Homework: Approach and Underlying Philosophy

How do we think about homework at Green Acres? What philosophy and ideas guide us? Here are six important points:

  1. Homework should not be “busy work,” but rather should be thoughtfully assigned to build skills and understanding – and to give time for reflection.
  2. We want kids to understand the reasons behind their assignments, to be explicit about this.
  3. It should also help students to develop the habits of organization and responsibility, ideally developing an even greater sense of ownership.
  4. It should be developmentally appropriate, both in amount and in what it demands, and this should differ by grade level.
  5. We recognize that there’s a tipping point. Homework can become counterproductive to learning and to helping children develop their understanding – we’re striving to find the right balance.
  6. We want to work in partnership with you. There are many steps you can take as families to support us and thus your child. We recognize that kids differ as well, and that how they and you approach this process can be quite unique to families.