We view homework as an extension of class work, so teachers give homework to reinforce what the student has practiced in class (e.g. a few math problems to work on) and/or to complement classroom activities (e.g. a minor research paper or a model of a structure or a map, etc.). Homework should also encourage a student to become more responsible and help her/him to make effective use of her/his time.

We really do want to see what the children can actually do, so that we can adjust our teaching to their needs. Therefore, beyond some simple advice or a quick response to a child’s question, parents should not assist their children with homework.

Generally, teachers give homework in the afternoon and most assignments are due the next day the children have that class. Sometimes assignments are due in a week, and others are longer term. What is difficult to gauge is the amount of time per night that a child should spend on homework. The times indicated below for each grade level are averages per night. If a child is working in her/his second language, more time may be necessary. Moreover, some students work more slowly or more quickly than others, so that they will generally spend more or less time completing an assignment than the average indicated.

Children who pay attention in class and work steadily every afternoon/evening to complete their assignments should not feel undue pressure. The school does not wish homework to be a burden to either the children or their parents, and we realize that children should play at home and be in bed early every evening. Children should never stay up beyond a reasonable bedtime to complete homework.  RAIS teachers know that it is more important that the children be well rested at the beginning of each school day than that they hand in “perfect” homework.

Here are the average recommended amounts of time for homework and reading on a daily basis:

Kindergarten no homework as such, but we encourage parents to read to and with their children, discuss activities, etc. with them.

Grade 1 up to 1 hour

Grade 2, 3, 4, 5  up to 1.5 hours

If a child stays in the school for the Extended Day program he or she will do most of the homework under qualified teacher supervision.

If a child does his or her homework at home and a parent sees that the child is spending more time than is designated above on homework every night, the parent should speak with the teacher(s).