Why do we have to have homework every night?
This is a question I commonly hear from students, and I understand, it's hard to do more work after being in school for six hours. However, homework is a vital part of a math class for a variety of reasons:
First - homework is practice, when we learn a new skill we need to practice it. Math skills require practice just like learning to play an instrument or a sport.
Second - homework applies our learning, application is a higher level of learning than just memorization. Sometimes a skill or idea makes sense when we hear it in class, but then when we try it later we can't make it work out. This means we may understand but can't apply, so we need to keep building that skill.
Third - homework prepares us for higher learning. Through highschool and college, students will have homework in math (and other classes). Developing a habit of completing homework will benefit students in their future.
Our homework should only take about 30 minutes, if students are taking longer they may need some additional help. Have them stop where they are and come up with some questions to ask in class. This will help the student learn and will benefit others who likely had the same question. Homework can be turned in late for full credit, or redone to improve credit. Please know, homework turned in late or redone is entered into the grade book at the teacher's convenience.
I don't give homework on weekends or holidays - I want students to take this time to rest. However, weekends are a great time to catch up on absent, make up, or redo work. Current homework should always be completed before trying to make up work, otherwise students may get (further) behind.