Homework ... A Necessary Concept for Pretoddler - Third Grade!

Depending on the age group, the words” homework” and “nap” garners the exact opposite reaction. Many young students dread nap time yet look forward to being a big kid and having homework for the first time. By the time students are in middle school they wish they had more nap time and less homework!

Although homework can be a “cringe” word for middle and high school students, it is a real world concept and important executive functioning skill to master. I’m writing this very article from my living room, demonstrating the importance of getting comfortable with and learning how to complete homework!

In the early years of school parents are highly involved, taking most of the responsibility for students completing and returning their homework. As time goes on, students are able to work alongside parents to take more responsibility, and eventually they become independent in taking care of it on their own. Thank you parents for your vital role teaching your children the significance of homework!

At Oakhill we prepare our students to complete homework with a gradual progression, starting in early childhood. We believe it’s important to build on stamina and responsibility by adding a little bit more each year. This helps to not overwhelm our students while creating a healthy balance. Below outlines how we stairstep homework throughout each grade level, starting in the pretoddler classroom!

• Pretoddler and toddler students start with the most basic homework of reading books with an adult or older sibling. Reading to them regularly is one of the most important academic skills you can practice … And it’s easy to do! While there is no official homework assigned, we encourage students in the pretoddler and toddler classrooms to participate in the Stone Canyon reading program to receive a free kid’s pizza! Read here to review the details of that program.
• Preschool adds another element of homework by allowing students to bring a show and item to present to the class. This is the first step in bringing something from home as homework.
• Prekindergarten students take it to the next level by bringing items for show and tell that begin with the letter of the week. Students are also encouraged to bring items or write a list of items that start the letter of the week to share with their class. 
• Kindergarten students begin studying popcorn words, or sight words as you may know them, catered to their level and specific to what each student is working on. They also receive optional weekly homework packets to complete and turn in. 
• First grade builds on that by having weekly spelling words to study as well as reading logs to be tracked and turned in. This is a great way to double dip with the Stone Canyon reading program!
• On top of all that, second grade takes it to the next level by assigning a weekly homework assignment that is due on Thursday each week in the first semester. The weekly homework rotates between ELA and math, and in the second semester students have homework in both of those subjects each week.
• Third grade begins having homework four nights per week, rotating between math and ELA each night. They also create projects for quarterly book reports while also studying for states and capitals assessments each quarter. 

Completing this homework isn’t always easy and requires a little planning on your part to make it happen. Below are a few helpful tips that will hopefully help you set some routines in place without stressing too much!

• Check your child’s folder each night to see what they’ve done, scan for homework, and read any notes left by your classroom teacher.
• Create a set time (many times 10-15 minutes is all you need) and specific location to work on homework each night.
  • Timers are a helpful tool to remember when it’s time to work on homework. 
  • Although consistency is key, don’t stress if you miss a day, and let the weekend be the weekend!
  • For younger students daily homework will look like reading before bed or during a set quiet time. Regardless of age, I suggest reading stretch books (books beyond their level) to them and asking comprehension questions after. This doubles as a great bonding activity. 
• Ask your classroom teacher for any extra work or helpful things you can be working on at home specific to your child’s needs. I’m sure this was just discussed during conferences!
• Even if homework is not yet assigned for your younger child, you can rotate between specific skills practiced each night. Again, 10-15 minutes is all you need. 
  • Spelling or sight word flashcard practice
  • Reading Bob books
  • Working on basic math facts
  • Word hunts for objects that start with specific letters

Hopefully that gives you a detailed look at how we build on homework starting from the very bottom for our students in the main building. As always, please reach out if you have any questions!