[funsized]

When is the right time to check homework? I tend to check homework the last 15 minutes of the day but at times we are so busy cleaning up and it seems its never enough time. I dont check it during conference i am always trying to do things such as gradebook, running copies, grade levels, etc. I just want some suggestions when it the right time to do it. Please send some feed back

[ncdardp]

I check mine first thing in the morning. I have a check off sheet that has every child's name on it. I quickly check off, if they have turned it in.

I do this, and then during math, I pass out the homework and check it as whole class, while I circulate to give them time to ask questions.

THe spelling homework, I check it, and file in the graded work folder. (I check this afterschool, or when I get a chance). I usally just put A big check mark on the writing words 3 x each. I check more carefully on their sentences, abc order, and rhyming words.

I say, quick glance first thing in the morning, otherwise, I wouldn't know who has done what.

Good Luck,

[busybee4]

I send home a weekly packet that is due on the last school day of the week. That way I can check and record grades over the weekend. Week days are too hectic for one more thing to do......

[pitta]

I check the home reading homework during my planning period on the day after I expect it in. My students do home reading homework Mon-Wed., and math on Thursday. I check homereading on Thurs. and math Friday then they stay in and do everything they haven't finished at Friday lunch recess (or if parents haven't signed, I have them read too because I tell them I want parent's signature so I am sure they did it).

[Jardinera]

I struggled with this a lot last year..this is what I've been doing this year, and it works the best so far...

The kids put their HW on their desk as soon as they come in. I check it as soon as they come in, and check it off on my checklist as check plus, check, or check minus, or missing. It doesn't take any longer than normal, because kids are still filtering in, doing their morning routines, and morning work. I can check right away if they have it and talk with them about it, instead of trying to remember to discuss it with them later. They put the HW right back in their HW folder in their desk.

If they don't have it, I take their name down from our "Homework Ave" bulletin board right away. If they still have their name up on Friday, they get a small treat from the "HW Fairy" on their desks after lunch.

[Darlenejoy]

Great idea, Jardinera! Thanks for sharing your idea, I like the accountability and small reward...much easier than a sticker chart. I plan to incorporate your ideas in my classroom!

[Luckylu]

I don't know if your kids have mailboxes, but I have my kids put their homework in their mailbox when they unpack for the day. This way I can see at a glance who has it and who doesn't. Then I have a homework hellper take the homework out of the mailboxes in number order for me to correct later in the day. This system works great for me.

[Love2nd]

I always check homework in the morning.

My kids come in and work on the math message every morning. I always have a message up with some skill that we worked on previously (find the value of coins, write the correct time on the clock, addition or subtraction problems, find the number before and after). Each message has 4-6 questions on the same skill.

My kids come in, unpack, take a math message paper, put their homework on top of their folder at their seat and work on the math message. Since it's a review, I don't have to say a word to them. I take attendance, take lunch count, and they are still working for at least 5 minutes. When they finish, they know to create their own problems on the back.

I collect homework, and check it off as I collect it and even sometimes correct it depending on what it is! All of this takes the first 10 minutes of the day. Then we correct the math message together for 5 minutes and it works on a previously learned skill. I love it! for 15 minutes in the morning, the kids get extra practice and I've seen real improvement in the skills that i choose to put on the math message often such a counting coins!

I'm not sure if you have 15 minutes to give up in the morning, but if you do I would. It's a nice quiet transition from entering the room, to getting all of the little things out of the way while they are practicing and relearning skills in math when it's not the afternoon and they're fresh! Good luck!

[SingleTree]

I use a large Pocket Chart that I call their "Homework Pouch". Each student has a pouch with their name on it. Students know that when they arrive in the morning they are to place their homework in their pouch. It is so easy to check at an eyes glance you can tell who and who didn't bring homework back. It also serves as a reminder for them to turn in their homework when they see others placing homework in pouches. Usually they don't like to be the only one without papers in their pouch. I check mine each morning before Calendar time.

[Pickett2]

I have the students take their homework folders out right after announcements and I quickly check off who doesn't have their homework and they put it in the basket for me to "grade" later. They only get a star, check or minus on homework. Then I spend a few minutes passing out that night's homework and any graded papers from the day before or notices from the office. This has worked well for me this year so that way if a student leaves early, they are set to go!