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I love celebrating birthdays. Any opportunity to make someone feel special is important. If all families are ok with celebrating birthdays, these links that provide ideas for birthday walls and little gifts to give my students from me. I really like the birthday wall that has 12 different pots for each month and is labeled grow with me and there are flowers that go in each pot to represent each student's birthday.

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Books are a great way to integrate important learning topics. These three links that I found include books about overcoming adversity, books about being courageous and books that discussed racism. These are all important topics that books can help to start a conversation and get kids comfortable talking about these topics.

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As we have learned from our readings the first day of school and week of school is very important in getting to know our students and building trusting relationships. The links that I have included help work towards building a classroom community which is very important.

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I've thought so many times over the past few days: we must do better. For me, right now, that means making sure I am teaching my 5 children about race, racism and how to treat all people. I almost always turn to books when it comes to teaching my children, especially the hard things for me to explain. I didn't know where to start and then saw a list a friend shared on Facebook. My friend Krysta is a wonderful elementary school teacher and mother. She kindly offered to share the list here.

Krysta said:
In an effort to do what I can in this moment, I took to what I know best- educating children. I created a bookshelf with links to many books that I have read to my students over the years, and a link to an article about teaching young children about race, racism, and social justice. These books all discuss race and racism, in a way that young children can understand. The conversations young children are capable of having will astound you, and inspire you to keep going. Don't be afraid to have these conversations, I promise, your kids can handle it. The change starts at home. Art image credit: @stuffgracemade Pin this book list:
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20 Books About Race & Racism for Children - The Chirping Moms

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I've thought so many times over the past few days: we must do better. For me, right now, that means making sure I am teaching my 5 children about race, racism and how to treat all people. I almost always turn to books when it comes to teaching my children, especially the hard things for [...]

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Creating a warm classroom environment where students show empathy, kindness, respect, and acceptance for one another can be an overwhelming task. Teachers get a new group of 20-30 kids every fall; it's a mixture of personalities and temperaments, all sharing a new classroom. My best advice for building classroom community is to share picture books with messages of kindness, friendship, and inclusion. Read the books. Talk about the books. Create anchor charts with kids. Feature these social-emotional books in your classroom library and revisit them throughout the year. Today I'm sharing 12 must-have picture books for building classroom community. If your school library doesn't have these books, I'm linking to Amazon (affiliate links included) so you can ask your librarian or admin to add them to the school wish list!

You and your kids will love this hilarious alligator story that makes you consider the way you make other people feel. The tale has powerful messages about identity, being yourself, and not worrying about what others think.

Published in 2018, this new book will soon be a cult classic. The charming illustrations and straight-to-the-point text teach lessons in sympathy and empathy. Readers will understand what it means to be there for a friend and why taking the time to listen is key.

This classic friendship tale from Silverstein gets better with age. It was one of my favorites as a child, but now that I'm a grown-up, I love it even more. The Giving Tree inspires kindness, generosity, unconditional love, and unselfishness.

I've been singing praise for this witty friendship book for years! After reading this post, be sure to check out my freebies and anchor chart ideas for this darling book. The photographic illustrations and sing-song words are perfect for talking to kids about the characteristics of good friends and how to make others feel welcome.

Hands down, this is a must-have picture book for every classroom and school! The illustrations are dynamite, and the message of kindness is powerful and clear. I love this book so much that I wrote an entire blog post on it.

Elmer is a funny tale about celebrating differences as extraordinary rather than weird or strange. I love McKee's celebration of individuality and uniqueness. Your students will love this classic book about Elmer the Elephant.

I love that this book was written by a mother-daughter team! The principle of the big umbrella is that there is room for everyone. It's a simple story that applies to the classroom or world in general. It's a beautiful picture book for inspiring inclusion, kindness, and a welcoming spirit.

I discovered Salina Yoon's irresistible books a few years ago when Kohl's was featuring them in their Kohl's Cares promotion. Penguin and Pinecone is a sweet story of friendship, kindness, and love.

This interactive book is unlike any other book I've ever seen, and it is one of my kids' all-time favorites! Students will learn how their choices directly affect others. Danny teaches character, responsibility, sharing, empathy, and patience. You must check out this social-emotional book!

Chrysanthemum has been popular with primary teachers for years because of the lessons about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance.

Stick and Stone is a warm tale of the power of friendship. Kids of all ages will be enthralled with the illustrations and message about sticking up for your friends.

I love this book because it demonstrates how a small act of kindness can have a transformative impact. This book is so relatable for students because it is set in a school environment.

Thanks for checking out my faves! Which book is your favorite for building community in the classroom?

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Creating a warm classroom environment where students show empathy, kindness, respect, and acceptance for one another can be an overwhelming task. Teachers get a new group of 20-30 kids every fall; it's a mixture of personalities and temperaments, all sharing a new classroom.

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These ten books demonstrate to kids the courage it takes to overcome adversity - even in the most trying situations.
Courage is a tricky concept to teach kids. In fact, I wonder...is it even possible to teach children to be courageous?

What is possible, however, is to share our values with our kids. And courage is certainly one of those values. We can demonstrate courage to our kids in small ways - like doing what's right even when it's difficult or standing up for someone who isn't being treated well.

Another way to share our values is through stories. Children soak up the messages shared in tales. And these messages are even more impressive and relatable when children are the central character.

The books listed below are a collection of inspiring tales.

One of my favorites on this list is the true story of Ruby Bridges who at a young age faced mobs of angry adults every morning for a year just for enrolling in an all-white school in the early 60s. Her poise and strength shine through in this historic tale.

There's also Clara Lemlich who, as a young immigrant to America, makes a name for herself as she leads fellow workers to demand better working conditions.

Each of the tales on this list are not to be missed. And each will without a doubt demonstrate to kids why being courageous in the face of adversity is so important to create lasting positive change.

Ruby Bridges, a young girl living in New Orleans in 1960, is one of the first African-American children sent to attend a formerly all-white school, William Frantz Elementary. On Ruby's first day a large crowd of angry white people gather outside the elementary school holding signs saying they don't want black people at their school. They also call Ruby names and some say they want to hurt her. Because of this, the President of the United States orders federal marshals to walk Ruby into school each morning. For months Ruby must walk through the crowd to enter a classroom where she is alone. The white people in the neighborhood would not send their children to school because Ruby is there. Despite the turmoil and solitude, Ruby's teacher, Miss Hurley, is amazed by how relaxed and comfortable Ruby is each day. Finally, near the end of the school year, two white boys return to school and soon others come back to school as well.

This is the story of Clara Lemlich, a young Jewish immigrant girl who is also a garment worker. Working under difficult and often unfair conditions, Clara begins to lead other girls and women to strike. Many of these girls - including Clara - are fired, beaten, and arrested but Clara doesn't give up. Finally, at a large union meeting, Clara takes the stage and urges other garment workers to strike with her. For weeks they continue to picket until finally their bosses relent. The workers are given shorter workweeks and larger salaries. And it's all because of Clara.

It's the summer of 1955 and a group of African American boys in Charleston's Upper Westside are eager to play baseball. Their parents raise enough money for them to form a Little League team and the boys call themselves the Cannon Street team. But as soon as their coaches register Cannon Street in the Little League, all the white South Carolina teams pull out making it impossible for the boys to compete. By default, Cannon Street becomes the state champions of the Little League but are not given permission to play in nationals since they didn't compete. The team drives to Williamsport, PA where nationals are being played and are cheered on by the crowd who knows their story. This is a true story with a bitter-sweet ending that gets better in the epilogue.

This is the story of a young Japanese American boy who, with his family, is sent to an internment camp during WWII. The camp is boring and kids and adults have little to do. Eventually, the adults decide to build a baseball diamond to keep their children occupied. Despite not being very good at baseball back home, the main character improves his game at the camp. When it's time to return home, he again joins a baseball team - despite being the only Japanese American - and demonstrates how his game has improved while away.

Irene is given the task to deliver a gown to the duchess. The only problem is that a fierce snowstorm is brewing and the wind howling. But Irene sets out on her mission anyway. Through great adversity, Irene finally makes it to the palace and is rewarded with a hot meal, amazement, kind words, and the satisfaction of having completed her mission.

Molly Lou Melon is very short, has buck teeth and her voice sounds like a "bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor". But with the encouragement of her grandmother, Molly Lou sees the benefit in each of these seemingly undesirable characteristics. Her confidence and willingness not to be defeated by other's comments gets her through some challenging moments as she starts a new school.

August (Auggie) Pullman is a 10-year-old boy born with a facial difference that prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Until now. This year Auggie will be entering 5th grade at Beecher Prep. Auggie's really just a normal kid who likes Star Wars and Xbox, but can he convince his classmates he's just like them despite his looks?

This book is a great way to introduce children to the inspiring story of Harriet Tubman. Through pictures and a story that is only slightly scary (at one point Harriet is whipped by her master and hit in the head by another), children can learn how Harriet risked her life many times over. Despite obtaining freedom, Harriet continued to cross the Mason Dixon line to free hundreds of other slaves as well as spy on the Confederate army during the civil war. Children will learn about our country's history of slavery as well as be inspired by a remarkable woman.

Rosa Parks is one of the most famous figures in American history. On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa refused to give up her bus seat to a white man and was arrested. What followed was a swelling of support for Rosa and a boycott of buses. Nearly a year later the Supreme Court to ruled that segregation on buses is illegal just like it is in schools. The last sentence of this book provides a great summary of the Rosa Parks story: "The integrity, the dignity, the quiet strength of Rosa Parks turned her no into a YES for change."

Alia Muhammad Baker is the librarian in Basra, Iraq just before the Desert Storm conflict begins. Knowing that war is on the horizon, Alia wants to move her precious books to safety, including a 700-year-old biography of Muhammad. The governor refuses so Alia takes measures into her own hands and hides the books at different places around the city. Nine days after the conflict in Basra begins the library burns to the ground. As the war wages on, Alia continues to do whatever she can to protect her books.
You may also like: 9 Books That Expand Children's Worldview 14 Children's Books That Promote a Growth Mindset 12 Children's Books That Teach Perseverance 12 Children's Books About How to Handle Strong Emotions

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10 Children's Books About Overcoming Adversity

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These ten books demonstrate to kids the courage it takes to overcome adversity - even in the most trying situations. Courage is a tricky concept to teach kids. In fact, I wonder...is it even possible to teach children to be courageous? What is possible, however, is to share our values with our kids.

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I feel that it is important to do something at school for students' birthdays. It is the one day out of the year that is THEIR DAY so I feel that it should be acknowledged with something special.

Over the years I have tried different options for celebrating student birthdays. The basics have stayed the same but the options for the gifts, certificates and apparel have changed over the years. I have listed my favorite student birthday ideas below.

If you are unable to be in the classroom with your students, click here to see how you can still make students feel special by using birthday certificates digitally.

Personalized Birthday Certificate Waiting on Their Decorated Desk

The birthday student is acknowledged as soon as they arrive - why make them wait when I know they are excited! I greet my students at the door each morning, so I welcome the birthday boy or girl with a big "Happy Birthday", make a little "fuss", and direct them to their desk or cubby.

Their desk or cubby is decorated with confetti and sometimes streamers and has a special, personalized birthday certificate.

I now create the birthday certificates on my computer which allows me to personalize the message, style, and name so each student feels special.

Birthday Chant

We start the day with a special, fun birthday chant to recognize the birthday student. It's similar to the military cadence. (We sing the regular Happy Birthday song later in the day at snack time.)

Birthday Chant

Teacher: I don't know but I've been told.
Students: I don't know but I've been told.

Teacher: (student's name) is ___________ years old!
Students: (student's name) is ___________ years old!

Teacher: It is (his or her) special day.
Students: It is (his or her) special day.

Teacher: So let's wish (student's name) a happy birthday!
Students: So let's wish (student's name) a happy birthday!

Teacher: Happy
Students: Happy

Teacher: Birthday
Students: Birthday

Teacher: A very happy birthday!!
Students: A very happy birthday!!

Signed Birthday Certificate from Classmates

Each student also gets a signed certificate/card from their classmates. I pass it around when students arrive (I try to be secretive about it) and then present it to the birthday girl or boy after we sing Happy Birthday.

Compliment Collage from Classmates

This is something I started doing recently once we started using the free app Pic Collage (Pic EDU) and students love it!

I load a picture of the birthday student on Pic Collage and set it as the background. Then, students add compliments around it and I print it out for the birthday student.

If you don't have access to technology, you can have the students write their compliments on your board, then have the birthday student stand in front of it or beside it and take their picture.

Let the Birthday Student Choose Their Apparel (Birthday Crown, Badge, Brag Tag)

I like giving my students choice - especially on their special day. I let them decide what they would like to wear (if anything) to commemorate their birthday and set them apart from the other students.

They can choose to wear any of the following:

Birthday Crown - I have full-color and black and white birthday crowns. If they want to decorate their own crown so that it looks unique, they color the black and white version. If not, they can wear the color one.

Birthday Badge - They can also choose to wear an "official birthday badge" either on their shirt or around their neck.

Birthday Reward Tags - I have started using reward tags in my classroom so students can choose to add a special birthday reward tag to their necklaces.

Let the Birthday Student Choose Their Classroom Job

Classroom jobs are a big deal to primary students and there seems to always be several that they love to do more than others; so, on their birthday I let them choose their classroom job for the day OR they can choose a job for another student. The idea to let them choose a job for a friend came from a sweet little girl one year who said, "Can I please let Elizabeth take my place and be line leader? That is her favorite job and it would make me happy to let her do it instead of me.". How adorable is that?

Let the Birthday Student Pick the Read Aloud Book or Bring in Their Favorite Book

I also let the birthday student pick what story we read that day or they can bring in their favorite book from home for us to read.

Let the Birthday Student Choose the Snack or Bring a Special Snack

We have snack time during the day. Usually the birthday student brings a special snack, if not they get to choose from our snacks.

Student Birthday Gift / Take Home Treat Ideas

I also like to send students home with a special gift and/or treat. Here are some ideas I've used over the years:

Birthday "Sundae"

I found this idea several years ago on Pinterest and absolutely love it (I can't remember the original Pinner to give credit)! These birthday "sundaes" are very simple to create, look adorable and special sitting on students' desks, and my students love receiving them - win,win!

You can purchase the dome cups and lids on Amazon ( set of 50 or set of 25) or kindly ask your local McDonalds or Starbucks for donations. Fill the bottom of the cup with candy or small prizes. Add crinkle cut paper to resemble the whipped topping. You can find it on Amazon or your local craft store or shred and "crinkle" your own white paper. Place a red lollipop (Tootsie Pop) through the top hole to resemble a cherry (please note that the gifts I give to the students have a wrapped Tootsie Pop, I did not have one on hand for these pictures which is why the lollipop is not wrapped) and a pencil through the hole to resemble a straw. Glue or tape a student gift tag or label on the cup.

To add a more personal touch, I like to give each student a custom label. Even though the gift is the same for each student, giving them a personal message and gift tag makes it special for them.

Bubbles

Another simple birthday treat that students love receiving are bubbles! They can be purchased in multi-packs at Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. Attach a birthday gift tag with ribbon and voila you're done!

Pencils

Special pencils are a simple and useful birthday gift that students love receiving. You can find birthday pencils at school or office supply stores, party stores, Walmart, Amazon, Oriental Trading, Really Good Stuff. Simply tape a special birthday gift tag to them to make look extra special. A saying that I like to add to the tag is "A gift that is just "write" for your birthday".

Goldfish Crackers or Swedish Fish - You are "o-fish-ally" 6 years old

Since turning another year older is a big deal to young children I really like this gift idea because it emphasizes their official age. You can purchase the snack bags of Goldfish Crackers or Swedish Fish and attach a birthday gift tag or buy a large container and fill a baggie with either Goldfish Crackers or Swedish Fish and attach a birthday gift tag with a ribbon. Put the saying "Happy birthday! You are "o-fish-ally" 6 (insert age) years old!" on the tag.

I'm Bursting with Excitement Starburst Treats

If your students enjoy Starburst candy, a cute birthday saying for their gift tag is "I'm bursting with excitement that it's your birthday!".

Cookies or Sweets - Wishing You a Birthday as Sweet as You

If your school allows giving cookies or sweets as birthday treats, a cute saying for the gift tag is "Wishing you a birthday as sweet as you!". I have attached them to snack size bags of cookies as well as the large wrapped cookies.

Scooby Doo Graham Cracker Sticks - Special Treat for Your Birthday

For the last several years I have had a dog theme in my classroom and therefore have given these birthday treats to match our theme. I purchased individual snack bags of Scooby Doo Graham Cracker Sticks (they are shaped liked dog bones) and attached a birthday tag with the saying "A treat for your special day".

Birthday Box / Treasure Chest

When I first started teaching, the school where I taught had a birthday box for each grade. It was a copier paper box that was gift wrapped and filled with special prizes from Oriental Trading. When you had a birthday in your class, you would bring in the birthday box and the birthday student was allowed to pick a prize. (sorry I don't have a picture of it as it was a long time ago lol).

When I moved to a different school I changed the idea slightly. I liked the idea that the student had some choice in their gift but I also wanted to give them something special from me so I combined the two. I would give them one of the treats/gifts mentioned above and then they also got to choose something out of our class treasure chest.

Half Birthdays

For students who have birthdays during the summer months, we celebrate their "half birthday" during the school year. As someone who has a summer birthday, I never got a chance to celebrate my birthday at school and always felt left out so I make sure that doesn't happen to any of my students. They receive the same treats and privileges mentioned above, but the certificates and tags are special "Half Birthday" ones.

If you like any of the above student birthday gift tags, certificates, and reward tags and would like to use them for your students they are available here. They are editable so you can personalize them for your students and there are 10 different designs included. Please click here to view more details and view the preview file for pictures of all of the designs.

You may also like:

Using Birthday Certificates Digitally for Distance Learning
Back to School Student Gift Ideas Bucket Filler Activities, Bulletin Board Idea, & Awards / Treats

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Celebrating Birthdays in the Classroom & Ideas for Student Birthday Gifts - Lessons for Little Ones by Tina O'Block

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I feel that it is important to do something at school for students' birthdays. It is the one day out of the year that is THEIR DAY so I feel that it should be acknowledged with something special. Over the years I have tried different options for celebrating student birthdays.

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Birthdays aren't quite the same at our age as they are for kids. Every birthday is special when you're growing up. So make it super special for your students with one of these awesome birthday boards in the classroom. Enjoy!

1. We grow together

Via: Joe's Kindergarten

2. Birthday Cupcakes!

Via: Teaching Little Miracles

3. Birthday balloons.

Via: Pinterest

4. Get on your way, it's your birthday!

Via: Pinterest

5. Bonfire birthday!

6. A star is born!

Via: Stage of Learning

7. Cupcake candles with dates in the flames!

Via: Scrapping West

8. Fish-ful thinking!

Via: Pinterest

9. Birthday gift bag board

Via: Pinterest

10. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Via: Scribble Time

11. Bloomin' birthdays!

Via: Pinterest

12. Birthday mug shots!

Via: Petits Grans Artistes

13. Cupcakes & presents for everyone!

Via: Fabulous in Fifth

14. Below the sea birthdays

Via: Pinterest

15. Micky Mouse birthday board

Via: Pinterest

16. Birthdays are a blast!

Via: Pinterest

17. Let the minions remember the birthdays!

Via: Pinterest

18. Cute idea using coloured clothespins to mark the names

Via: Lillou Handmade

19. Gifts galore!

Via: The Coffee Crafted Teacher

20. Hootin' birthday owls

Via: Pinterest

21. Or go the down-to-earth route!

Via: Lollipops Pegasus

22. Popcorn birthday board.

Via: MPM School Supplies

23. Cute & easy

Via: Just Reed

24. Birthday medallions

Via: Pinterest

25. Everyone loves balloons!

Via: The Teacher Gene

Have you created your own birthday board? Send your photos for a chance to be featured!

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25 Awesome Birthday Board Ideas For Your Classroom

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Birthdays aren't quite the same at our age as they are for kids. Every birthday is special when you're growing up. So make it super special for your students with one of these awesome birthday boards in the classroom. Enjoy!

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Teaching can get stressful and overwhelming at times and having a organized classroom makes it easier on both the teacher and the students. I really enjoy these links with helpful tips and tricks to create an organized classroom which leads to a more efficient classroom.

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Classroom decor is a great way to create a welcoming and safe/ cozy environment. I believe by having these links will help me create a theme for my classroom which will help prevent it from being jumbled. When the decor works together and is cohesive it's much more comforting than jumbled decor pieces that are stressful to the eye and brain.

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Homework is a controversial topic and as a teacher I need to decide what is best for my classroom. i have included some articles about the debate.

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It used to be that students were the only ones complaining about the practice of assigning homework. For years, teachers and parents thought that homework was a necessary tool when educating children. But studies about the effectiveness of homework have been conflicting and inconclusive, leading some adults to argue that homework should become a thing of the past.

What Research Says about Homework

According to Duke professor Harris Cooper, it's important that students have homework. His meta-analysis of homework studies showed a correlation between completing homework and academic success, at least in older grades. He recommends following a "10 minute rule": students should receive 10 minutes of homework per day in first grade, and 10 additional minutes each subsequent year, so that by twelfth grade they are completing 120 minutes of homework daily.

But his analysis didn't prove that students did better because they did homework; it simply showed a correlation. This could simply mean that kids who do homework are more committed to doing well in school. Cooper also found that some research showed that homework caused physical and emotional stress, and created negative attitudes about learning. He suggested that more research needed to be done on homework's effect on kids.
Further reading: Get Homework Done and Turned In
Some researchers say that the question isn't whether kids should have homework. It's more about what kind of homework students have and how much. To be effective, homework has to meet students' needs. For example, some middle school teachers have found success with online math homework that's adapted to each student's level of understanding. But when middle school students were assigned more than an hour and a half of homework, their math and science test scores went down.

Researchers at Indiana University discovered that math and science homework may improve standardized test grades, but they found no difference in course grades between students who did homework and those who didn't. These researchers theorize that homework doesn't result in more content mastery, but in greater familiarity with the kinds of questions that appear on standardized tests. According to Professor Adam Maltese, one of the study's authors, "Our results hint that maybe homework is not being used as well as it could be."

So while many teachers and parents support daily homework, it's hard to find strong evidence that the long-held practice produces positive results.

Problems with Homework

In an article in Education Week Teacher, teacher Samantha Hulsman said she's frequently heard parents complain that a 30-minute homework assignment turns into a three-hour battle with their kids. Now, she's facing the same problem with her own kids, which has her rethinking her former beliefs about homework. "I think parents expect their children to have homework nightly, and teachers assign daily homework because it's what we've always done," she explained. Today, Hulsman said, it's more important to know how to collaborate and solve problems than it is to know specific facts.

Child psychologist Kenneth Barish wrote in Psychology Today that battles over homework rarely result in a child's improvement in school. Children who don't do their homework are not lazy, he said, but they may be frustrated, discouraged, or anxious. And for kids with learning disabilities, homework is like "running with a sprained ankle. It's doable, but painful."

Barish suggests that parents and kids have a "homework plan" that limits the time spent on homework. The plan should include turning off all devices-not just the student's, but those belonging to all family members.

One of the best-known critics of homework, Alfie Kohn, says that some people wrongly believe "kids are like vending machines-put in an assignment, get out learning." Kohn points to the lack of evidence that homework is an effective learning tool; in fact, he calls it "the greatest single extinguisher of children's curiosity that we have yet invented."

Homework Bans

Last year, the public schools in Marion County, Florida, decided on a no-homework policy for all of their elementary students. Instead, kids read nightly for 20 minutes. Superintendent Heidi Maier said the decision was based on Cooper's research showing that elementary students gain little from homework, but a lot from reading.

Orchard Elementary School in South Burlington, Vermont, followed the same path, substituting reading for homework. The homework policy has four parts: read nightly, go outside and play, have dinner with your family, and get a good night's sleep. Principal Mark Trifilio says that his staff and parents support the idea.

But while many elementary schools are considering no-homework policies, middle schools and high schools have been reluctant to abandon homework. Schools say parents support homework and teachers know it can be helpful when it is specific and follows certain guidelines. For example, practicing solving word problems can be helpful, but there's no reason to assign 50 problems when 10 will do. Recognizing that not all kids have the time, space, and home support to do homework is important, so it shouldn't be counted as part of a student's grade.
Further reading: Balancing Extracurriculars with Homework in High School
So Should Students Have Homework?

Should you ban homework in your classroom? If you teach lower grades, it's possible. If you teach middle or high school, probably not. But all teachers should think carefully about their homework policies. By limiting the amount of homework and improving the quality of assignments, you can improve learning outcomes for your students.

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Some argue that homework should become a thing of the past. Others think it's an important tool for learning. So, should students have homework?

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5 Reasons Kids Need Homework and 5 Reasons They Don't

The benefits of homework has been debated by teachers and parents for years as the very word evokes very negative connotations to every involved, students, parents and teachers. Although many people think of homework as doing more harm than good by causing copious amounts of unnecessary stress to everyone, others believe that it has great advantages for children by encouraging them to think more independently outside the classroom.
The Benefits
The first benefit of homework is that it allows students and teachers to work more closely together. They can discuss their assignments or any problems that they are having with parts of their textbooks, before or after classes.

The second benefit is that it can bring families closer together as students may ask their parents or siblings for help on their homework. Not only will this help the students get a better understanding of their work with any parts they are stuck on, it will also allow parents to get more involved in their child's educational life.

Thirdly, doing homework will prepare students for the big end tests. If a child does poorly on an assignment then they will learn what is necessary to do well on the next test without being punished. It also provides students with the opportunity to practice at what it takes to be successful in school. Like they say, practice makes perfect.

Doing homework is also a great way to develop responsibilities. By being assigned work one day and knowing that it has to be done by the next day, they will develop a sense of punctuality by turning their work in on time.

And finally it allows parents to see how their children are being educated and they can develop a better idea of how they can help their child. However, some parents, students and even some teachers feel that after 7-8 hours of lessons in school, it is unfair to expect students to come home and work for another three hours.
The Potential Harm
The first reason that children should not be given homework is that they need time to relax and take their minds off work. The pressure of having to complete homework every night is quite daunting for most children and they need time to refresh their minds and bodies.

Secondly, it reduces the amount of time that children could be spending with their families. Family time is especially important to a growing child and without it social problems can crop up and a family unit can be compromised by a lack of time being spent together.

Thirdly, homework can cause conflict between children and parents when the parent wants to the child to do their homework but meets resistance from the student to do an overwhelming task.

Too much homework can encourage cheating because children end up copying off one another in an attempt to finish all their assignments. They then end up being rewarded for cheating which doesn't benefit them at all.

And finally, a lot of teachers don't often have the time to grade papers properly as they are too busy with designing lesson plans and consulting teaching resources in order to just manage lessons. So by the time students are getting their papers back, the class has moved on to a new topic.

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5 Reasons Kids Need Homework and 5 Reasons They Don't

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Although many people think of homework as doing more harm than good by causing copious amounts of unnecessary stress to everyone, others believe that it has great advantages for children by encouraging them to think more independently outside the classroom.

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As kids return to school, debate is heating up once again over how they should spend their time after they leave the classroom for the day.

The no-homework policy of a second-grade teacher in Texas went viral last week, earning praise from parents across the country who lament the heavy workload often assigned to young students. Brandy Young told parents she would not formally assign any homework this year, asking students instead to eat dinner with their families, play outside and go to bed early.

But the question of how much work children should be doing outside of school remains controversial, and plenty of parents take issue with no-homework policies, worried their kids are losing a potential academic advantage. Here's what you need to know:
The issue
For decades, the homework standard has been a "10-minute rule," which recommends a daily maximum of 10 minutes of homework per grade level. Second graders, for example, should do about 20 minutes of homework each night. High school seniors should complete about two hours of homework each night. The National PTA and the National Education Association both support that guideline.

But some schools have begun to give their youngest students a break. A Massachusetts elementary school has announced a no-homework pilot program for the coming school year, lengthening the school day by two hours to provide more in-class instruction. "We really want kids to go home at 4 o'clock, tired. We want their brain to be tired," Kelly Elementary School Principal Jackie Glasheen said in an interview with a local TV station. "We want them to enjoy their families. We want them to go to soccer practice or football practice, and we want them to go to bed. And that's it."

A New York City public elementary school implemented a similar policy last year, eliminating traditional homework assignments in favor of family time. The change was quickly met with outrage from some parents, though it earned support from other education leaders.

New solutions and approaches to homework differ by community, and these local debates are complicated by the fact that even education experts disagree about what's best for kids.
The research
The most comprehensive research on homework to date comes from a 2006 meta-analysis by Duke University psychology professor Harris Cooper, who found evidence of a positive correlation between homework and student achievement, meaning students who did homework performed better in school. The correlation was stronger for older students-in seventh through 12th grade-than for those in younger grades, for whom there was a weak relationship between homework and performance.

Cooper's analysis focused on how homework impacts academic achievement-test scores, for example. His report noted that homework is also thought to improve study habits, attitudes toward school, self-discipline, inquisitiveness and independent problem solving skills. On the other hand, some studies he examined showed that homework can cause physical and emotional fatigue, fuel negative attitudes about learning and limit leisure time for children. At the end of his analysis, Cooper recommended further study of such potential effects of homework.

Despite the weak correlation between homework and performance for young children, Cooper argues that a small amount of homework is useful for all students. Second-graders should not be doing two hours of homework each night, he said, but they also shouldn't be doing no homework.
The debate
Not all education experts agree entirely with Cooper's assessment.

Cathy Vatterott, an education professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, supports the "10-minute rule" as a maximum, but she thinks there is not sufficient proof that homework is helpful for students in elementary school.

"Correlation is not causation," she said. "Does homework cause achievement, or do high achievers do more homework?"

Vatterott, the author of Rethinking Homework: Best Practices That Support Diverse Needs, thinks there should be more emphasis on improving the quality of homework tasks, and she supports efforts to eliminate homework for younger kids.

"I have no concerns about students not starting homework until fourth grade or fifth grade," she said, noting that while the debate over homework will undoubtedly continue, she has noticed a trend toward limiting, if not eliminating, homework in elementary school.

The issue has been debated for decades. A TIME cover in 1999 read: "Too much homework! How it's hurting our kids, and what parents should do about it." The accompanying story noted that the launch of Sputnik in 1957 led to a push for better math and science education in the U.S. The ensuing pressure to be competitive on a global scale, plus the increasingly demanding college admissions process, fueled the practice of assigning homework.

"The complaints are cyclical, and we're in the part of the cycle now where the concern is for too much," Cooper said. "You can go back to the 1970s, when you'll find there were concerns that there was too little, when we were concerned about our global competitiveness."

Cooper acknowledged that some students really are bringing home too much homework, and their parents are right to be concerned.

"A good way to think about homework is the way you think about medications or dietary supplements," he said. "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."

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Is Homework Good for Kids? Here's What the Research Says

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As kids return to school, debate is heating up once again over how they should spend their time after they leave the classroom for the day

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We are spending a significant amount of time with other peoples children. It is important that parents feel valued and informed from teachers.

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Regular family-teacher communication is a meaningful step to long-term family engagement. As Candra Morris, VP of Professional Learning at Waterford.org, notes in a recent article, "Academic success for students requires a partnership between educators and families."

Read on to learn how to communicate more effectively with the families in your school. Included are classroom strategies you can share with your teachers as well as administrator-focused tips.

Prioritize Two-Way Communication with Families

One-way communication is information that only goes from the sender to the receiver. Two-way communication, however, is correspondence that goes back and forth between the sender and receiver.

One-way communication is:

And two-way communication is:

While one-way communication can have a time and place, too much of it can make families feel left out of classroom decision-making. When you can, choose meaningful connection by prioritizing two-way communication with families. A few examples of two-way communication between families and teachers in schools include emailing, in-person or video calls, and teacher apps that include a messaging system.

Effective, Personalized Engagement Strategies for Teachers

Use the following suggestions as possible techniques to encourage parental collaboration and communication. Remember: connecting with families isn't a cookie cutter process, and what works for some might not work for others.

Tailor Communication Based on Family Preferences

Encourage your teachers to get to know each family's engagement preferences early in the school year. That way, they can tailor their connection methods to be most effective for each family.

Celebrate Student Wins

In all communication methods with families, teachers should remember to celebrate a student's wins. Often, educators communicate a student's negative behaviors without sharing their successes. Families work hard to help their students succeed, and they want to celebrate improvement with you just as much as they want to stay informed on areas of growth.

In-Person Communication

Volunteer opportunities, parent-teacher conferences, and after-school events are all ways your teachers can apply in-person communication. But this form of interaction doesn't have to stay confined to the classroom. If a family cannot make it to the classroom for any reason, including transportation issues or a demanding work schedule, home visits can be another option.

As you plan in-person meetings and events, consider the accessibility needs a family may have to participate and communicate comfortably in the classroom. "When hosting parent conferences, family engagement activities, or concerts," Candra Morris notes as an example, "consider requesting an interpreter to meet the language needs of your school." [1]

Technology-Based Communication

Whether teachers are calling home or updating a classroom app, tech-based communication offers more flexibility to families. Of all the engagement strategies, families often prefer tech-based communication-especially texts.[1] Because every family is operating under their own schedule, virtual or asynchronous interaction options allow them to connect with teachers and support their child's education in ways that fit within their daily routines.

Written Communication

A take-home newsletter or note for families can help them feel in-the-know. It adds a personal touch for times when one-way communication messages are necessary and provides families with a physical reminder for upcoming events.

The key with written and tech-based communication is to personalize it. Families are more likely to respond and reach out to teachers when they receive personal notes instead of generic announcements.[2] That personal touch shows them that teachers truly care about them and want to keep in regular communication.

If you can, encourage teachers to add a few sentences to each written or tech-based message for a specific family. They could, for example, add how much they've enjoyed getting to know a family or invite questions about how to best practice the skills children are learning in class at home.

Family Communication Strategies for Administrators

As an administrator, the way you communicate with families in your school or district will, by necessity, differ from the ways teachers interact. Your opportunities for open or one-on-one communication with families, for example, may be more limited. But that makes it all the more important for you to approach the engagement opportunities you do have mindfully.

Get to know families in person during back-to-school nights, parent-teacher conferences, talent shows, or other school events. Introduce yourself and explain your role at your school. Ask families their names and what classroom their student is in, get to know what strengths and areas of improvement their student is working on, and offer your contact information so they know how to reach you.

When families come to you with questions or concerns, prioritize listening first rather than jumping in from the start with a solution (though of course offer assistance and resources when you can).[3] Families can give you first-person insights into how your school can improve-ideas that you may not have considered. Their perspectives are valuable and, as you make it clear that you are listening and want to understand, they will be more likely to feel welcome and continue communicating with you.

On a broader scale, continue to seek input from families through surveys and in-person parent-teacher group meetings. Anonymous surveys in particular can offer families an opportunity to be frank with what they appreciate about your school and what they feel needs improvement. As you develop ways to address these issues, continue seeking feedback from families to make sure you are meeting their needs.
Sources:
1. ​​ Morris, C. Why Every Child Needs a Village For Academic Success. 2020. Every Child Deserves a Village.

2. Benson, G.M. Parent-Teacher Communication, Student Engagement, and Math. AMLE Magazine. https://www.amle.org/parent-teacher-communication-student-engagement-and-math/

3. Lynch, M. 2020. 5 Tips for Improving Educational Leadership Communication. The Edvocate. (August).https://www.theedadvocate.org/5-tips-for-improving-educational-leadership-communication/

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How Two-Way Communication Boosts Family Engagement | Waterford.org

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Communication acts as a bridge to family partnerships. Learn what two-way communication is and how to improve family-educator relationships.

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You are welcome to print copies for non-commercial use, or a limited number for educational purposes, as long as credit is given to Reading Rockets and the author(s). For commercial use, please contact the author or publisher listed.

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Effective communication is essential for building school-family partnerships. It constitutes the foundation for all other forms of family involvement in education.

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Parents and guardians play an essential role in elementary school learning, but effectively reaching them can be an ongoing challenge for even veteran elementary school teachers.

From offering a simple smile to fostering a sense of trust, below are nine tips key to effectively communicating with parents.

Be warm.
A little friendliness goes a long way, especially when it comes to elementary school parent-teacher communication. Whether you're communicating via email, text, or in person, be warm, be welcoming, and offer encouragement. When you see parents in person, smile, shake hands, and make eye contact.

Be positive.
Effective communication between parents and teachers starts with positivity. When contacting a student's parent or guardian, start out by saying something positive about him or her. Like friendliness, a little positivity goes a long way.

Foster a sense of trust.
The basis of effective communication with parents also starts with trust. It's essential for parents to trust their child's teacher. When speaking to parents, assure them that everything you discuss is confidential and that as an elementary school teacher, you always have your students' best interests at heart.

Communicate often.
Also make sure to communicate often! A common mistake amongst elementary school teachers, as well as secondary educators, is simply not communicating enough, or only reaching out when there's a problem. Communicate regularly with parents and they won't be on high alert when they hear from you!

...and in forms that work for parents and guardians.
One size does not fit all when it comes to parent-teacher communication, in elementary school and otherwise. From apps, message boards, and email to social media, texting, and phone calls, find out what communication tools work best for parents and guardians, then stick with it.

Make parents feel valuable.
Great parent-teacher communication, especially in elementary school, starts with making parents feel valuable. All parents and guardians have something worthwhile to offer your classroom, whether it's helping at an event or speaking to students about their occupation. Encourage them to participate and share their strengths.

Acknowledge involvement.
Parents are not required to participate in their child's education. Whether it's a parent or guardian taking the time out of his or her day to meet with you or participating in school events, it's important for elementary school teachers to acknowledge contributions and express thanks.

Ask questions (and listen!).
When talking to elementary school parents, ask questions. Not just about your students' study habits, but about their interests. Listen and absorb the information. Ask follow-up questions. You'll be surprised how much you can learn about not only your students, but their families, too.

Don't make assumptions.
No teacher, elementary or otherwise, should ever make assumptions about a student's home life. Don't assume a student lives with two parents or any parent at all. Also don't assume that English is a parent or guardian's native language. Be mindful of the fact that families come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.

Reach students and families with skills from a BS in Elementary Education

Whether you study on campus or online, a bachelor of science (BS) in elementary education will provide you with the foundation you need to become a successful certified elementary school teacher. The right program, however, will go beyond the basics of elementary education by equipping you with strategies to forge positive relationships and communicate effectively with parents and families.

Walden University's online BS in elementary education program prepares educators to engage with students and families to promote healthy development and learning. Ideal for busy professionals and aligned with national professional standards and licensure requirements, its unique online format enables those with work and family commitments to earn a bachelor of science in elementary education from the comfort of home.
Discover how Walden's online BS in elementary education program can prepare you to support the growth and learning of all children in today's highly diverse classrooms while effectively communicating with their families.

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effective communication between parents and teachers

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Effective parent-teacher communication is key to elementary education. Boost communication with these 9 easy tips.