There are many articles and debates about homework.  It may be interesting knowing the historical perspective about this topic.  In 1901 California civil code forbade homework and in the 1920s five to six hours of fresh air and sunshine were considered preferable to homework.  Then concerns over the Soviet launching of Sputnik led to more and greater acceptance of homework.  A similar global competition drive in the 1980s, and continuing today, also has led to increased standards accompanied by even more homework. Today we see more two working families and children who are involved in more after school lessons and sports - all of which are important.  This can however, have a negative effect on families with children and parents often arguing over homework. CLASS HOMEWORK In our class homework is looked upon as a process that includes planning, evaluating, making decisions and choices, time management, risk taking and communication by students. Students will write their assignments in their student planners.  Assignments will be posted in the classroom and on my web page. The teacher or other students will initial recorded homework in the student planners. Homework assignments are usually returned the following morning and placed in individual homework files by the students. Forty-five minutes per night (Mon. - Thurs.) is the maximum amount of time students should spend on homework.  It is not uncommon for some students to engage in their work longer than the 45 minutes and not complain about the work.  In the event homework cannot be completed an adult should write a note and send it to class.  The note can just be a phrase saying, "worked 45 minutes."  Student do not have to make up assignments if they bring a note from home. The first month or so students will be asked to complete a homework Self Evaluation Rubric on selected homework assignments.  We will spend considerable time in class going over what makes up a quality assignment.  If an assignment lacks quality students may be asked to "fix" the work - usually during a recess. Students (sorry-not adults) are strongly encouraged to communicate to the teacher should they encounter homework roadblocks due to after school lessons or sports.  This can be done verbally or by the child writing a note to the teacher.  Fourth graders usually prefer the written form of communication!  If children learn to communicate when they encounter problems we can be flexible and work together to find a common solution.  Communicating may challenge some students to take risks and make decisions which are important skills we are trying to develop in young children.   If time management in doing homework is challenging for students we encourage the student and adult fill out a "time and activity" form that shows times available to do homework.  This is a good visual tool!