Homework Linky Party

       I have decided to link up with Jenaya at The Lesson Plan Diva for her homework linky party. Let me just say I believe homework should reinforce what students learn during the day. Too many students don't have support at home if they are sent with new concepts.
       I was the only one on my team that assigned regular homework last year. We had a shortened class, and students weren't able to complete a regular math assignment successfully, so things were abbreviated. Our classes were lengthened this year, and so was the homework.
       It is assumed students will have less than an hour of homework nightly. Most students finish their math in class, or during homeroom work time. Their only "homework" for math is to finish work and to do a practice test. For science, students need to do a moon chasers worksheet, that shows the moon phases throughout the year.
       As the reading/spelling teacher, I ask students to read for thirty minutes, and to respond to their reading in a reading response journal. I was having students just record on a log, but saw that they weren't reading. They  weren't completing their reading contracts or taking AR tests. They didn't appear to be making connections with skills we were doing. Out of desperation, I added the journals. I use a collection response starters that I found online, but cannot find the original source, so I am not posting it. Students are making gains, although a few parents have complained about the work. Students have a variety of things they can do for their response. It adds 5 to 10 minutes to their reading. Many look back on the journal before taking AR tests. I check them only once a week or every other week.
       I also require students to complete a spelling contract. They have points they must earn based on ability. Their contract is based on learning styles. They have until Friday to complete the contract, and do get a few minutes to work on it during the day. This adds ten minutes to their homework. Some students are exempt from the contract, because they earn 100% on their Pretest. I added Spelling City and Puzzle Maker to the contract this year integrate technology.
       We struggle with students that don't complete work. We can only have students stay in at recess to get work done. I send notices to parents if students aren't reading, but also allow students to count time read on the weekend if they have a very busy week planned. I have students asking to read during recess, and many read any chance they get. They know I love reading, and often talk about books I've read or plan to read. I've never had a group like this year's homeroom, they beg me to read aloud, and complain when we have to stop to go home. Their recent STAR test show our reading is paying off.
         What do you do for homework? How much is too much homework? Join the party and share your ideas.

--Marcia

Clutter-free Week 3, The Purge

Last week was a very hectic week for me. I had PD at the county on Monday, a two hour delay that took my planning time, and two half records days working on grades. The grades were due in the office at 7:00 AM this morning, so needless to say I worked on them for several hours at home. 

I didn't have much time to declutter, but I did clean off my corner shelf and paper organizer. It felt great to purge some of the old curriculum materials. My students were pleased because many took home new binders that I had emptied. I also gave away two dozen VHS cases that used to hold game and math manipulatives. I purged those this summer since I don't teach math any more. They were repurposed into pencil boxes.The custodians hauled away three boxes full of recycling and two bags of trash. I used my labeler to put labels on everything, so students can help me stay organized. 

 I still have a lot to do, but it is a start. Thanks for inspiring me to purge, Jodi! If you need some motivation to rid yourself of clutter, join her challenge.

Need to be Clutter-free?

The Clutter-free Classroom is starting a Clutter-free Challenge with daily posts, freebies and linky parties. This promises to be beneficial to all of us. Take a peek and join in the challenge. Click on the link to go to her fabulous blog.

Marcia

Clutter-free Classroom Clutter-free Challenge

Winter Vacation Linky Party

The Clutter Free Classroom is having a "What did you do on winter break?" linky party, so I thought I would join in.

I worked on improving this blog! Well, after hours spent blog stalking, I decided I wanted a little of what all my favorite blogs have. I have added more of my favorite blog links to the side, and even made a blog button. I added some info to my profile, and just had FUN blog stalking.

I spent the better part of a day working in my classroom to get things ready to roll on Tuesday. I know my kids will like the changes.  I have yet to decide if I like them. I will know on Tuesday when I see how things work. I will get more into the changes at another post.

This vacation was unusual for my family.  We stayed in Michigan.  What a change! Thank goodness we didn't have snow.  My ideal Christmas is 80 degrees and sunshine. My youngest daughter,at sixteen, has only had four Christmases at home. All the others have been in Florida at Busia's house. 

The slower pace, from not going, has let me spend quality time with my husband and kids. The house is in better shape even with decorations still up than it usually is at this time. And we even fit in a Toledo Walleye Hockey game. It was ugly Christmas sweater night.  The Walleye won in overtime. What more could I ask??

Have a wonderful New Year! Looking forward to more blogging.  It is a professional goal for me!

--Marcia