How much homework do you give?

I'm wondering if maybe I give too much homework, the Afterschool person with my kids asked me today am I ever going to let up on giving them homework. I said No, but then I thought do I give too much The kids never complain, and if it was too much the kids would be the first to say something or maybe even the parents.

Of course I considered thinking maybe the afterschool person maybe just hates homework help time.

So how much homework do you give?

Re: How much homework do you give?

My kids are required to read for 30 minutes every night in addition to written work about 3 times a week.

Re: How much homework do you give?

I teach 4th grade. They have to read 30 min every night and study their times tables, plus they usually get math, reading, and spelling every night.

Re: How much homework do you give?

Read 15-20 minutes...not included in hw time...it's just a given!!!

Then a math sheet. It takes them 2 minutes. Thank you Everyday Math! So sometimes I will supplement it with a math sheet that reviews previous concepts.

Then there is weekly spelling work so every night they have that too.

I teach 1st and it probably takes about 20 minutes.

Re: How much homework do you give?

We currently give 30 minutes of reading each night, with 2 written responses due each week. For math, there's always some sort of practice page that goes along with the day's lesson. We usually have a writing assignment such as start a seed story or try writing a new lead, whatever the day's lesson was. We also have been giving social studies homework, since the test is coming up. We are 5th grade!!

Re: How much homework do you give?

I don't go too crazy with hw. I teach high school science. I give each class a hw assignment most days and it's usually a reading and questions out of their textbook, or a worksheet, that probably takes around 15 mins. They also have to write up a lab report once a week which probably takes an additional 20 mins to do. Aside from that, they should be reviewing and studying their notes & book at home (which is a joke because most of them never study, but they know I expect them to).

Re: How much homework do you give?

I teach 6th grade ... every monday they have a journal do ... they have to hand in their brainstorm, pre write, draft, final copy. Each night they have math HW from the text or workbook. Science and Social Studies is given sporadically (several times a week but not every night)

My kids prob have 30-45 minutes of hw each night consistently. I honestly would not want them to spend longer on it because I feel like it would loose its purpose. I always tell them their homework is meaningful and not "busy work".

Also, I teach an inclusion class and I modify the amount of hw for the students with disabilities when necessary.

Re: How much homework do you give?

Also, I know some teachers give a lot of HW over extended breaks, like several huge packets for each subject. I choose not to do that because the kids that always do their HW will always do the packet and the kids that never do their HW never hand in the packet, which just makes me mad lol So, I like to give a fun writing or math assignment. I figure, I dont do a damn constructive thing over my breaks lol and the kids dont either for the most part.

what are your thoughts on this?

Re: How much homework do you give?

second grade should have 20-30 minutes of homework plus reading for 15-20 minutes a night. tops.

that should be
*one math page
*one science/SS/ OR reading assignment
*read for 15-20 min
*study for tests

any more than that is completely unnecessary and just adds to workload.

of course there are kids who can finish that in 5 minutes and kids where it takes an hour.

however, if it's taking an hour because they can't do the work, an adjustment should be made. if it's taking an hour because they're procrastinating, they need to get on the ball.

Re: How much homework do you give?

*Read for 15 minutes, get reading log signed (reading will increase as the year goes on)
*Spellling Sheet
*Math Sheet
*Writing

I try and keep HW to a minimum. I was scarred in 3rd grade by looking up definitions until 11PM...NO joke. I also refuse to use HW as a punishment.

I teach 4th grade

Message edited 10/4/2008 10:56:38 AM.

Re: How much homework do you give?

What I usually give is Math(anywhere from 5-20 questions depending on the math taught), Spelling and Handwriting. They are to read for 20mins but most don't so I give a Reading worksheet 2x a week. Also on the given days once a week they get Science(prep), SS (3-5 questions), Spanish(prep) and Health(5 questions).

Their homework shouldnt take more than about an hour. I Have kids who get on the ball and do their homework, then there are kids who get distracted and socialize in afterschool.

I never give Homework Punishment (definitions are done in class with my help)

Although I teach 2/3rd, their work is 3/4th since we work a grade level ahead.

I don't want to be the Homework Nazi, but I do want to make sure I reinforce whats being learned in the classroom.

So generally they are assigned 3 solid homework assignments a night, with Handwriting on the side.

Is that too much or just right?

I also sneak peeks at other schools homework sheets in afterschool for my grade level they are assigned 3-4 homeworks as well in the public school.

Message edited 10/4/2008 11:31:03 AM.

Re: How much homework do you give?

I only give homework when it's absolutely necessary and even then, I try not to give a lot. They may have to read a chapter and answer questions or define vocabulary words, but it's generally not too much.
ETA: I teach 7th grade English

Message edited 10/4/2008 3:41:07 PM.

Re: How much homework do you give?

3rd grade.....maybe 2 items a night

Usually spelling words and math
or another sheet like grammar


I personally don't believe in homework and feel it should not be given. Kids need time to be kids and honestly I dont think it gives teachers a true account for who "knows" something versus who struggled since someone at home could be helping them

Re: How much homework do you give?

Posted by Epeebes

What I usually give is Math(anywhere from 5-20 questions depending on the math taught), Spelling and Handwriting. They are to read for 20mins but most don't so I give a Reading worksheet 2x a week. Also on the given days once a week they get Science(prep), SS (3-5 questions), Spanish(prep) and Health(5 questions).

I never give Homework Punishment (definitions are done in class with my help)

Although I teach 2/3rd, their work is 3/4th since we work a grade level ahead.

I don't want to be the Homework Nazi, but I do want to make sure I reinforce whats being learned in the classroom.

So generally they are assigned 3 solid homework assignments a night, with Handwriting on the side.

Is that too much or just right?

Re: How much homework do you give?

teach 2nd grade. They must read for 15 minutes each night but that is not a part of their homework time. They are always given spelling homework, math and another subject workbook page or worksheet. It should take no more than 25 minutes.

Re: How much homework do you give?

I teach HS math and the homework I give takes 15-20 minutes MAX. For a more on level child, it could be done in less time. Anything over that and they won't do it.

As a parent: I HATE the extended vacay packets. My kids are always in accelerated classes and they get tons of homework. I (as most of you do) really need my time off from school and I hate that I can't enjoy them because my kids have too much work to do.

Re: How much homework do you give?

Re: How much homework do you give?

I teach HS. I usually give a reading assignment (usually out of textbook) with questions. Nothing crazy.

Re: How much homework do you give?

I agree w/ 10 min x grade.

I teach 5th, so they get about 50 min-hour a night.

20 minutes of reading, 10ish problems of math, and then occasional science, ss, or health.

Re: How much homework do you give?

Re: How much homework do you give?

I teach high school science and give about 5-10 minutes of homework. If the assignment takes longer than 15 minutes, I give then two nights to complete it. I rarely give homework over weekends or over breaks (unless it's May/June and the Regents is around the corner).

Re: How much homework do you give?

I teach 3rd grade. They read for 15 min and filling in a reading log that I use to write back and forth to them about books. They also get a Spelling and Math sheet-review of the days lesson. Some days i switch it up with SS or Science.... I also try to make the hw more fun then the typical worksheet. Alot of my hw is created by myself...