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HOMEWORK GUIDELINES FOR GRADES K-5

It is the belief of the teachers and administrators in Kinnelon that meaningful homework is essential for successful learning. It reinforces what has been learned in class, pre pares students for upcoming lessons, teaches responsibility and independence, and helps students develop positive study habits.

The amount of homework given should increase in complexity with the students' maturity and by grade level. The following is an approximate duration chart by grade level:

Kindergarten - Homework experiences related to class room lessons when appropriate
Grade 1 – 10 - 20 minutes per night
Grade 2 – 20 - 30 minutes per night
Grade 3 – 30 - 40 minutes per night
Grade 4 – 40 - 50 minutes per night
Grade 5 – 50 - 60 minutes per night

The following guidelines describe appropriate homework assignments, procedures and expectations:

1. Homework assignments should supplement work done in class.
   
2. Homework assignments should be meaningful.
   
3. Assignments should be of reasonable length. If your child is consistently taking much longer than the allotted time for his/her grade level than you should notify the classroom teacher immediately.
   
4. Teachers should explain methods and procedures and check to see that students clearly understand the home work assigned.
   
5. Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday nights and occasionally on the weekends. Students in grade 3-5 will usually have 2 - 3 assignments per night.
   
6. Reading is encouraged as a homework activity. If your child is assigned an amount of time to read each night, please provide a quiet spot so that your child can complete this assignment.
   
7. It is expected that students do their best job on all homework assignments. Homework should be done as neatly as possible.
   
8. Parental assistance is encouraged at all times to instill sound educational values in their children.
   
9. All homework assignments will be checked to show children that this work has value.
   
10. Homework is expected to be COMPLETED ON TIME. Students who do not complete their assignments on time will lose certain privileges. These privileges will vary by grade level and will be discussed by your child's teacher.

Parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their children. Therefore, we ask that parents make homework a top priority by providing the necessary homework supplies and a quiet environment in which to study. We recommend that parents set aside a specific time each day for homework to be completed.