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.  :)

10 comments

  1. Thanks for linking up! http://www.lessonplandiva.com/2012/02/inflectional-endings-and-freebie.html

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  2. Hi Stephanie:
    I was just thinking about cumulative review this morning. Sixth grade doesn't have Envision at our school, so we don't have access to that resource.
    I really think this is a wise idea. Often kids think, "If the chapter is done, the remembering is done too."
    Spiral review would help prevent this--although I loathe the idea of creating my own pages, because fractions and geometry graphics are hard for me to make on the computer. Yours look great--what program do you use to create them?
    Thanks for always having wonderful ideas to share!

    Kim
    Finding JOY in 6th Grade

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    1. Thanks Kim! I did all of them on Word...using the drawing tool quite a bit. Every once in a while I can't figure out how to make something, so I just draw it on my own ;) (like numbers for coordinate grids)

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  3. I really like your "Math Homework". I am interested in all of your "weeks". Are they available on TpT or Teachers Notebook? angiegarcia2000@yahoo.com

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    1. I do not have the homework on TpT. Didn't even think about it actually! Maybe that will be my next project ;)

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    2. I would LOVE to buy your "Math Homework" on TpT!!

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  4. Wow! Using those thinking maps as reading responses are soooo much better than the "parent sign here" business I was using while teaching 4th. I know a lot of my parents were just signing whether their kid read or not, and frankly most of them had no idea whether their kid was just telling them they read or not (had a lot of latch-key kids and single-working-two-jobs parents). That is just fabulous for holding the students accountable! :D !

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    1. Thanks! They really have worked out well for me...and I hope that others get some use out of them too!

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  5. I really like your math homework! I need to be better about cumulative review!
    ☼Kate
    To The Square Inch

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  6. Do you also assign Paragraph of the Week, or do you do that in class?I am struggling with how much homework I should give my students each night. Right now they read for 30 minutes and complete a log, do math homework, spelling word study (as needed), and P.O.T.W. Many of them are also in band and have to practice their music instruments 20 minutes each night, study for the spelling bee,battle of the books, and sports practices. Our school day only runs from 8:00-2:30 with an hour of that devoted to lunch and recess, another hour to "specials" like band, music, library, life skills, native culture studies,and P.E. These are all taught by other teachers. I'm trying really hard to fit everything they need into the school day but it just isn't happening!I guess my question regarding your use of P.O.W. as homework just turned into a vent. LOL

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