Read this section for an explanation on the TLDSB homework policy,

how long students should be spending on homework and helpful tips!

HOMEWORK POLICY

The Trillium Lakelands District School board "recognizes that homework is a necessary part of the learning process, teaching students to be responsible and independent learners. The assignment of purposeful homework is an effective means of extending student learning time". Assigned homework is assessed and homework completion is rated under "learning skills" on the report card. Students learn best when they, their parents and the school work together - homework is one way in which families and schools can collaborate in order to improve student learning.

What is the purpose of homework?

• To teach children responsibility by completing assignments that require organization and planning
• To complete work that has been started at school
• To remediate areas of weakness
• To review for tests
• To review and reinforce learning
• To involve parents in their child's education

How much time should be spent on homework?
K-Gr. 2         20 - 45 minutes/per week

Gr. 3-4         30 - 60 minutes/per week

Gr. 5-6         30 - 60 minutes/5 days per week

Gr. 7-8        60 - 90 minutes/5 days per week

Making good use of class time reduces homework demands. If a child is having difficulty with homework, then he/she is probably having difficulty at school.

What homework should be done?
The following is intended as a guideline. Generally, assigned homework should be completed before unassigned homework.

Assigned

• Complete and/or correct daily classroom work
• Complete assigned homework:
  short term (daily work)
  longer term (project, report, speech, etc.)
• Prepare for tests
• Unassigned
• Review notes
• Read (newspapers, novels, storybooks, articles related to school topics)
• Write (lists, letters, diaries)
• Review and practise math skills and facts
• Extend classroom work (e.g. reading or computer internet research on current topics of study in the classroom)
• Incidental learning (baking, telling time, counting money, crafts)

What are the consequences for incomplete assigned homework?

a) K - Gr. 6:

Teacher monitoring with age-appropriate
consequences (e.g. missing recess) or contact home as necessary

b) Gr. 7 - 8:

Referral to homework room for the lunch hour period

• Contact home and further interventions if
  pattern is evident (3 or more referrals in one
  month)
• Age-appropriate consequences (loss of
  privileges such as dance, recess)

Students assigned to the homework room are required to report at the beginning of the lunch hour. Students signed inot homework room will not be permitted to go out for lunch on that day. Students who fail to report or report late mayhave their downtown lunch privileges removed.

What if my child has too much homework?

If this happens on occasion and you feel your child has done a reasonable amount of work, contact the teacher by note or by phone. If this happens often, it is very important to contact the teacher to discuss the problem. (Often there are reasons for excessive homework that become apparent during the discussion such as inappropriate or inefficient use of class time.)

What if my child consistently spends less than the suggested time on homework?

Ensure that your expectation is that a minimum amount of time is spent each night (as per the guideline) on homework. If your child does not bring home assigned homework, choose tasks from the list of "unassigned homework". If a pattern of "no assigned homework" emerges, contact the teacher and check the planner regularly.

Homework Tips

• Set a regular time and place for homework (quiet, good lighting)
• Monitor activity to be sure that homework is being completed
• Offer to assist as necessary, but ensure that homework completion is your child's responsibility
• Encourage and support your child by emphasizing your belief in the importance of putting forth a good effort when completing school work