Homework: In my classroom, I adhere to a "Flipped Classroom" structure. I encourage you to read more about Flipped Classrooms but keep in mind that it can look different dependent on the teacher, the classroom and the fidelity level the teacher chooses to have to it. If you read an article and have questions, please feel free to message me on Class Dojo. A quick synopsis of how I choose to Flip my Classroom is that most of the homework I send home will not just be extra practice for students. It will be something that either builds on what we've learned in class and encourages them to do their own further research, or it will be something that preps them for the next day or week. This does mean that sometimes they will be given "homework" that they may not have a lot of background knowledge on. This usually looks like asking students to read a book or article I've selected, find or watch a youtube video, or try an experiment at home. Homework will never be graded. This style of flipping our classroom allows me to have more time in the classroom to work with children who are struggling instead of having them struggle at home without me there. If you are working with your child on their homework and you notice frustration levels rising to the point where it is taking longer than 15 minutes, you can absolutely advise them to stop and tell them they do not need to complete it. Please write me a quick note if that happens to let me know.
Unfinished Work: The second grade handbook above mentions that unfinished work may potentially be sent home at times. In my classroom, this is true but it is often only in extreme circumstances and as a last resort.. Students who run out of time on an assignment will be given at least one opportunity to finish work in the classroom for as long as I can allow. I do my best to give students as much time and as many days out of the week as I can. Students who blatantly choose not to do their work at the appointed time forfeit this right. I understand that sometimes family vacations are scheduled throughout the school year. Please let me know in advance so that I can prepare a packet for your child before they leave. Since so much of what happens in our classroom is experienced based as well as integrated to the conversations and explorations we have as a class, there may not be very much they can do ahead of time. When they return, I will give them as much time and as many days out of the week that I can to catch up.