note to teacher about homework

How To Write an Email to a Teacher About Homework

Communicating effectively with educators is a key skill for students. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to write an email to a teacher about homework . Whether you have questions, need clarification, or are facing challenges with assignments, this guide helps ensure your communication is clear and appropriate.

To write an email to a teacher about homework , include a clear subject line, a formal greeting, a brief introduction, the purpose of your email, an explanation if needed, a request for assistance or clarification, your availability, a closing thank you, and your signature.

Table of Contents

Preparing to Write the Email

Before composing your email, gather all relevant information about the homework in question. This includes the assignment’s details, deadlines, and specific areas where you need assistance. Organize your thoughts so your email is concise and to the point.

What to Include in The Email to Your Teacher About Homework

• Subject Line : Be specific and concise, e.g., “Question About [Assignment Name] Due [Date].”
• Greeting : Address your teacher formally, using “Mr./Ms./Mrs. [Last Name].”
• Introduction : Start by introducing yourself, especially if it’s early in the school year. Mention your class and the period/session you are in.
• Purpose of the Email : Clearly state the reason for your email. If you have questions or need clarification on the homework, specify what parts you are struggling with.
• Explanation : If you’re facing challenges (e.g., illness, lack of understanding), briefly explain without making excuses.
• Request for Assistance : Politely ask for the help or clarification you need. Be specific about what you’re asking.
• Availability : Mention when you are available for a meeting or extra help, if necessary.
• Closing : Thank your teacher for their time and assistance.
• Signature : End with a polite closing, such as “Sincerely,” followed by your full name and possibly your class/section if it’s a large school.

Email Templates – Emailing a Teacher About Homework

Template 1: seeking clarification on homework.

Subject: Clarification Needed for [Assignment Name] Due [Date]

Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. [Teacher’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am [Your Name] from your [Class Name, Period/Session]. I am writing to seek clarification on the [specific aspect] of our current assignment, [Assignment Name], which is due on [Due Date].

I have reviewed the instructions, but I am still unclear about [specific part you are struggling with]. Could you please provide some additional guidance or examples?

Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response.

[Your Full Name] [Your Class and Section]

Template 2: Requesting Extension Due to Illness

Subject: Extension Request for [Assignment Name] Due to Illness

My name is [Your Name], from your [Class Name, Period/Session]. I am writing to inform you that I have been unwell for the past few days and have been unable to complete the [Assignment Name] that is due on [Due Date].

I have made considerable progress on the assignment, but due to my illness, I am unable to complete it by the deadline. I respectfully request an extension until [Proposed Extended Date] to submit my work.

Thank you for considering my request. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Best regards,

Template 3: Asking for Help with Difficult Homework

Subject: Assistance Needed with [Assignment Name]

Hello Mr./Ms./Mrs. [Teacher’s Last Name],

I am [Your Name] from your [Class Name, Period/Session]. I am reaching out because I am having difficulties with [specific aspect] of our homework assignment, [Assignment Name].

Despite reviewing the class notes and textbook, I am still struggling to understand [specific problem or topic]. I would appreciate any additional resources or guidance you could provide.

Could we possibly arrange a time to discuss this further, maybe during your office hours or a free period?

Thank you very much for your help.

Yours sincerely,

Writing an email to a teacher about homework requires clarity, respect, and a willingness to seek solutions. By approaching your teacher with a well-structured email, you can effectively communicate your needs and foster a positive learning environment.

Home » Letters » School » Letter to Teacher About Homework – Sample Letter to School Teacher Regarding Homework

Letter to Teacher About Homework – Sample Letter to School Teacher Regarding Homework

To, The Class Teacher, _______ (School Name) _______ (School Address)

Date: __/__/____ (Date)

Subject: Complaint regarding homework

Respected Sir/ Madam,

I am writing this letter in reference to ____________ (mention child’s name) studying in _________ (class) of your reputed school.

I write this letter in order to inform you that the homework that is being provided to my ward for class ___________ (mention subject) is __________ (much more/ less/ inappropriate) with the syllabus. The subject is taught by you and holds a good importance in the academics of my child. It is to request you to kindly look into the same and take the appropriate action.

I expect a quick response from your side.

In case, you have any queries, you may contact me at the contact details mentioned below.

Regards, _________ (Mention your name) _________ (Address) _________ (Contact Number)

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How to Write a Letter to Your Teacher

Last Updated: August 25, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Katie Styzek . Katie Styzek is a Professional School Counselor for Chicago Public Schools. Katie earned a BS in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as a middle school mathematics, science, and social studies teacher for three years prior to becoming a counselor. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from DePaul University and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Katie holds an Illinois School Counselor Endorsement License (Type 73 Service Personnel), an Illinois Principal License (formerly Type 75), and an Illinois Elementary Education Teaching License (Type 03, K – 9). She is also Nationally Board Certified in School Counseling from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,852,847 times.

Your teacher plays an important role in your life, and sometimes you want to show your appreciation by writing them a letter. While writing a good letter might seem hard, it's easy once you get started. Your teacher will be very happy that you took the time to share your thoughts. If you want to write your teacher a letter, start by greeting your teacher. Then think about what you want to say and write that down in the main part of the letter. Finally, close your letter and sign it.

Sample Letters

Starting Your Letter

• Ask your parents or guardian if they have any cards you can use. They may also be willing to take you shopping for a new card.
• You could also make a card for your teacher using either plain printer paper or construction paper. Your teacher will appreciate the effort you put into the card.

• Your teacher may cherish the letter for years to come. Including your name and the date will help them remember who wrote the letter.

• Use the name your teacher prefers. If your teacher has asked you to call them by their first name, then it’s fine to use their first name in your letter. For example, if you call your teacher Coach Sue, then you can say, “Dear Coach Sue.”
• Don’t start your letter with “hi” or “hey.” It’s too informal.

Writing the Body of Your Letter

• Say, “I am writing this letter to tell you how happy I am to be in your class because you are the best teacher. This year has been hard, but you helped me do my best.”

• You could write, “I appreciate the time you spent tutoring me after school. I felt like I would never understand multiplication, but you never let me give up. I’m so happy you’re my teacher!”
• If you’re having trouble deciding what to say, grab a sheet of scratch paper and do some brainstorming . Write down reasons why you like your teacher, times that they’ve helped you, or what you’ve learned from them. Then pick a few of your favorite reasons and use those in your letter.

• You could say, “Thank you for being a great teacher this year. I’m so happy I got to be in your class. I hope you have an incredible summer!”

Closing Your Letter

• Your closing should look something like this: “Sincerely, Brian.”

• You may be able to fix some small mistakes. However, if you find yourself crossing out whole sentences, it’s probably a good idea to start fresh so your letter looks nice and neat.
• White-out can be helpful in correcting mistakes.

• The envelope should include your teacher’s address in the center and your own address in the top left corner.
• If your handwriting is a little messy, it might be a good idea to ask an adult to write your teacher’s address for you so your letter doesn’t get lost in the mail.
• Don’t forget to ask your parents or guardian for a stamp.

Community Q&A

• You may want to keep a copy of your letter. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3
• Ask a parent to read your letter, so they can help you find and fix spelling and grammar mistakes. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 4

• Never send a letter without having a parent or other trusted adult look over it first, especially if you are writing about a serious issue. Thanks Helpful 48 Not Helpful 21

Things You'll Need

• Pen or word processing program
• Card and envelope (if needed)

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/groups/education-leadership/787686
• ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/business-communication/how-to-write-a-formal-business-letter/1/#
• ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/writing/articles/introduction-letter-writing
• ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-messages-letters-lists/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/business-letters/

About This Article

To write a letter to your teacher, start by writing your name and the date in the upper right corner of the page so your teacher knows who the letter is from. Then, open your letter with "Dear" followed by your teacher's name, like "Dear Ms. Brown." After the greeting, write 1-2 sentences letting your teacher know why you're writing to them. For example, you might write something like, "I'm writing to tell you how happy I am to be in your class this year. You're one of my favorite teachers!" In the body of your letter, include a few examples of why you appreciate your teacher, like a time they tutored you after school or helped you do well on a test. Once you've written everything you have to say, end your letter with a polite closing, like "Sincerely" or "Best." Finish your letter by signing your name underneath the closing. For tips on how to proofread your letter before giving it to your teacher, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Smart Classroom Management

A Simple, Effective Homework Plan For Teachers: Part 1

So for the next two weeks I’m going to outline a homework plan–four strategies this week, four the next–aimed at making homework a simple yet effective process.

Let’s get started.

Homework Strategies 1-4

The key to homework success is to eliminate all the obstacles—and excuses—that get in the way of students getting it done.

Add leverage and some delicately placed peer pressure to the mix, and not getting homework back from every student will be a rare occurrence.

Here is how to do it.

1. Assign what students already know.

Most teachers struggle with homework because they misunderstand the narrow purpose of homework, which is to practice what has already been learned. Meaning, you should only assign homework your students fully understand and are able to do by themselves.

Therefore, the skills needed to complete the evening’s homework must be thoroughly taught during the school day. If your students can’t prove to you that they’re able to do the work without assistance, then you shouldn’t assign it.

It isn’t fair to your students—or their parents—to have to sit at the dinner table trying to figure out what you should have taught them during the day.

2. Don’t involve parents.

Homework is an agreement between you and your students. Parents shouldn’t be involved. If parents want to sit with their child while he or she does the homework, great. But it shouldn’t be an expectation or a requirement of them. Otherwise, you hand students a ready-made excuse for not doing it.

You should tell parents at back-to-school night, “I got it covered. If ever your child doesn’t understand the homework, it’s on me. Just send me a note and I’ll take care of it.”

Holding yourself accountable is not only a reminder that your lessons need to be spot on, but parents will love you for it and be more likely to make sure homework gets done every night. And for negligent parents? It’s best for their children in particular to make homework a teacher/student-only agreement.

3. Review and then ask one important question.

Set aside a few minutes before the end of the school day to review the assigned homework. Have your students pull out the work, allow them to ask final clarifying questions, and have them check to make sure they have the materials they need.

And then ask one important question: “Is there anyone, for any reason, who will not be able to turn in their homework in the morning? I want to know now rather than find out about it in the morning.”

There are two reasons for this question.

First, the more leverage you have with students, and the more they admire and respect you , the more they’ll hate disappointing you. This alone can be a powerful incentive for students to complete homework.

Second, it’s important to eliminate every excuse so that the only answer students can give for not doing it is that they just didn’t care. This sets up the confrontation strategy you’ll be using the next morning.

4. Confront students on the spot.

One of your key routines should be entering the classroom in the morning.

As part of this routine, ask your students to place their homework in the top left-hand (or right-hand) corner of their desk before beginning a daily independent assignment—reading, bellwork , whatever it may be.

During the next five to ten minutes, walk around the room and check homework–don’t collect it. Have a copy of the answers (if applicable) with you and glance at every assignment.

You don’t have to check every answer or read every portion of the assignment. Just enough to know that it was completed as expected. If it’s math, I like to pick out three or four problems that represent the main thrust of the lesson from the day before.

It should take just seconds to check most students.

Remember, homework is the practice of something they already know how to do. Therefore, you shouldn’t find more than a small percentage of wrong answers–if any. If you see more than this, then you know your lesson was less than effective, and you’ll have to reteach

If you find an assignment that is incomplete or not completed at all, confront that student on the spot .

Call them on it.

The day before, you presented a first-class lesson and gave your students every opportunity to buzz through their homework confidently that evening. You did your part, but they didn’t do theirs. It’s an affront to the excellence you strive for as a class, and you deserve an explanation.

It doesn’t matter what he or she says in response to your pointed questions, and there is no reason to humiliate or give the student the third degree. What is important is that you make your students accountable to you, to themselves, and to their classmates.

A gentle explanation of why they don’t have their homework is a strong motivator for even the most jaded students to get their homework completed.

The personal leverage you carry–that critical trusting rapport you have with your students–combined with the always lurking peer pressure is a powerful force. Not using it is like teaching with your hands tied behind your back.

Homework Strategies 5-8

Next week we’ll cover the final four homework strategies . They’re critical to getting homework back every day in a way that is painless for you and meaningful for your students.

I hope you’ll tune in.

If you haven’t done so already, please join us. It’s free! Click here and begin receiving classroom management articles like this one in your email box every week.

What to read next:

• A Powerful Way To Relieve Stress: Part One
• A Simple Exercise Program For Teachers
• The Best Time To Review Your Classroom Management Plan
• Why Your New Classroom Management Plan Isn't Working
• 27 Things That Make Your Classroom Management Plan Work

21 thoughts on “A Simple, Effective Homework Plan For Teachers: Part 1”

Good stuff, Michael. A lot of teachers I train and coach are surprised (and skeptical) at first when I make the same point you make about NOT involving parents. But it’s right on based on my experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator the past 17 years. More important, it’s validated by Martin Haberman’s 40 years of research on what separates “star” teachers from “quitter/failure” teachers ( http://www.habermanfoundation.org/Book.aspx?sm=c1 )

I love the articles about “homework”. in the past I feel that it is difficuty for collecting homework. I will try your plan next year.

I think you’ll be happy with it, Sendy!

How do you confront students who do not have their homework completed?

You state in your book to let consequences do their job and to never confront students, only tell them the rule broken and consequence.

I want to make sure I do not go against that rule, but also hold students accountable for not completing their work. What should I say to them?

They are two different things. Homework is not part of your classroom management plan.

Hi Michael,

I’m a first-year middle school teacher at a private school with very small class sizes (eight to fourteen students per class). While I love this homework policy, I feel discouraged about confronting middle schoolers publicly regarding incomplete homework. My motive would never be to humiliate my students, yet I can name a few who would go home thinking their lives were over if I did confront them in front of their peers. Do you have any ideas of how to best go about incomplete homework confrontation with middle school students?

The idea isn’t in any way to humiliate students, but to hold them accountable for doing their homework. Parts one and two represent my best recommendation.:)

I believe that Homework is a vital part of students learning.

I’m still a student–in a classroom management class. So I have no experience with this, but I’m having to plan a procedure for my class. What about teacher sitting at desk and calling student one at a time to bring folder while everyone is doing bellwork or whatever their procedure is? That way 1) it would be a long walk for the ones who didn’t do the work :), and 2) it would be more private. What are your thoughts on that? Thanks. 🙂

I’m not sure I understand your question. Would you mind emailing me with more detail? I’m happy to help.

I think what you talked about is great. How do you feel about flipping a lesson? My school is pretty big on it, though I haven’t done it yet. Basically, for homework, the teacher assigns a video or some other kind of media of brand new instruction. Students teach themselves and take a mini quiz at the end to show they understand the new topic. Then the next day in the classroom, the teacher reinforces the lesson and the class period is spent practicing with the teacher present for clarification. I haven’t tried it yet because as a first year teacher I haven’t had enough time to make or find instructional videos and quizzes, and because I’m afraid half of my students will not do their homework and the next day in class I will have to waste the time of the students who did their homework and just reteach what the video taught.

Anyway, this year, I’m trying the “Oops, I forgot my homework” form for students to fill out every time they forget their homework. It keeps them accountable and helps me keep better track of who is missing what. Once they complete it, I cut off the bottom portion of the form and staple it to their assignment. I keep the top copy for my records and for parent/teacher conferences.

Here is an instant digital download of the form. It’s editable in case you need different fields.

Thanks again for your blog. I love the balance you strike between rapport and respect.

Your site is a godsend for a newbie teacher! Thank you for your clear, step-by-step, approach!

I G+ your articles to my PLN all the time.

You’re welcome, TeachNich! And thank you for sharing the articles.

Hi Michael, I’m going into my first year and some people have told me to try and get parents involved as much as I can – even home visits and things like that. But my gut says that negligent parents cannot be influenced by me. Still, do you see any value in having parents initial their student’s planner every night so they stay up to date on homework assignments? I could also write them notes.

Personally, no. I’ll write about this in the future, but when you hold parents accountable for what are student responsibilities, you lighten their load and miss an opportunity to improve independence.

I am teaching at a school where students constantly don’t take work home. I rarely give homework in math but when I do it is usually something small and I still have to chase at least 7 kids down to get their homework. My way of holding them accountable is to record a homework completion grade as part of their overall grade. Is this wrong to do? Do you believe homework should never be graded for a grade and just be for practice?

No, I think marking a completion grade is a good idea.

I’ve been teaching since 2014 and we need to take special care when assigning homework. If the homework assignment is too hard, is perceived as busy work, or takes too long to complete, students might tune out and resist doing it. Never send home any assignment that students cannot do. Homework should be an extension of what students have learned in class. To ensure that homework is clear and appropriate, consider the following tips for assigning homework:

Assign homework in small units. Explain the assignment clearly. Establish a routine at the beginning of the year for how homework will be assigned. Remind students of due dates periodically. And Make sure students and parents have information regarding the policy on missed and late assignments, extra credit, and available adaptations. Establish a set routine at the beginning of the year.

Thanks Nancie L Beckett

Dear Michael,

I love your approach! Do you have any ideas for homework collection for lower grades? K-3 are not so ready for independent work first thing in the morning, so I do not necessarily have time to check then; but it is vitally important to me to teach the integrity of completing work on time.

Also, I used to want parents involved in homework but my thinking has really changed, and your comments confirm it!

Hi Meredith,

I’ll be sure and write about this topic in an upcoming article (or work it into an article). 🙂

Overall, this article provides valuable insights and strategies for teachers to implement in their classrooms. I look forward to reading Part 2 and learning more about how to make homework a simple and effective process. Thanks

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Not Your Average Mom

Always evolving.

An Open Letter To My Children’s Teachers Regarding Homework

September 19, 2014 by not your average mom 20 Comments

Dear Teachers,

I used to be one of you.

Overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated.

For ten years, up until I got married, I was an elementary school teacher.

Back in those single days, before I had kids of my own, I felt pretty strongly about homework.

Kids should have it.

They should get used to it.

I’m not really sure why I thought that.

Now that I’m a parent and I’m on the other side of the homework equation, things are different.

I still feel pretty strongly about it.

But not in the same way.

Homework sucks.

Kids shouldn’t have it.

Not much of it anyway.

My feelings on this matter aren’t due to laziness.

If you know me, you know that you’d have a difficult time finding someone who works harder than I do.

This aversion to homework is not about not wanting to work.

It’s about the value of time.

My time is valuable.

And so is my kids’.

Just because a human being is only five, or nine, or thirteen years old, it does not make his or her time less valuable than yours.

And I know you can relate.

There is never enough time in the day for a teacher.

And when some asshole sitting in an office in Washington D.C. or Hartford decides to add a useless standard or benchmark or whatever to the list of things you need to accomplish each day, it’s annoying.

Infuriating, even.

Those exams you have to take for your certification?

Imagine if, even after you passed them, you had to continue, for up to three hours nightly, in writing, to demonstrate that you had mastered those skills or memorized that information?

And once you were done with that, then you could get to all the other things you needed to get done?

Speaking of insanity, I’ve had my battles with that.

I’m no stranger to mental illness and depression.

And what I know about those things is that too much work can push you right over the edge.

I don’t want my kid to have to wait until she’s done a couple stints in the nuthouse to figure out that there has to be balance.

That all work and no play is really fucking dangerous.

That sleep and exercise and music and sports and family and friends and quite possibly therapy are all important components to being a healthy and productive and happy adult.

Sure, there are days you will have to spend more time on an assignment or project than others.

Studying for tests takes time.

There are some things that just need to be memorized.

And there are some things you need to practice.

If you don’t know how to read, that’s a problem.

If you can’t multiply three digit numbers because you don’t know your math facts, that’s not good.

If you are not meeting the basic requirements, then there will be a consequence.

That’s how real life is. I get it.

If you want to play varsity basketball but you can’t make a free throw to save your life, well, you’re gonna need to spend some extra time practicing free throws.

But if my kid has demonstrated mastery of all her math facts, why does she need to do multiplication worksheets when she gets home from school?

My eight-year-old’s time is just as important as anyone else’s, no matter what age he or she is.

So I’ll make a deal with you.

You teach my kids to read and write and add and subtract and some important stuff about history and science and some different ways in which they can solve problems because everyone has different ways of learning things and figuring shit out.

I, in turn, will teach my kid to not be an asshole at school, and how to strike a balance with all the other things that we adults realize are important for overall health and productivity out in the real world. Things like exercise, and the pursuit of our passions, and maintaining healthy relationships, and listening to our bodies, and getting rest, and  following through, and taking responsibility.

If my kid is really struggling with a subject or concept in school, let me know. I’ll help you out.

But take it easy on the homework.

And before you assign it, think about why you are asking my child to do it, and whether or not it’s even necessary.

Because if I have to spend too much time helping with that, well, then I can’t guarantee I’ll have enough time to work on those other things.

And I don’t know about you, but I’d rather send a healthy, rested, and well-rounded child into school than a tired, cranky and unbalanced asshole with a folder full of completed homework papers.

PLEASE CLICK THIS BANNER TO KEEP ME AT NUMBER ONE!

One click on the banner = one vote thank you, reader interactions.

September 19, 2014 at 11:31 pm

I was a Kindergarten/first grade teacher before becoming a stay at home mom and I completely agree with you. Often times the homework is just busy work. I think it’s more important that children have the chance to read books with their parents/guardians and play and socialize (they are pushing play out of the classrooms more and more). When I taught we had a “homework bingo” that families could pick and choose the amount of assignments per week. A lot more schools are actually doing away with homework.

September 20, 2014 at 12:29 am

Annabelle is no where near school-age and I completely agree with this!

September 20, 2014 at 12:56 am

My kids have homework pretty much every night

September 20, 2014 at 5:09 am

on a kinder/1st grade level…sending home homework is more about teaching responsibility than about practicing a skill. Teaching the child to be responsible enough to do it and get back to class with it, and teaching the parents their responsibility of checking the child’s folder every night, going over the work with their child, and signing off on the calendar to show they’ve checked on behavior as well. (I have many parents that never ever ever look at their child’s work, as them about it, or sign the folder to show they are interested in their child’s behavior.) If I could get a guarantee that they would “teach their kid not to be an asshole”, I’d GLADLY loosen up on what I expect from them. But at the early level, it’s more about training the parent to do what is right for their child..b/c many of them just dont know (or don’t care.) #sadbuttrue

September 20, 2014 at 4:05 pm

Robin Bobo, your job is to teach the children. Your job is not to train or judge the parents. If you are only sending stuff home to fill time with no educational benefit, then I am not going to waist my time or my child’s time. That is the point of the article.

September 20, 2014 at 5:28 pm

My job is to teach the whole child. Respect and responsibility is the biggest part of that, especially since the majority of today’s children get no training or instruction on it at home. It is not modeled for them so we have to teach it. They have to learn that aide them in becoming good academians as well.

September 20, 2014 at 5:37 pm

Glad that you are not my child’s teacher. I teach my children to be good and moral citizens. I send them to school to get instruction in academics. Teachers like you, even though with good intention, make my job harder.

September 20, 2014 at 5:57 pm

I wish I taught in a school district that had more parents like you. Sadly, your style of parenting is not the norm in a lot of areas. For a lot of our students, school is the only safe place they know and school personnel are the only adults that show them love and treat them respectfully. Your children are blessed.

September 20, 2014 at 5:38 pm

And it’s not judging…its equipping the parents to best help their child. Establishing routines of having a set time each night to go over what the child did in school that day, review work, work together on a homework assignment, get it back into the folder/backpack and returned to school…this is learning to be responsible and accountable. I send home nothing that is not educational as well. There is more to being educational than solving math problems or writing a report. I have high school children of my own doing homework as well, and believe me..I think a lot of it is baloney. Especially when they have to do 50 problems when 5 or 10 would show whether they have understanding of the concept. But helping parents learn how to help their children succeed IS part of my job. And it IS in the best interest of the child.

August 2, 2017 at 3:15 am

For kindergarten it seems to be okey with very moderate level of monthly assignment just as a token of taking responsibility from the sides of both the student and the parent.But what does it mean if in middle school and high school students are getting homework in such a volume each day that ultimately they are leaving aside even a mere reading of the text and only copying the answers from the text like machine in the school at periods when there is no teacher in the classroom,in their break time and also till midnight at home till before 15 days of exam to submit the copies in time.

September 20, 2014 at 6:52 am

Not the teacher’s fault. Common Core. It’s unreal.

September 20, 2014 at 7:31 pm

Thanks for the follow on Twitter! And I see we are neighbors…well the towns we live in are neighboring. 🙂 The homework thing gets me too. My kids are older, all teenagers. One is in private high school, one public, and one the middle school. The amount of homework that my public high school student gets is crazy…we’re talking all hours of the night crazy. She does varsity sports, she works part time, and tries to have a social life, but there just isn’t much time. And she has a mastery of the subjects…she’s a great student. But I wish she wasn’t up till 1 every night or falling asleep with her head in a book or on the computer. Seems like there should be a happy medium here.

September 20, 2014 at 7:33 pm

As an elementary teacher I give very little homework. I expect students to read nightly but not to record anything in writing – I do check-ins with them weekly to see what they’re reading. Any other homework is assigned Tuesday and due Tuesday. For Grades 1 – 2 it’s usually a math game to play. Grades 3-5 it’s a few math problems or something related to sci. / soc. studies. Students work hard all day, they don’t need to put in “overtime”.

September 20, 2014 at 10:19 pm

Homework was a way to learn and to fix concepts that we done at class, but…as my brother said: You’re all the bloody time doing homework…may be I was the only one who loved it. Things have changed and the way to teach has to do the same. Is still useful do such a big amount of homework? I don’t think so.

September 24, 2014 at 3:18 pm

I have to say I have been lucky with the teachers my oldest daughter has had, she gets homework daily but it’s usually just re-reading a few pages they read in school and a worksheet to practice her spelling words it takes us about 10-15 mins a day to get hers done, which compared to what I use to have when I was her age I’m not complaining. I also let her play for awhile before we sit down to do it, gives her a break to free her mind and be a kid for awhile.

September 19, 2016 at 12:37 pm

Parents arent going to do anything with their kids. Its a small minority that do. School is supposed to do everything-they figure why not give them something to do at home besides watch another rerun of Spongebob or Family Guy?

September 19, 2016 at 2:20 pm

Wow! I disagree. We don’t do technology or TV during the week. Thanks for the vote of confidence, though.

September 19, 2016 at 12:41 pm

I couldn’t agree more with all of the above ???? & I second the I would rather send in a healthy, rested, and well-rounded child into school than a tired, cranky and unbalanced asshole with a folder full of completed homework papers. #choosewisely #lovethispost

September 19, 2016 at 2:27 pm

Thanks, Erica!

September 20, 2016 at 5:06 pm

Yes. I’m the same, before teaching I thought “of course you need homework”, but it really is a pain in the butt for student and teacher and rarely makes a difference to the ongoing progress of the student. The only thing it’s good for is practice papers for older kids getting ready to pass big exams. Other than that it sucks.

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Homework Letter to Parents | Email Templates

As a teacher, communicating with parents about the homework expectations for their children is crucial for fostering a successful learning environment. Crafting a homework letter that is both informative and engaging can be a challenging task. That’s why we’ve created a list of homework letter-to-parents templates that you can use to effectively communicate with parents about the assignments, expectations, and goals for their child’s homework. In this article, we’ll go over the key elements of a successful homework letter, and provide you with a customizable template that you can use for your classroom.

The key elements of an effective homework letter to parents include

• A clear introduction that establishes your purpose and goals for the homework,
• A detailed explanation of the assignments, expectations, and grading policies,
• A schedule outlining when homework is due, and a section dedicated to answering frequently asked questions or addressing concerns.
• Additionally, adding information or resources about how parents can support their child’s learning at home and providing resources for additional support can also be helpful.

These elements will help ensure that parents are well-informed about their child’s homework and can effectively support their child’s academic success.

Example of detailed Homework letter to parents

I hope this email finds you, your child, and in good health. I wanted to take the time to talk about the value of homework and how it may aid in your child’s development as we begin the new school year. I’ve designed a template for a homework letter to parents that I’ll be using this year to assist keep you informed about your child’s homework requirements.

The homework template was created to give you succinct, clear information about the homework assignments, goals, and expectations for your child. It will also include a schedule explaining when homework is due, as well as a part devoted to addressing any worries you might have or frequently asked questions.

I’ll explain how the assignment helps your child learn in the introduction, as well as its purpose and goals. You can have a clear grasp of what is expected of your child by reading the thorough explanation section. This section defines the assignments, expectations, and grading guidelines. You may assist your child manage their time by giving them the due dates as per the timetable area.

I have also included some resources to help your child’s learning at home. You can learn how to support your child’s academic success.

I am aware that parents and students alike may find the topic of homework to be difficult, which is why I am providing this homework letter. I hope that this template will make it easier for you to support your child’s learning by having a clear understanding of the homework expectations.

If you have any questions or concerns about the homework letter to parents template, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am always available to discuss your child’s academic progress and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education.

Homework letter to parents templates

• Dear parent, This is a reminder that it is your child’s responsibility to bring their homework assignments home. We encourage you to make sure your child has their work ready with them each day so we all spend less time on this task and more time on teaching. Missing homework assignments may result in a lower grade for the assignment or even being taken out points from the report card altogether. Please see attached a list of missing homework assignments from your child’s class.
• Dear Parent, We are writing to inform you that we have not received homework from your child for the following subjects [list]. If we do not receive this assignment by 2024, your child will receive a zero grade on all assignments until the missing homework is submitted. We thank you in advance and appreciate your help with this matter.
• Dear parent, we noticed that your child did not hand in his/her homework. We will do our best to ensure your child does not miss out on learning from this lesson. Please ensure that your child brings home their homework next week. Thank you for your time and cooperation.
• Dear Parent, It is important that your child complete their homework on time each night. Please help them by discussing the importance of homework completion and encouraging it to be done every night. Thank you.
• Dear Parent, It has been brought to our attention that your child has been missing homework. We are asking that you remind your child of the importance of homework. Please ensure it is being completed daily, as this greatly helps your child in the classroom. Thank you for your time and cooperation.
• Dear parents, Please see below a list of your child’s missing homework assignments. Please check if there are any questions you may have and then sign the form at the end. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank You,
• Dear Parent, Your student has not turned in the homework assignment. Please see that they bring it with them tomorrow. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at [number]. Thank you for your time. Sincerely,
• Dear parent, this is our weekly homework reminder. We would appreciate it if you could check and make sure that your children have their homework completed. That way, they will be capable of focusing on school work instead of struggling to complete missing assignments in class. Thank you for your help.
• Dear Parent, your child has been marked absent for missing homework. Please see the attached document for more information.
• Dear Parent, I am sending this email to notify parents that the assignment [name] was not turned in. I hope that the assignment will be returned soon.
• Dear Parent, We noticed that you missed the lesson titled [name] on Monday. This lesson was designed to help your child develop a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure, which are crucial skills to learn as they grow into successful adults. To access this lesson again and complete the homework assignment please visit the link. If you have any questions or concerns during this process please do not hesitate to contact me. 

More Simplestic Templates: 

• Email to parents about academic concerns
• Positive Email to Parents from Teacher: 15 Example Emails

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The Pathway 2 Success

Solutions for Social Emotional Learning & Executive Functioning

20+ Homework Strategies for Parents

December 13, 2022 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

Homework can be a big source of frustration for kids and parents at home. Even more, it can be a challenge that carries over from home to school when the child doesn’t complete the work and is behind in class.

If your child is struggling with homework, read through these strategies and give some a try. As a note, not every single strategy is going to work for every child. To start, pick a few and give them a try. See what works and what doesn’t. Then, move forward together.

If you are an educator looking for strategies for kids, these can help you too. You might even want to pass them along to families to give strategies and support along the way.

Homework Strategies for Home:

Set up a binder organization system. First and foremost, it’s helpful to set your child up with a binder organization system that works for them. This might look different for different learners. One option is having one binder for every class/subject plus a dedicated homework binder. This is ideal for kids who are switching classes and have a good ability to keep track of different binders. In each binder, add a pocket folder and extra paper. In the homework binder, have your child add their homework agenda (read more about that below), a pencil pouch, and a pocket folder just for homework. If this system is too much, consider having one larger binder that contains a homework folder and all classes. You can separate the classes with dividers. While setting up a system most definitely takes time and planning, it helps keep things more orderly in the future.

Use a homework folder. A dedicated homework folder is key to making sure pages get brought home to finish and find their way back to the classroom to be turned in. Using a pocket folder, label one side of the folder “to do” and one side “done.” Explain that assignments that need to be completed, will go on the “to do” side, while pages that are finished will stay in “done.” It’s advisable to purchase a name brand folder to help make sure it lasts a bit longer and stays in the binder. Another tip is to go to the store with your child and let them choose the folder design. There are many different folders with everything from kittens to race cars. Letting the child choose the folder helps them be part of the organization process and might encourage a bit more buy-in. You can use this free homework binder template to get yourself started, or you can make your own!

Teach organization skills on an ongoing basis. Since a big part of completing homework is about organization, it’s important to teach and practice these skills often. Talk about where things should go in the house, take a 5-minute organization break when you need it, and model what organizing materials looks like. If your child struggles significantly with organization, consider reading up more on interventions for organization challenges .

Set up a homework spot. Choose one spot in the house where your child can productively accomplish work on a regular basis. This might be a downstairs office or just the kitchen table. Most importantly, aim to make it consistent and distraction-free.

Have kids use a homework log or agenda. A homework log or agenda is a dedicated place to write homework every day. Often, schools provide homework logs with spots for kids to write work down. If this works, great! Sometimes, though, one isn’t provided or the space might be too small for a child to write in. If that’s the case, you can make your own or use a journal. The key is to set it up so that your child has one spot to write homework down every single day.

Keep the homework area stocked and organized. Keep extra pencils, coloring utensils, and paper ready to go when your child needs it. Having materials organized and stocked will reduce time your child goes looking for it when they need it for an assignment.

Check over the homework log together. Before starting homework, spend a few minutes going over the homework log with your child. Ask them to show you and tell you what assignments they have to do tonight. This is also a great time for positive reinforcement when all homework assignments are clearly outlined, or constructive criticism when they are not. For example, you might say, “I noticed you wrote down ‘study’ under math. What do you think might be more helpful than that for next time?” Then, talk about how you could write down the chapters or topics to study. This homework log check also helps build accountability for your child.

Find alternative ways to check homework. Kids and teens aren’t always perfect about writing their assignments down. Check to see if your child’s teacher has a website where homework is listed. Bookmark the site and have your child use it when they forget to write assignments down. It’s important that it becomes their responsibility to check. If a teacher website isn’t an option, have a homework buddy from class that your child can touch base with. Again, this should be your child’s responsibility when possible. The idea is to teach your child that it is actually easier just to write it down correctly in class the first time!

Be a motivator. It’s no secret that homework isn’t often a favorite activity for kids and teens. Help make it easier by providing encouragement and support in a positive way. You can even start with practicing some positive self-talk and positive affirmations .

Use a timer. A timer can be a valuable tool to help set boundaries and allow breaks. Choose an amount of time that your child should be working, such as 20 minutes. Set the timer and make this a working time. Once the timer goes off, allow a 5 or 10 minute break before heading back to work. A visual timer can be especially helpful in this case because it shows kids and teens just how long they have left until they get their next break. Of course, a simple timer on the oven works, too.

Keep distractions away. We all know that kids and teens love their cell phones. The truth is that these devices are extremely distracting during working times. Make it an expectation that electronics stay away during homework time. Of course, it’s important to mention that this might be incredibly difficult for some kids at first. Work at it to make it a habit for the long-term.

Schedule breaks. It’s healthy to take breaks during long working sessions. Plan to take a break after each course assignment, or after a period of time. Of course, the number of breaks is going to vary greatly depending on your child.

Plan homework times. When it comes to homework, routine is a big part of the puzzle. Plan and schedule daily homework times when possible. Aim for shortly after your child gets home from school if that’s an option. This can allow a short break but still the time to finish the work they need to before dinner and night-time routines. Again, this is going to vary depending on every family situation, since parent work schedules and sports might interfere. If that’s the case, choose any time that works for you. It’s most important to stick with it so that it becomes a routine.

Model focused work. When it’s homework time, model what focused work looks like. While your child is working on assignments, read a book, do crossword puzzles, write in a journal, or complete some work of your own!

Build in choice. Give kids some say when it comes to homework! This will help them feel more empowered and independent. You can let them choose which assignment to start first or how they’d like to start a project. A little bit of choice can go a long way.

Create a homework checklist. Help your child create a daily checklist for homework each day. Encourage them to list out everything they need to accomplish on a piece of paper. Then, prioritize what is most important and start there. Have them check off each assignment on the checklist as they go. This can be done on paper or on a mini whiteboard.

Find a homework buddy. Make sure your child has a friend or classmate they can reach out to when they need homework support. This can be beneficial if they don’t know the assignment or have a question on a specific problem.

Be flexible. If your child wants to do homework a little bit differently than you would recommend, let them try. For example, maybe your child needs to spread out and work on the floor. Perhaps they might really do better while listening to music. These are all recommendations, strategies, and ideas, but remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Be open-minded and find what works for your child.

Recognize when something is taking too long. You know your child best. If he or she spending two hours on a homework assignment, consider taking a look at it together. Provide support and encourage strategies to help them move along. When nothing seems to work, you can also consider adding a note to the back of the page and sending an email to the teacher letting them know the challenges you encountered.

Check homework when finished. Depending on the needs of the child, it may be important to check over and review homework together. Not only it is important to check for completion, but for quality of work. If work isn’t done well, it is worth going back and having your child add or fix what they need to. Eventually, the goal is that they will learn that it’s just easier to do it right the first time!

Plan fun activities after homework. Family game time, watching a favorite show, or heading out for ice cream are all great ways to naturally reward being finished with work.

Develop a home incentive plan. If completing homework is continually a struggle and you suspect motivation is the culprit, consider an incentive or reward plan. Talk with your child about what they would like to earn, such as a movie night with friends or a weekend sleepover. Come up with the terms (such as homework completed every night for a week) and make it happen. The goal with an incentive plan is to develop positive habits and create independence.

Keep in touch with teachers. Remember to stay in contact with your child’s teachers. They are often a source of helpful tips and strategies, but they can’t provide that information if they don’t know your child is struggling. When talking to your child’s teacher about homework challenges, be specific about the difficulties you are seeing an open-minded to trying some strategies. Avoid the blame game. It’s always best when families work with schools on homework issues. If issues continue, do your best to document them and request a face-to-face meeting to discuss further and come up with ideas. Using actual homework samples might also be helpful.

Be a united front with teachers. Even if homework becomes a source of frustration, it’s helpful to remember to act as a united front with your child’s teachers. Certainly, it’s helpful to voice your concerns (and even frustrations) with your child’s teacher privately, but doing it in front of the child can send the wrong message. Again, working together always works best.

Remember to start with just a few strategies, give them a fair shot, and see where they take you. The goal is always that your child can complete the homework independently and feel successful. This may take time, practice, and changing up the strategies along the way, but homework success is possible!

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Letter To Teacher Requesting Homework

If you would like to monitor your child’s homework every day, here is a simple template you can use to write a letter to the teacher requesting for a homework list.

Dear [teacher’s name],

I am writing to request that you send me a copy of a completed homework list for each day or for each week, whichever you think is more convenient.

I can see from the notes we received from you and [child’s name]’s grades that he has not completed all of your class’ homework. I want to ensure that we resolve this problem so I will start monitoring [child’s name] homework daily and ensure that [he/she] completes everything on time.

We are requesting a copy of the homework list to facilitate this action item. I will work with [child’s name] so [he/she] works on all of [his/her] homework on the list promptly and correctly.

I really appreciate your help and in this matter and thank you in advance for your assistance.

Other Free Letter Templates

• Request Letter to transfer Teacher / Classes
• Request Letter for Special Education Evaluation
• Notifying Teacher of a Child’s Special Diet
• Transcripts Request by a Parent
• Thank You Letter for a Class
• Thank You Letter for a Meeting
• Notification to Drop a Class
• Transcript Request by a Student
• Request Letter for School Transfer
• Request for a School Meditation
• Thank You Letter to a Teacher Before Moving
• Transcript Request – Student (Alternate)
• Thank You Letter to Guidance Counsellor
• Thanking Teacher for Writing a Recommendation Letter
• Dean Meeting Thank You Letter
• Thank You Letter for Teacher’s Concern

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Is Homework Bad? Here Is What Research Says

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: April 30, 2024

Homework is a controversial topic and the object of differing opinions among teachers, parents, and educators . While some highly value it considering it key in scholarly achievement and academic performance, others view it as a nuisance to students’ independence and a cause for unwarranted emotional and physical stress for kids. 

The controversy surrounding homework does not only revolve around its value, but also around questions such as: How much homework is enough homework? How much time should be allotted to homework? How frequent should homework be assigned? Does help from others (e.g., parents or other students) undermine the value of homework? Should homework be banned? Should kids be assigned homework? and many more.

However, as the research cited in this article demonstrates, homework, controversial as it is, has some benefits for students although these benefits differ according to various factors including students age, skill and grade level, students socio-economic status, purpose behind homework, duration of the homework, among other considerations. In this article, I cover some of the key issues related to homework and provide research resources to help teachers and parents learn more about homework.

What Does Homework Mean? 

According to Cooper (1989), homework is defined as “tasks assigned to students by school teachers that are meant to be carried out during non-school hours”. Cooper’s definition is similar to the one found in Cambridge Dictionary which defines homework as “work that teachers give their students to do at home” or as “studying that students do at home to prepare for school”.

There is way more to homework than what these general definitions outline. Homework assignments are not equal and there are various variables that can affect the value and effectiveness of homework.

Some of these variables, according to Blazer (2009) , include difficulty level of assigned tasks, skill and subject areas covered, completion timeframe (short or long term), degree of autonomy and individualization, social context (done independently or with the help of others), obligatory or voluntary, whether it will be submitted for grading or not, among other variables.

Is Homework Bad?

Going through the scholarly literature and regardless of the disagreement and controversies the topic of homework raises, there is a growing consensus that homework has some benefits , especially for students in middle and high school ( National Education Association ).

One of the most comprehensive research studies on homework is a meta-analysis done by professor Harris Cooper and his colleagues (2006) and published in the journal Review of Educational Research .

In this study, Cooper et al analyzed a large pool of research studies on homework conducted in the United States between between 1987 and 2003. Their findings indicate the existence of ‘a positive influence of homework on achievement’.

The influence is mainly noticed in students in grades 7-12 and less in students grades K-6. However, even though kids benefit less from homework, Cooper et al. confirm the importance of some form of homework for students of all ages.

What Is The Purpose of Homework? 

There are several reasons for assigning homework. Some of these reasons according to Blazer include:

– Review and reinforce materials learned in class – Check students understanding and assess their skills and knowledge – Enhance students study skills – Provide students with learning opportunities where they can use their newly acquired skills to explore new insights. – Enable students to hone in their search skills and apply them to find resources on an assigned topic – Help students develop social emotional learning skills – Enable students to develop functional study habits and life skills. These include time management and organization skills, problem solving skills, self-discipline, accountability, self-confidence, communication skills, critical thinking skills, inquisitiveness, among others.

Drawbacks of Homework  

Critics of homework argue that it has less value and can result in negative consequences. In her literature review, Blazer (2009) summarized some of these drawbacks in the following points:

– Homework can cause emotional and physical fatigue – Homework takes away from kids’ leisure time and interferes with their natural development. – Homework can drive students to develop negative attitudes towards school and learning. – Assigned homework prevents students from engaging in self-directed and independent learning. – Homework can interfere with students’ engagement in social activities including sports and community involvement. – Excessive homework can create tension and stress and lead to friction between parents and kids. – Homework may encourage a culture of cheating – Homework “can widen social inequalities. Compared to their higher income peers, students from lower income homes are more likely to work after school and less likely to have an environment conducive to studying”.

How Much Homework Should Students Have? 

According to Fernández-Alonso, Suárez-Álvarez and Muñiz ( 2015 ), spending 60 minutes per day doing homework is considered a reasonably effective time. However, the study also added that the amount of help and effort needed to do homework is key in this equation because “when it comes to homework”, as the authors concluded, “how is more important than how much”. 

This conclusion is congruent with several other studies (e.g., Farrow et al. (1999), that emphasize the idea that when doing homework, quality is more important than quantity. When the variables of time and effort are taken into account, the question of how much homework should students have becomes statistically irrelevant.

Catty Vatterott, author of Rethinking Homework: Best Practices that Support Diverse Needs , also advocates for quality over quantity when assigning homework tasks.She argues that instead of banning homework altogether, we can embrace a more open approach to homework; one that deemphasizes grading and differentiates tasks.

Along similar lines, studies have also confirmed the correlation between autonomy and positive performance. Autonomous students, that is those who can do homework on their own, are more likely to perform better academically (Fernández-Alonso, 2015; Dettmers et al.,2010, 2011; Trautwein & Lüdtke, 2007, (Xu, 2010a). Findings from these studies indicate that “students who need frequent or constant help with homework have worse academic results.” (Fernández-Alonso, 2015)

Besides the 60 minutes per day recommendation for older students, there is also the 10 minutes rule which, according to Harris Cooper , works by multiplying a kid’s grade by 10 to determine how much time they need for homework per day.

According to the 10 minute rule, first graders require 10 minutes per day of homework, second graders 20 minutes, and for each subsequent year you add another 10 minutes so that at the last year of high school, grade 12 students will have 2 hours of daily homework. As Cooper argues, “when you assign more than these levels, the law of diminishing returns or even negative effects – stress especially – begin to appear”.

The debate over homework is far from being settled and probably will never reach definitive conclusions. With that being said, l personally view homework as a heuristic for learning. It scaffolds classroom learning and helps students reinforce learned skills. For elementary students, homework should not be tied to any academic grades or achievement expectation.

In fact, kids’ homework assignments, if any, should align with the overall interests of kids in that it should support and include elements of play, fun, and exploration. Needless to mention that, once outside school, kids are to be given ample time to play, explore, and learn by doing.

As Cooper stated “A good way to think about homework is the way you think about medications or dietary supplements. If you take too little, they’ll have no effect. If you take too much, they can kill you. If you take the right amount, you’ll get better.”

Research on Homework 

The topic of homework has been the subject of several academic research studies. The following is a sample of some of these research studies:

• Blazer, C. (2009). Literature review: Homework. Miami, FL: Miami Dade County Public Schools.
• Cooper, H. (1989). Synthesis of research on homework. Educational Leadership, 47, 85–91.
• Cooper, H., Robinson, J. C., & Patall, E. A. (2006). Does homework improve academic achievement? A synthesis of research, 1987–2003. Review of Educational Research, 76, 1– 62.
• Dettmers, S., Trautwein, U., Lüdtke, M., Kunter, M., & Baumert, J. (2010). Homework works if homework quality is high: Using multilevel modeling to predict the development of achievement in mathematics. Journal of Educational Psychology,
• Dettmers, S., Trautwein, U., & Lüdtke, O. (2009). The relationship between homework time and achievement is not universal: Evidence from multilevel analyses in 40 countries. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 20, 375– 405.
• Epstein, J. L., & van Voorhis, F. L. (2001). More than minutes: Teachers’ roles in designing homework. Educational Psychologist, 36, 181–193
• Farrow, S., Tymms, P., & Henderson, B. (1999). Homework and attainment in primary schools. British Educational Research Journal, 25, 323–341
• Goldstein, A. (1960). Does homework help? A review of research. The Elementary School Journal, 60, 212–224.
• Trautwein, U., & Köller, O. (2003). The relationship between homework and achievement: Still much of a mystery. Educational Psychology Review, 15, 115–145
• Warton, P. M. (2001). The forgotten voices in homework: Views of students. Educational Psychologist, 36, 155–165.
• Xu, J. (2013). Why do students have difficulties completing homework? The need for homework management. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 1, 98 –105.
• Zimmerman, B. J., & Kitsantas, A. (2005). Homework practices and academic achievement: The mediating role of self-efficacy and perceived responsibility beliefs. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 30, 397– 417.
• Kralovec, E., & Buell, J. (2001). End Homework Now. Educational Leadership, 58(7), 39-42.
• Krashen, S. (2005). The Hard Work Hypothesis: Is Doing Your Homework Enough to Overcome the Effects of Poverty? Multicultural Education, 12(4), 16-19.
• Lenard, W. (1997). The Homework Scam. Teacher Magazine, 9(1), 60-61.
• Marzano, R.J., & Pickering, D.J. (2007). The Case For and Against Homework. Educational Leadership, 64(6), 74-79.
• Skinner, D. (2004). The Homework Wars. Public Interest, 154, Winter, 49-60.
• Corno, L. (1996). Homework is a Complicated Thing. Educational Researcher, 25(8), 27-30.
• Forster, K. (2000). Homework: A Bridge Too Far? Issues in Educational Research, 10(1), 21-37.
• Hoover-Dempsey, K.V., Battiato, A.C., Walker, J.M., Reed, R.P., DeLong, J.M., & Jones, K.P. (2001). Parent Involvement in Homework. Educational Psychologist, 36(3), 195-209.

Books on Homework 

Here are some interesting books that profoundly explore the concept of homework:

1. The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing , by Kohn (2006)

• 2. Rethinking Homework: Best Practices that Support Diverse Needs , by Catty Vatterot
• 3. The End of Homework: How Homework Disrupts Families, Overburdens Children, and Limits Learning , by Kralovec, E., & Buell, J. (2000)
• 4. The Case Against Homework: How Homework Is Hurting Children and What Parents Can Do About It , by Sara Bennett and Nancy Kalish

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Win Big in Our Teacher Appreciation Giveaway 🎁!

Free Printable Homework Pass Set for K-12 Teachers

Plus ideas for using them.

The homework pass just might be the most coveted of all school rewards. It’s easy for teachers too, since it doesn’t cost a thing. Make it even easier to hand out homework passes with our free printable set of two options, each in two styles. Just fill out the form on this page to grab them.

Homework can be a surprisingly controversial topic. While many assume it’s just a natural part of a child’s education, others feel that homework isn’t all it’s cracked up to be . As we seek to encourage a better work-life balance for adults, is it possible homework is sending the wrong message to kids ?

That being said, very few schools have banned homework altogether , and it does have its benefits. It’s especially useful in subjects like math and reading, where students profit from lots of skills practice. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to offer kids a break with no penalty, or at least the chance to postpone their assignment to a better night. That’s where the homework pass comes in.

Homework Pass Options

Our free printable homework passes come in two options, with styles for both elementary and middle/high school:

• No Homework: This pass allows kids to skip a homework assignment, with no penalty to their grade.
• One Day Late: This one gives them an extra day to turn in their work, which can be really helpful if they have a busy night of after-school activities or aren’t feeling well.

Most teachers put some limitations on their homework passes, specifying that they’re for certain assignments only. (You don’t want to give a student a free pass on a big project or paper.) Make sure you explain any restrictions when you hand yours out.

Some teachers give every student a certain number of passes to use each semester or year. Others use them as rewards or prizes for in-class competitions or quizzes.

Get Your Free Printable Homework Passes!

However you choose to use them, you can grab your free homework pass printable set by filling out this quick form.

Do you ever reward students with a homework pass? Come share your thoughts and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

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17 Teacher Notes Are So Funny That Some Parents Just Couldn’t Stop Laughing

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Teachers are the backbone of the education system and without them, the world would be a very different place. We all remember one or more teachers that have made a difference in our lives and it’s always amazing when they remember us years later. Just like this retired kindergarten teacher that wrote a letter to one of her students over 30 years later , they can be as happy for our success as we are.

But getting a note from the teacher can be a dreadful feeling for any child. Fortunately, these teacher notes have an important message for parents but sprinkled with a little humor. Here are 17 teacher notes that would make any parent smile!

1) Getting handed teacher notes like this one while picking up your toddler from school is enough to make you want to burn the backpack. Check backpack? Please no.

2) Kids learn a lot of new “words” at home and school and often like to use them in creative ways. I wish I could have heard that poem!

Instagram / @eyesofsandra

It reads, “Hi Sandra, Kimmy was very proud of her poem (she even tried to rhyme the lines!), but we’re going to try another one next week without the potty language!”

3) All he needed was a little help from his friends. How sweet is that?

Instagram / @shesewsnow

It reads, “Fox had been having trouble getting on the potty and today at potty time, Parker holds out her hand walks Fox to the stall and tells him to go potty. He did!”

4) Her lip balm must have smelled delicious!

Instagram / @er_iicaaa

It reads, “Danica let a friend smell her chap stick and the friend ‘accidentally’ took a bite! Sorry!”

5) Some adults, myself included, would end up in the ‘think about it chair’ if it wasn’t for a couple of cups of coffee in the morning before a meeting.

Instagram / @bobbie29

It reads, “Aysha had a tough day of listening at school. She ended up in the ‘think about it chair’ 2 times. She needed directions repeated several times and still had trouble listening. I told her each day is a new day and hopefully…”

6) I hope the worm in her pocket was found before laundry day.

Instagram / @zar777

It reads, “Amara has a worm in her pocket. She did not want to throw it away. I just wanted to give you a heads up!”

7) This is sweet. Daddy’s little girl…

Instagram / @svelez00

It reads, “Emotional today. She loves her daddy.”

8) I feel his pain but I would trade a day job for preschool any day of the week.

Instagram / @jennynin

It reads, “Josiah does not want to work. He says it is not fun.”

9) If teachers gave grades for sleeping, I’d be an A+ student.

Instagram / @theearthmomma

It reads, “Richone, I can’t give you a grade for sleeping. (This isn’t kindergarten)”

10) When the teacher wants to become the student…

Instagram / @redxim

It reads, “Your son keeps popping & locking in class. May I take private lessons?”

11) Sassy little Juliana is extra sassy today!

It reads, “When I told the class to use quiet voices, Juliana said ‘Good luck with that.'”

12) Of course, there is always that time when kids try to make their own teacher’s note to bring home.

Instagram / @chori_ka_maal_hai

It reads (spelling mistakes included), “Mr. and Mrs. Walker, Ther will be no scool this wek so Collin can stay home and play video games. From Mrs. Teague I am the techer!!”

13) Every kid has done something they regret. Thankfully, hair grows back!

Instagram / @sandcastle07

It reads, “Demi cut her hair today, I’m so sorry.”

14) Self-confidence and good math skills go hand in hand.

Instagram / @redlegtactical

It reads, “During math today, Max was having a hard time following along. When I asked him why he wasn’t doing his math, Max responded “Well, I’m just too good looking!” We talked it over and he has no agreed even good looking people need to know math! He is such a hoot! I hope his self confidence stays with him ALWAYS! – Ms Holt.”

15) I suppose there is no age for wanting to go commando.

Instagram / @autism2by2

It reads, “David had no underwear on at school.”

16) We’ve all heard of pacifiers or sucking your thumb but this could be a problem.

familyfriendlyhq.ie

It reads, “Wiley likes to stick his fingers in his mouth until he gags.”

17) I’m an adult and don’t like Brie cheese either so I can relate.

It reads, “Gabby did not like the Brie cheese. As soon as she opened it, she started crying saying it smelled. She did eat the rest of her lunch. Stephany.”

I remember getting notes from the teacher and dreaded it every single time! Please share these hilarious teacher notes that were sent home to kid’s parents with your friends and family.

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Whitefish Bay High School on lookout for potential cases of whooping cough

Whitefish Bay High School is on alert for potential cases of whooping cough.

In letters to the school's parents and staff on April 18, April 22 and April 25, district nurse Allison Heisler said individuals who had been at the school might have been exposed to the contagious illness. The April 25 letter said individuals who had been at the school since April 17 might have been exposed. None of the letters specified how many students or staff had developed whooping cough nor how many students or staff had been exposed.

In an email to a reporter, the district's executive assistant to the district administrator and communications specialist declined to provide any additional details. "Information related to the health of students and staff members is confidential," wrote Julie Pitel.

However, North Shore Health Department health officer Becky Rowland said in an email to a reporter that while the department maintains confidentiality when the number of cases is below five, she confirmed that there are fewer than five cases of pertussis, which is another name for whooping cough, at the school.

Rowland said the department's nurses have followed guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Wisconsin Department of Health Services and have identified and contacted all close contacts to those cases.

"For broader community awareness, we also shared information with the entire high school, which goes beyond the current guidance. Additionally, we've updated our social media and website with information on pertussis prevention and encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Those experiencing symptoms should consult their primary care provider," Rowland said in her email.

Rowland said the department also recommended that Whitefish Bay High School share pertussis prevention information districtwide "and provided the necessary materials," but said the department has not received an update on that yet.

A reporter's follow-up phone calls and emails to Whitefish Bay School District officials asking about that update were not immediately returned.

"The contact tracing and disease prevention efforts between the Whitefish Bay school nurse and our NSHD nurses have been effective, with no new cases identified since April 25th. We are extremely thankful for this productive and efficient collaboration!," Rowland said in her email.

Here's what to know about whooping cough.

What is whooping cough?

According to the letters, whooping cough is an infection affecting the airways that causes a severe cough lasting for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits or vomiting. The bacteria is easily spread by coughing or sneezing, the letters noted.

While anyone can get whooping cough, the infection can be "very dangerous for babies and people with certain health conditions that may be made worse with whooping cough."

What action steps do the letters recommend for dealing with whooping cough?

The letter included recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control about how to handle whooping cough.

Those with a cough should stay home from school and activities and make a doctor's appointment as soon as possible to inform their doctor about a possible exposure. Doctors are required to report cases of whooping cough to the local health department, according to the state Department of Health Services. The health department notifies the state epidemiologist.

Health conditions such as asthma might be made worse by whooping cough, the letters said. People in those situations should ask their doctor about the possibility of a course of antibiotics, even if they are not coughing.

The letters also recommend antibiotics to people who live with a pregnant woman or a baby younger than 12 months old, even if the person is not coughing.

If someone is diagnosed with whooping cough by a doctor, the letters recommend notifying the district nurse.

"School officials may request that the individual stay home from school and activities, such as sports or play groups, until the individual has been on appropriate antibiotics for five days to treat whooping cough," the letters said.

If a doctor does not diagnose whooping cough, the letters recommend asking for a doctor's note confirming that diagnosis of no whooping cough and saying the individual can return to school and other activities at any time.

Are vaccinations recommended?

Whooping cough is covered by a common childhood vaccination, as part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) shot. DtaP is used for children younger than 7, while Tdap is used for older children and adults, according to the CDC.

More: Wisconsin kindergartners are behind the rest of the country in getting vaccines for measles, other preventable diseases

More: Dane County resident tests positive for measles, what to know and how to get immunized

The letters from the school recommend making sure families' whooping cough vaccinations are up to date, as protection from the childhood vaccine decreases over time.

Contact your doctor or the North Shore Health Department to find a vaccine provider.

Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12 .

Tennessee lawmakers ignored our pleas not to arm teachers in schools. We'll vote them out.

Students across the state are massively disappointed by our Tennessee House of Representatives' decision to pass HB1202 , the “arming teachers” bill. We did all we could, and still our legislature refused to listen to its own constituents.

We wrote open letters , called, emailed, snail-mailed, visited offices, signed petitions, walked out of school twice, marched, rallied, educated, and posted videos. We gave all we could, and still our representatives did not listen. We got nowhere.

We have elected these legislators to serve us, and yet nothing we have done has made them listen. We students are educated, we are intelligent, and we are opposed to the existence of guns in schools. We refuse to be political bargaining chips to serve misguided purposes.

Schools are sanctuaries: Gov. Bill Lee, keep guns away from schools. They are safe places for Tennessee students.

In school, we learn about our right to vote, and how sacred it is. Though many of us are under 18, make no mistake: We will exercise our rights. Come summer, we will knock on doors in every contested district where the representatives voted “Aye” to HB1202. We the students refuse to be ignored and our power will be put on display this November. 

When a democratic government refuses to serve its people, it becomes the responsibility of the people to change their government. We students will take on this responsibility. In our anger we will be moved to action, and we will create a change.

Emmie Wolf-Dubin, 16, Nashville

Sarayah Shaw, 18, Nashville

Marley Mello, 15, Nashville

On behalf of student organizers

Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to  [email protected] . Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation.

Yesterday's Protests

Dear Emory Community,

I’m writing to follow up on yesterday’s messages regarding the protests at Emory. The encampment that was set up yesterday in the early morning on the Quad in front of the Commencement stage was quickly cleared by law enforcement and a number of arrests were made. Following these events, students gathered outside Convocation Hall to organize a protest. Throughout the afternoon, Emory students and community members assembled peacefully on the Quad. The afternoon events were monitored by open expression observers and Emory Police Department (EPD) officers were on site to provide support as needed. Early yesterday evening, a large group of protestors left the Quad and gathered outside the Candler School of Theology. Some protestors pinned police officers against the building’s glass doors, threw objects at them, and attempted to gain access to the building. These actions against officers prompted an increased law enforcement presence on campus. Protestors then returned to the Quad and eventually dispersed. No further arrests were made. I am saddened by what took place at Emory yesterday. To watch these highly organized, outside protestors arrive on campus in vans, construct an encampment, and overtake the Quad just days after it was vandalized with hateful and threatening messages was deeply disturbing. I also know that some of the videos are shocking, and I am horrified that members of our community had to experience and witness such interactions. The fact that members of our community were arrested upsets me even more and is something that I take very seriously. To the best of our ability, we are working with law enforcement agencies to assist detained community members and expedite their release. Yesterday’s events echo similar incidents that have taken place at universities nationwide. I understand that the ongoing effects of the war in Israel and Gaza, including the humanitarian crisis engulfing the Palestinian people and the hostage crisis involving Israeli civilians, continue to stir painful emotions. At the same time, the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center engenders fierce debate across our city. As Emory community members continue to express themselves and protest, we are committed to working with students and faculty, open expression observers, and the EPD to facilitate their peaceful expression. However, we will not tolerate vandalism, violence, or any attempt to disrupt our campus through the construction of encampments. These actions are counter to our values, and they disrupt the core purpose of the university and its educational and research missions.   Today, once again, Emory staff from Facilities Management have returned to the Quad to repair the damage caused by a group of individuals who did not have this community’s best interests in mind. Dedicated staff members will then resume the work of preparing our facilities as we welcome thousands of families, parents, and guests to campus for our Commencement ceremonies. As we approach finals, the end of the academic year, and Commencement, I recognize that there is disagreement on difficult issues and there will continue to be debate. But I also know we can express our views and beliefs without diminishing the experiences and accomplishments of others. That will be our challenge in the days ahead and I know it is one that this community will rise to meet. Sincerely,

Gregory L. Fenves President