Sand Point Homework Policy

At Sand Point Elementary, we believe that students work hard throughout the school day and that learning occurs in a variety of ways and places outside of school. During school, we focus on students learning at their just-right level. Additionally, homework should be tailored to the needs and interests of each child and his or her family.

Homework at Sand Point includes:

Minimum Reading Recommendations:

K – 2nd Grade: 30 minutes
3rd – 5th Grade: 60 minutes

• Reading (independent or with an adult or another child reading to them) for at least 30 minutes daily
  • Our intention is that this reading time strengthens family relationships while nurturing a love of reading and learning within your child. Reading can be fiction or non-fiction?full-length books, magazines, newspapers, learning websites, whatever is of interest and develops the child?s love of learning. Each child will record their reading on a reading log . The purpose of the log is to help students reflect on their patterns as a reader.
• Mathematics/Word Work Practice
  • Short mathematics practice as assigned by the teacher will help build fluency with mathematics facts. We will send home practice if these three conditions exist
    1. The work is relevant to work in the classroom at that time
    2. Students can complete the practice independently
    3. Students will be given feedback regarding the work
• Completing in-class work or extensions/projects from classwork as assigned by the teacher and/or as child is inspired to pursue
  • We will send work/projects home to complete if these three conditions exist:
    1. The work is relevant to work in the classroom at that time
    2. Students can complete the task independently
    3. Students will be given feedback regarding the work
• Participating in the School-Home Partnership of our Social Emotional Literacy Curriculum

In addition to assigned homework, we encourage children and their families to use after school time to explore other interests and foster growth and responsibility. These may include:

• Family chores?setting the table, doing the dishes, cleaning room(s) of the house, caring for pets and self, doing yard work?
• Free/imaginative play time alone, with siblings, or with friends
• Activities outside of school such as sports teams, dancing, martial arts, singing, exercising?
• After school academic, science, arts, or sports enrichment classes through the YMCA or another community organization
• After school care/play
• Community Service
• Rest time

Our rationale is based on research which suggests that homework must be focused and deliberate to be to improve learning for elementary-aged children. It takes responsibility for a 6-year-old to prioritize and complete his work plan within a week. It takes responsibility for an 8-year-old to get dressed, make her bed and get out the door every morning. At Sand Point, we will reinforce lessons every day in school and preserve much of the after-school time for the rest of your child to grow, develop, and thrive.