[Ima Teacher]

People are amazed that I've already taken up two assignments from my students. We've been in school since Tuesday. These are people who live in my district, so they're not expressing disbelief that we've started school so early. They can't believe I've given assignments already.

I like to hit the ground running and set the tone of how things are going to run in my classroom.

How soon are you taking up assignments?

[Hariasa]

take up at least 1 from each subject the very first week of school.

I also like to hit the ground running so the kids know what to expect. It also helps cut down on the "is this for a grade" since they usually ask that in the first week and then I collect the assignment it was asked about.

[trishg1]

I'm a start on day one kind of person too. I will give math assignments on day 2.

[Seussical]

1st day--it's school! Let's get going.

[SCS89]

Our first day is a half day, so I just have them do a writing assignment. We add math assignments the next day.

[old mare]

I agree with all of you. I start the 2nd day. The sooner they learn the routine the better. Happy school year to you all.

[jml122]

I am going to have my 5th graders do a writing assignment, plus they need to cover their textbooks.

[teach+25]

Ima-I'm curious-what grade do you teach?

[Teacherbee_4]

Although I do spend the first week doing procedures, community building, etc., we also do academic stuff, even on the first day! If what we are doing calls for homework, Yes, I assign, regardless of the fact that it's the first week!

[Ima Teacher]

I have 7th graders. We have 90 minute class periods.

I'm glad that everyone else gets right to work, too. Many of the people who have been making those comments are either not in the education field or teach early elementary. I guess that makes a difference.

[MissO]

I'll start on Day 3 unless I can convince my teammates to start switching classes earlier. It's only the second year for this school to be departmentalized (actually I think they split in the middle of the year last year), so they are attached to the idea of beginning the year with just homerooms.

But our ELA curriculum has 20 spelling words and 3 required minilessons for the first week, so I kind of have to start right away!

[squared]

Our first day is a half day. I begin with assignments the second day.

[1956BD]

We start an easy poem the first day and finish it the second day. This is the first writing grade for my third graders.

[ITEACH02]

Well I will do plenty of in class assignments both day 1 and day 2. (Thursday and Friday). I won't give them homework until Monday though, at least that's my plan. When I go back tomorrow I'll see if my team is starting math day 1.

[beachygrl]

My kids are all well below grade level, so we don't have time to waste. I teach them from the first day that if it's important enough for us to spend time on it, it's important enough for them to get credit for doing it.

[lynned]

I already have my homework for the first day copied and ready to be handed out.

[TEACH1]

I teach 3rd grade and I give an assignment the first night. It's nothing difficult. I like to set the tone for not only my students, but my parents as well.

[klperry]

I think that's totally appropriate for middle school.

[breezey]

second grade...homework begins that first week

[orca]

We start 4th grade assignments right away!

[Mr Sensai]

I never give hw the first week. I do assessments to see where the students are at. All done in class.

[binkbonk]

I am teaching on day 1. I teach 6th grade and also have 90 minute classes that meet every other day. My thought is you need to set the tone and expectations right away.

[Janylynne]

I will start with a read aloud (First Day Jitters) and students complete a tic-tac-toe worksheet as a whole class in which we figure out character, theme, plot, etc. Day 2 we write a first day poem. No homework yet, though, except for signing and returning papers.