Here are some guidelines to help you gauge your child's progress:
- How long should homework take in middle school
- Should I still check my middle schooler's homework assignment pad
- Should I check my child's homework?
- What should I do if my child struggles consistently, and my help is not enough for him or her to be successful?
- Exactly how much homework do students get in middle school?
- How do I assist my child with long-term projects?
How long should homework take in middle school
Typically, homework in middle school should take anywhere from 1
to 2 1/2 hours per night. A lot depends on the pace of the
student and the time of year (are there long term projects
currently assigned or is your child new to middle school). If
your child is overburdened every night, please talk
to his or her homeroom teacher so that a plan can be devised to
help the student. 6th graders should settle into their new
routines by October. Additionally, students may choose to
complete LA journals (DIRT and writing) on weekends as well as
study for vocabulary tests with flash cards when riding anywhere
in the car. Students experiencing a high volume of homework due
to the time of trimester can avail themselves of HIP (Homework
Improvement Program) or use the time given two to three times per
week in homeroom to work on projects or study for tests, etc.
Should I still check my middle schooler's homework assignment pad
It is a good idea to check 6th graders assignment pads at the
beginning of the year to ensure they are complete in their
entries. If your 6th grader has few difficulties and seems
confident (and your parent/teacher conferences have shown the
student to be progressing and successful),
periodic checks are still good. 7th and 8th graders should be
much more independent; however, if your child has any
organizational difficulties, you definitely
should still take time to check the assignment pad and your
child's backpack before leaving the school parking lot. You will
become familiar with where your child is in each class and help
him or her double check that all texts, workbooks, and worksheets
are brought home daily. The middle school building does not
close until 3:30, and parents/students are encouraged to come
back inside to obtain books and needed supplies from lockers.
Set up an appointment with teachers via email to discuss any
concerns you may have. Ask teachers during parking lot duty any
quick questions you have (as long as the teacher is not directing
traffic). Remember that teachers cannot always update their
websites immediately after school or during school due to duties,
meetings, or tutoring students. It is the responsibility of the
student to write down all homework exactly as written on the
homework board for each class. For example, an entry which
reads "quiz Thursday" does not reflect section and chapter
numbers or if it is a quiz from notes. Therefore, a student
could neglect to bring home the correct supplies to begin
studying and parents would not know.
Should I check my child's homework?
In 6th and 7th grades, it is a good idea to check and see that
homework is complete and neatly done. You can discuss any
difficulties and help the student find the vocabulary to ask the
teacher for help. Coach them on a
good time to ask questions and how to approach a teacher.
Determine if your child will need extra help with the subject
area and help the child make a plan for getting this assistance.
You can also email the teacher to see that your child has made
contact with his or her teacher and that the teacher is aware of
any questions or difficulties. Homework is esssential practice
for tests and quizzes and, more importantly, strengthens skills
and confidence. It is an essential part of becoming responsible
and preparing to be independent and successful in high school.
It also allows teachers to monitor your child's progress before
assessments are given.
What should I do if my child struggles consistently, and my help is not enough for him or her to be successful?
You will need to discuss this issue with the teacher(s).
Together you can decide how to proceed. Teachers may suggest
time in HIP with the resource teacher or small group work with
the resource teacher in order to get more focused practice.
Teachers might suggest after-school tutoring or educational
testing if there is a pattern of difficulty. In this case, the
resource teacher and the guidance counselor will be involved.
Many times students are disorganized and need coaching on when
and what to write in their assignment pads and how to use this
tool at the end of the day to pack their bookbags. The resource
teacher can temporarily help with this for a couple weeks until
you and your child are ready to try independently again.
Sometimes students work hard in class but misplace notes and
worksheets. Here teachers can devise a plan to help, too.
Whatever the difficulty, do make contact with the teacher as soon
as you see stress in your child.
Exactly how much homework do students get in middle school?
Students are changing rapidly in middle school years both
physically and emotionally. Their intellectual abilities are
becoming more complex as well. Students will have homework
nightly in LA and math just as in elementary school. They will
be expected to complete homework in these classes nearly every
weekend as well. Grammar and writing play a larger part of LA.
Expect homework in grammar about 3 times per week. Students
will receive independent reading assignments about three times
per week in science and social studies. Readings are not long
but sentence stucture and concepts are more complex. Students
should read with purpose noting questions on sticky paper or in
notes when they are confused or have questions. They will be
asked to answer questions on their independent reading. Look at
the answers your child composes and judge if they make sense.
Decide if you should sit and read the short assignments with your
child until he or she adjusts to the text. This is a complex
skill which equates to success in middle and high school. It
should be worked on throughout 6 and 7th grades. Teachers will
also set a purpose for independent reading before students
begin. These can be guided reading questions or the like.
Spanish is now a graded subject. As mentioned earlier, homework
can take 1 to 2 1/2 hours nightly depending on the aforementioned
factors.
How do I assist my child with long-term projects?
Long term projects can be very educational and fun. They can
also be stressful, especially to those with organizational
difficulties. Assist your child by reading with them the project
requirements, due dates for various parts, and rubrics for the
standards of grading. Chunk up the work according to the due
dates making sure your child sets aside time in blocks to work on
each part. Use the calendar with your child and be available
some of the time to assist in the work. Definitely listen to him
or her brainstorm ideas and give input if necessary, especially
at the onset of the project. Ask to see progress on each part
about 4 days before that part is due. This will give you and
your child time to change anything that you judge needs work.
Remember that a well-earned B or C is higher than an A where you
feel a little guilty about having helped too much :) The most
valuable part of the learning experience is your child's planning
and setting aside time in a disciplined manner to accomplish the
goals he or she sets.