We
have had many discussions in our district about the value of homework in the
elementary grades. The bottom line is that there is very little research
indicating that extensive homework correlates strongly with higher academic
achievement.
Therefore, the required homework I assign primarily
focuses on two fundamental skills: math and reading. For math students will
receive 3 to 4 brief nightly assignments each week designed to reinforce skills
covered that day. For reading students will be expected to read for at least 20
minutes each night Monday through Thursday and for at least 40 minutes during
the weekend. Books are available in our classroom and the school library that
students can take home. I ask that students have an adult at home sign their
reading log each night after they have finished their reading. While the
research on homework shows little if any positive link to academic performance,
research about reading consistently shows that the amount of reading children
do significantly influences their reading performance.
There are of course some students who enjoy doing homework. In addition to the required assignments, each week I will also offer optional homework assignments. As with the required work, I will collect and then return with feedback any optional assignments students submit.
You can reach me
with any questions or concerns you have by calling (413) 587-1460 or by e-mail at jzyskowski@northampton-k12.us.
