Meaningful Homework

Paragraph: This article discusses how homework is something that many people frown upon as
it has been something that has no relevance, meaning, or purpose to students. Homework,
according to the article, is meaningful and an important part of a curriculum as long as it is
implemented in the right way. The article continues to give examples of authentic assignments
and ways teachers can better their homework assignments. Students should be challenged by
their homework. Their homework should be related to what they did in class. It should be
something that teaches them how to apply what they learned and create discussion the next day.
One example of an assignment that teachers can use for social studies is to have students answer
the question how does the government affect my life from the time I wake up to the time I go to
bed? This shows them why the government topic is relevant to them and will create a class
discussion. Family members can also participate in this, and having family involved is beneficial
as it can show them what the student is doing in class and it also gives the student support (and a
reference) at home. To have good homework assignments, teachers should also take into account
that their students may not have all the resources needed for the assignment; therefore,
assignments should highlight student assets. Overall, homework assignments should be openended assignments that cause higher order thinking amongst the students.

Assignment 1: Today we read some poems, discussed literary devices, and identified them in the
poems (i.e. metaphors). Songs are poems except they have music applied to them. Listen to at
least 5 songs and identify the literary devices that the artist uses. Why do you think the artist
chose to write the lyric in this way?

Assignment 2:
Do you think the Harry Potter series should be included in the English curriculum? Why or why
not?
Or
There are controversies that the book The Catcher in the Rye, should be edited of the curses that
are used throughout the novel. Do you agree or disagree? Why? What do you think is the
significance of having these words in the novel? Do they have power? Or do they just promote
poor language? Feel free to discuss with your family to get more insight and opinions. We will
share tomorrow in class.