It has come to my attention that some students are coming home and spending a LOT (way too much time) on homework especially around the use on their chromebooks. I would like to share some of my thoughts and beliefs around the subject of homework and technology.
It is my belief that math should take no more than 30 minutes (including any use with techology). 6th grade students are 10-12 year old children and it is my hope that they can find balance between school work and play time. Both are equally important. If at ANY TIME there are tears, too much stress, anger, frustration or any other negativity, PLEASE pull the plug, take the math away, and make them go play for a while. Please let me know what the problems are and I can take the stress and worry away from home and we can handle it here at school.
As for the technology, I have heard from some that this is a grand struggle. I have told the classes that there is a variety of ways to do the work and it does NOT have to all be done on the computer.
- There are some students who are amazingly talented with the electronic draw feature and can pop them out in seconds. So, I allow for this to be one opportunity.
- Some students prefer to use paper and pencil and I allow for that as well. We don't use the computers much in class because I find so much value with math, graph paper, and tools. I encourage this as well.
- Some students take pictures of their drawings and upload them.
- And some just give me the papers.
I truly hope this helps. Just like you, I want what is best for all of our students and I am working so very hard to provide opportunities for learning, growth, challenge, support, and balance.
Namaste
