Homework is a great tool for measuring independent student understanding…and a fantastic way to show parents what students are learning in your classroom! When assigning homework, you may want to consider the length of the assignment as well as the difficulty level. It is important to give students the opportunity for independent practice in order to reinforce concepts you are covering in class. However, if the assignments require several hours to complete or are far above the students’ capabilities, homework may serve only to frustrate rather than encourage your students.

As a guide, for lower-elementary students (K–2), you may want to assign homework from only one or two subjects per night that will require about 30 minutes or less to complete. For upper-elementary students (grades 3–5), you might consider keeping most assignments under one hour per night, but adding one or two long-term assignments to the mix, such as a book report or science project. It is important to be mindful that your assignments are reasonable and relevant, and that they reinforce your daily curriculum. As an added precaution, you might consider asking parents to notify you if homework is a constant struggle for their child or if it is taking more than the recommended time to complete. This will help you make an informed decision about whether you need to modify homework assignments for the whole class or on an individual basis.

As you assign homework, give careful thought to how you can best help students stay organized, while allowing parents to be informed about their children’s school responsibilities. Consider giving students this printable Homework Calendar and having them write down their assignments each day. Or, start each week by providing students with a homework packet for that week. Staple a printable Weekly Homework Tracker onto the outside of a folder or letter-size envelope and encourage students to make a list of homework assignments to be completed by the end of the week. Every Friday, have students return their folders or envelopes with the completed homework inside. This allows students (and parents) the flexibility to plan in advance and make time for homework while accommodating extracurricular schedules!

Try one of these quick and easy ideas to make daily homework collection a snap!

• Set up a homework tray on the corner of your desk or on a table near the backpack storage area, and encourage students to place completed homework assignments in the tray every morning before taking their seats. Once you establish this routine, your students will make this a daily habit! Then, assign a student to be the homework monitor and have her use this printable Class Homework Checklist to record which students have turned in homework each day.
• Give each student a brightly colored two-pocket folder to carry homework to and from school. Inside the folder, label the pocket on the left “Homework in Progress” and the pocket on the right “Completed Homework.” Each morning, have students place their homework folders on the corner of their desks so you can collect them. At the end of the day, return the folders with new assignments inside so that students can take them home!
• Have students take their homework out of their backpacks and place it on their desks as they complete morning work. Then, have a pre-assigned “homework monitor” silently collect the homework off of students’ desks while they are working.

Some students complete homework assignments and turn them in promptly without any additional reminders or external motivation. However, most teachers know that students not only appreciate positive reinforcement, but also perform more consistently when incentives are provided. These incentives will give students an improved outlook toward completing and turning in homework assignments.

Here are a few tips for providing homework incentives for your students:

• Sticker Chart – For younger students, individual Homework Sticker Charts may be all you need to get students to strive for homework success! Simply tape a sticker chart to each student’s desk, and then affix a sticker to the chart for each assignment that is completed and turned in on time. Students will love the visual encouragement that conveys your message of “Way to go!” At the end of the month, reward those students whose sticker charts are full with a “game day” or “Popsicle party.” And don’t forget to encourage students to take their charts home to show their parents!
• Rubber Stamps – Similar to the sticker chart, rubber stamps are a great way to recognize students who meet your homework expectations. Choose stamps depicting favorite cartoon characters or encouraging slogans, such as “You did it!” or “Super Cool!” and use washable colorful ink to stamp them on your students’ hands as they turn in assignments. They’ll love showing off their stamps to other students on the playground or to mom and dad at home!
• Homework Tickets – Give older students an opportunity to work toward a prize by completing and turning in homework assignments! Each time students turn in their assignments, give them a “homework ticket” in exchange. Once students collect five tickets (or any other predetermined number of tickets), let them choose an item from the Homework Grab Bag! (Grab Bag items could include stickers, pencil toppers, fun erasers, decorative notepads or other small items you can find at a dollar store.)
• Homework Raffle – Turn the ticket idea into a game of chance with a fabulous prize as the coveted award! For every assignment that students complete and turn in, have them fill out a slip of paper with their name on it. Put the slips into a jar. At the end of each week, pull out one slip to reveal the name of the student who wins the Homework Raffle prize. Some prize ideas include: a “No Homework” pass for a day (good on any assignment of the student’s choosing), 15 minutes of additional computer time, lunch purchased from a favorite fast-food restaurant, or a “choose your own seat for the day” coupon.
• Homework Certificates – Keep a checklist handy as students turn in homework assignments. At the end of the month, present this printable certificate of recognition to those students who completed and turned in all their assignments during that month!

There are many ways to grade homework assignments. Here is a guide to help you determine the best method for you.

• Grading for Accuracy – If you are giving a homework assignment that you intend to use as an assessment of students’ understanding and progress, you may want to grade for accuracy. Check to see that each part of the assignment is accurately completed, and deduct points for incomplete or incorrect responses or portions of the assignment.
• Grading for Completion – In some instances, you may want to give an assignment as practice or to reinforce a new concept. For these assignments, you may want to allow for errors and correction by grading only for completion. Check to see that assignments are completed, but do not deduct points for incorrect responses. Instead, scan the assignment and make a note of obvious errors so that you can address errors individually and offer reinstruction as needed.
• Peer Grading – This method can be used to grade for accuracy and/or completion. It has the added benefit of providing students with instant feedback, rather than requiring one or two days for you to correct and return assignments. Instead of having students hand in their papers, have them trade papers with a partner. Then, with the whole class, go over the correct or acceptable answers to the assignment. As homework responses are discussed, invite students to ask clarifying questions as needed. This method is particularly effective with math or spelling assignments where answers are rarely left open to interpretation.