WINCHESTER SCHOOL

Homework Policy

At the Winchester School we believe that homework is an important way to inform families about, and involve them in, their children's learning. Children in kindergarten through grade eight will be assigned homework four days a week (not on weekends). Children will be assigned no more than ten minutes of homework for the grade they are in (for example: fifth graders should have no more than fifty minutes of homework). At the middle school level, students are assigned homework by subject areas. The middle school teachers work together to ensure that no student is overloaded with homework. If at any time you have questions about your child's homework, feel free to contact the school. Seventh and eighth grade homework assignments are posted daily on the school web site.

Homework Tips

If your student has trouble getting organized, he (or she) probably needs to find one place where he studies regularly. When he sits at this place, he'll know it's time to get serious about schoolwork.

Some kids have to sit at a desk. Others can't concentrate unless they're lying on the floor. Each child will need to decide where the best spot for him will be. Wherever that place is, it should be:

Well lit. Look for a good lamp so he can see what he is reading or writing.
Quiet. While he is studying, he should turn off the television and not answer the phone.
Comfortable. Is it a sitting or lying down position that allows the child to work best? Try several and eventually he will find the most comfortable position that will allow him to be busy.
Neat. If he is constantly searching for a pencil, a notebook, or a calculator, it will take longer to do the homework. Encourage him to keep things neat so he can find what he needs.
Well supplied. A student doesn't need a lot of supplies, but he should have paper, pens, crayons or magic markers, pencils, and a few references - a dictionary, thesaurus, atlas. Some math work requires a calculator. Keep the supplies where he studies.