Hayden Plourde (Class of 2024), Marketing and Communications Intern
One of the biggest questions parents have is how much homework will their child be assigned.
“As a school focusing on the whole child, we want our students to have time after school to spend with their families or to be involved in other sports or clubs without having hours of homework to complete,” says Director of Enrollment, Michele Blackburn. “At Whitinsville Christian School, our approach to homework differs depending on grade level, providing different goals for different phases of life and learning while also providing resources for students who want help managing their workload.”
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“In elementary school, homework should be purposeful, developmentally appropriate, and designed to help children build both academic skills and the habits needed to become successful, independent learners,” shares Preschool & Elementary Principal, Elisabeth Goodson. “Homework should enhance and support learning, not become a burden. Additionally, an emphasis is placed on daily reading to develop vocabulary, reading comprehension, and empathy for one another. As a Christian school, our mission is expressed in elementary school through Bible memorization so young students can keep God’s word close in heart and mind as they begin their journeys in faith.”
In middle school, homework is viewed by educators as an opportunity for students to build an independent understanding of difficult material. Our Assistant Principal Grades 6-8, Mike Manske, says homework can “help students see what they understand and where they still need help.” Since homework is an extension of the learning process, “teachers should expect mistakes and use them as opportunities to help students grow rather than expecting every answer to be correct.” Fundamentally, “homework is a valuable tool in helping students achieve mastery of academic skills as well as in developing foundational life skills and work habits.” Whitinsville Christian Middle School offers an Organization Station to help students manage and organize their own homework while letting their parents know what assignments are due. Study halls during the school day allow students to make headway on their homework.
At Whitinsville Christian High School, “our goal is not to maximize the amount of homework students complete, but to ensure that the work assigned is purposeful, appropriately challenging, and contributes meaningfully to student learning and growth,” says Middle School/High School Principal, Tammi Gorman. “We believe that daily assignments, long-term projects, and preparation for assessments are meaningful parts of the learning process.” Homework at this stage gives students the opportunity to develop their individual study habits and practice self-discipline, taking ownership of their learning. “Thoughtfully designed assignments give students time to apply concepts, deepen understanding, and develop the independence they will need for future academic and professional pursuits.” The amount and type of homework varies depending on the student’s academic path and goals, as well as any AP or Honors courses that require additional independent work. Our high school curriculum offers study halls for students to complete work during the day, and our Guidance Department works with students to build their schedules and make sure they aren’t overextending themselves between academics, sports, and extracurriculars.