Yokayo’s Homework Policy
Definition: Homework is defined as tasks assigned to students by teachers that are meant to be carried out during non-school hours. It is intended to be a meaningful experience that prepares students for lessons, practices basic skills, and reinforces concepts taught in class.
Homework assignments are created based upon the intended purpose of the teacher.
Examples of, but not limited to, assignments include:
*Unfinished class work
*Drill and practice exercises (spelling and vocabulary words, math facts, and computation)
*Preparation for tests
*Research activities and reports
*Reading and writing assignments
*Data collection
*Hands on projects- mobiles, models, arts and crafts
Time: Homework will increase gradually in amount, variety, and frequency as students progress from grade to grade. The following time allotment guide is recommended for students to devote to homework each night. It is important to note, these are suggested on task times:
Level Per Evening
Kindergarten 10 minutes
1st 10 minutes
2nd 20 minutes
3rd 30 minutes
4th 40 minutes
5th 50 minutes
6th 60 minutes
Daily homework assignments will generally be given Monday through Thursday. Homework will not be routinely be assigned on weekends. Students are encouraged to use the weekends and vacations for long-term assignments and daily reading. These guidelines are developed based upon the average student at each grade level. Individual abilities, study skills, and time management practices will determine the length of time a student will actually spend on any given task.
Responsibilities: Student success with homework depends upon the cooperative efforts of students, parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators.
Student Responsibilities
- Collect the necessary materials needed to complete the assignments.
- Ask questions and seek help from the teachers if confused about the assignment or any part of the work.
- Be responsible for completing and returning all assignments on time to the teacher. This includes making up homework when absent. Follow all expected standards of quality concerning heading, neatness, content, and directions.
- Budget time wisely and share time plans with parents/guardians, especially on long range assignments.
- Study in a quiet place with few interruptions and distractions that limit focus.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
- Assist children in setting up a regularly scheduled homework time at a reasonable hour each day. See that he/she meets that daily commitment. Allow sufficient time for homework even though children may be involved in family and community activities (sports, scouts, dance, arts, etc.)
- Check assignments daily and encourage completion of all homework. Please remember the homework is the child’s responsibility. Parents should not do the work for the children, but should encourage accountability and monitor student efforts to show support. This applies to daily and long-range assignments and projects.
- Encourage children to have an organized approach to homework by providing all needed materials.
- If a problem arises over homework time, difficulty or completion due to extenuating circumstances, contact the child’s teacher.
Teacher Responsibilities
- Be sure all assignments are created with a clear purpose that supports the learning objective(s). All assignments should be posted and/or written clearly so parents and students know expectations..
- Modify assignments to meet student needs as necessary.
- Prepare students to do the assignments (explain all tasks and directions).
- Give meaningful homework and provide students with prompt feedback on their assignments.
- Take into account participation in school-wide events when giving homework.
- Inform parents/guardians in writing of long-term assignments and expected timelines for completion.
- If a problem arises over homework quality or completion, contact parents/guardians by making a telephone call or sending an email.
- Set up a system for addressing late or incomplete assignments and communicate it clearly in written form to students and parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year.
Administrator Responsibilities
- To assist in the dissemination and implementation of Yokayo’s Homework Guidelines to all teachers, parents, guardians, and students.
- To help to explain, clarify, and interpret all parts of the guidelines and to assist in the mediation of disputes regarding homework practices.