Homework and Made It Monday

Homework. I can't remember much of my childhood, but I do remember that I did not like homework! "Hurry, get it done as fast as possible so I can go play and watch TV" was definitely my motto. I know some of my students share the same sentiment and avoid homework like the plague. This year I've decided to keep better track of who doesn't turn in their homework. I just opened a TPT store, so you can visit me here to grab it. It's a freebie! Everything is more fun when you have a nice looking binder!

Honestly, though, the majority of my students do like homework.  And actually want MORE homework. Or the homework is too EASY.  I want to tell them enjoy the light, easy workload while you can!  It's just going to get harder!

But I always have parents ask me for more stuff, different packets.  And I've tried to give a variety of packets.  But usually I divide it into two groups - the normal and slightly more difficult.

Some weeks I'm on fire!  Everything is organized and I make the two sets of different packets. Other weeks, everybody just gets the same packet. So I thought this year I would just send home the work each day rather than the packet. But I then I have to think about homework assignments everyday, having the students put it in their binder and take it out.  More procedures to teach!

Last week I discovered a new to me blog - A Teeny Tiny Teacher.  I proceeded to stalk read almost all of her entries. Behold an answer to my problem! She has a separate special list of homework extension ideas.  So when a parent asks for more, you just have to give them this sheet.

Now imagine a big light shining down on my homework packet.  Because that's how I feel about this idea!

How do you handle homework?

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I'm also linking up with Monday Made It with 4th Grade Frolics!

I decided to take my old, boring Big Lots bookcases and turn them into something a little more pretty.

Before:

Add spray paint + contact paper and this is what you get!

I'm headed off to the pool!  Only 2 more pool days until I have to go back to school and I need to make them count!