Below you will be able to find information on how I view homework, and what we are actually doing when we are assessing your children. :)
Homework Philosophy
Homework to many people seems like a necessary part of schooling. However, as a teacher, I would much rather see what your child is capable of in class, than what they can accomplish at home.
What can you expect:
You can expect to have your child reading something every single night.
*You can expect to see homework come home when daily work has not been completed in class. We spend most of the day together. The students will have a very reasonable chunk of time to complete work in class with access to me (for help and clarification). They are also welcome to request to work during recess (if our schedule allows that) - I will occasionally give extra practice to those who need it or if I sense that extra practice is needed in an area of weakness.
*Occasionally, you can expect to have certain challenges/reflection questions presented to your child that should be completed on the computer at home (usually connected to Google Classroom). This will not be urgent, and the child will have help managing their time to ensure its completion over a predetermined timeline.
*You can expect your child to be done with homework after 20 minutes! If they are not finished, leave it (seriously!). Just send me a quick note letting me know how things fared out (Was there a lot of frustration? Avoidance? These are usually signs that the concept is still too challenging!).
*You can expect that I will give your child time in class to organize and record their homework. Relying on the agenda is a great way to create accountability and foster a sense of responsibility in students. After all, most adults use a calendar to manage their daily life, right? Please do not rely on my blog or Google Classroom for daily homework- I am not always available after school to update this information.
*If homework is assigned, it is not the end of the world if your child misses one night. However, when it becomes a pattern, it will negatively affect your child's Learning Skills (responsibility - reported on), and academics. Please note that homework completion does affect how we run our class. If your child is not completing their work, we must wait on that child to complete it - or, we move on without them.
Assessment
In all subjects, Level 3 (or a B) is the Provincial standard and is generally classified as 'demonstrating considerable' understanding/ application/ communication/ thinking about a topic. Many students (and parents!) are striving for a level 4 (or an A). A level 4 is above the Provincial expectations and is generally classified as having a 'high degree/thorough' understanding/ application/ communication/ thinking about a topic. I realize this may be confusing, but please do not hesitate to shoot me an email if you have any questions about this! I love talking assessment!
The students’ work math and language will be assessed in the following categories:
Knowledge and Understanding (K/U). Subject-specific content acquired in each grade (knowledge), and the comprehension of its meaning and significance (understanding).
Thinking (T). The use of critical and creative thinking skills and/or processes, as follows: – planning skills (e.g., understanding the problem or task, making a plan for solving the problem or attacking the task) – processing skills (e.g., carrying out a plan, looking back at the solution) – critical/creative thinking processes (e.g., inquiry, problem solving)
Communication (C). The conveying of meaning through various oral, written, and visual forms (e.g., providing explanations of reasoning or justification of results orally or in writing; communicating ideas and solutions in writing, using appropriate terminology, and visually (using pictures, diagrams, charts, tables, graphs, and concrete materials).
Application (A). The use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and between various contexts.
Student work is assessed and/or evaluated in an ongoing balanced manner with respect to the four categories in all subjects.
**Please note: I truly expect (and hope) that I challenge your children in class. Things may get 'tough' for them while learning a new concept, but, I want them to have a hard time. I want them to work through a problem, and feel a bit frustrated and try out different strategies. PLEASE(!) DO NOT STEAL THE STRUGGLE! Let them have a hard time at home, too. Let them try to use what they know, with the tools that are available to them (starting with their brain first!), and then give the hints and suggestions. I know that these kiddos have intelligent parents and that adults can solve the problems I present, but I want to see the students give it their best. I also know how hard it is to watch someone 'not get it,' but trust me, your child will be so pleased with themselves when they figure it out. We are working toward building those new neural pathways! :)
Also, if your child is not happy with one of their assessments, encourage them to do something about it! The Junior Grades are a perfect age for the students to take on some ownership in their educational career.
Did they get a level 1 on a test? Do they want to try again? Encourage them to ASK if it is what THEY want (sorry Mom's and Dad's)!
Did they receive a level 3, and want to know how to do better? They know who to talk to!
Did they receive a level 3 and YOU want to know how your child can do better? Send me an email, or call :)