenty of light.
• Homework should be done in pencil.
• Their name is part of homework. They students should write it themselves. It should be the neatest thing on the paper because they have so many opportunities to write it.
• And finally..... EVERY letter, EVERY time should start at the TOP!!! That's part of what you are monitoring as they write. Remind them to sing the song (they all know it well).

The tune is "If you're happy and you know it"

Where do you start your letters?
At the top.
Where do you start your letters?
At the top.
If your gonna write your letters then your better, better better,
You better start your letters at the top, top, TOP!

Whew!
Lastly, thank you for what you are doing. I know everyone is so busy and sincerely doing the best they can. I appreciate your efforts. I am asking for a little bit more.
Thank you for sharing your adorable children with me. I truly love them, I care about how they are doing in school. I want them to succeed, to feel confident, and have pride in a job well done.