Making Homework Meaningful

My sons are working on their homework, sitting at the kitchen table with me as I write this blog. Although it's not always the case, this has been a pleasant and productive week for our family homework-wise. I've learned much by observing our classroom teachers, and try to replicate a calm, relaxing time and place free of distractions to do our work.

I recently read “The Homework Squabbles” by Bruce Feiler in The New York Times (September 14, 2014). Feiler interviewed Eva Pomerantz, a specialist on parent involvement from the University of Illinois and Erika Patall, an expert on motivation and achievement from the University of Texas. Following are some tips mentioned in the article:

• It's good for the parent to be nearby to provide some guidance if needed, but it's important for the child to do the work him/herself.
• Preferences of lighting, location and sitting/laying down will vary from person to person. Homework should be completed in a setting that is physically comfortable for the child and free of distractions. There is ample research that indicates people tend to be very bad multi-taskers. Trying to do more than one thing at a time prolongs the time homework takes and diminishes the quality of work.
• Regularly checking your childs' homework may motivate them to put in more effort and catch their own mistakes. 
• It's okay to give feedback and help your child see where they can try harder. Just be careful not to be overly critical and make your child feel stupid.
• The key to keeping children motivated is to give them as much control over their homework as possible. 

Our staff has read and received professional development by education expert and author Rick Wormeli. In his video, How Much Should Homework Count?, Wormeli explains that homework should be practice of things students already understand, "a safe place to wrestle with things". Practice is important in improving performance, and shouldn't be counted as a final performance or assessment of mastery.

Self-Directed Learners

It's not even a month into the school year, yet it is so impressive to see the routines and independence so well-established in the classrooms. In just a few short weeks, the children in grades K-5 have learned to work both independently and cooperatively at a variety of learning centers. Children are deeply immersed in reading, writing, using technology, playing educational games and creating visual representations. Taking turns, sharing, problem-solving, and offering encouragement, praise and constructive feedback are becoming the norms of collaborative student interactions in the classrooms as teachers provide individualized instruction and assessments to small groups of students. It is so rewarding to be part of a school community where the students can internalize a sense of ownership and responsibility in their learning. This intrinsic love of learning will benefit them throughout their entire lives!

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A Day of Service and Remembrance

September 11, 2001 was a very tragic day in our nation's history. Yet out of this tragedy grew an inspiring tradition of engaging in charitable service as a forward-looking tribute to the 9/11 victims, survivors, and those who rose up in response to the attacks. At Dryden, families paid tribute in a patriotic sing along with music teacher Mr. Deptula by the flagpole during the morning arrival.

Later that evening at the Board of Education meeting, we recognized Eagle Scout Ian H. for his wonderful leadership and community service for enhancing an outdoor learning space for the children and teachers at Dryden Elementary School.

It is caring people, like Ian and Mr. Deptula, who build a better a community by serving others through their talents. They fill us with hope for a brighter future and a more peaceful world!

Partners in Teaching and Learning

This past week, parents and teachers came together for Curriculum Night. It is a special night for parents to see their child's classroom and gain insights to the important learning that will take place throughout the school year. Teachers highlight the important academic and social-emotional learning outcomes as well as all the routines, procedures and expectations that make the school day run so smoothly for the children. It's amazing to hear all they will accomplish with the students in one short year. Parents understandably want to not only learn about the curriculum but also about their child's teacher, who will be spending six hours a day with their children and shaping their lives. As I walked through the hallways, I could not help but be touched by what I heard during the presentations:

"Our class becomes like a family during the school year."
"All the children help to make the rules in our classroom."
"I want all of the children to love reading and learning."
"Children will have many opportunities to be challenged and learn at their instructional levels."
"I believe every child has the right to feel secure and confident."
"It's okay to make mistakes."
"We work together to support your child."

It makes me so proud to know that Dryden is a school where we not only share high expectations for learning, but also work as a team with our parents and fellow teachers to provide a warm, personalized, nurturing environment for children!