How exciting this year will be! I’m back teaching seventh grade and couldn’t be happier. The word in the teacher’s lounge is that the incoming 7th graders are the cream of the crop, how great is that?! You’ve earned a great reputation by behaving well, and working hard.
Some of you may be a little curious about me and what life will be like in my class. I promise you that I am pretty easy-going, and I don’t assign homework. Really! (However, you’ll probably still have class work to take home, so don’t start cheering yet.) My homework policy is at the bottom of this blog, so be sure to read it. My room is usually pretty colorful and bright. I like books, so the walls are covered with shelves; feel free to grab whatever floats your boat! There are also a zillion pictures of my family and friends posted on the walls. I like to be reminded that I have a life outside of the classroom too. Sometimes, I’ll ask you to bring in pictures and share stories about your life, so prepare yourself for that!
Okay, a little about me…I am married to Sweetie-Pie and I have three sons, but only one of them isn’t covered in fur, his name is P.J. I like to sing, and I enjoy hiking. I suppose you’ll learn more once you’re happily ensconced in our classroom!
Please be prepared for my class each day. I tend to get a little huffy if you forget basic items like paper, pencils, and books. Come in with a happy attitude and I will return it!
YAY SEVENTH GRADE!!!
HOMEWORK POLICY
Parents and Students,
I’ve been reading a lot lately about the benefits and consequences of homework for middle level students. I had been thinking that perhaps our kids have been overwhelmed by the amount of work that has been given to them and I have a plan to perhaps change this.
Yesterday in class a lovely student named Trevin brought me an article written for the September issue of Time magazine by Claudia Wallis. This essay discusses several different viewpoints about the benefits of homework. Since the topic had already been on my mind, and then it was presented in such a concise little package by a student, I mulled it over and I’ve decided to implement a new plan: No more assigned homework. I will still be assigning essays and readings and projects, but I will not assign additional work specifically as “homework.”
Studies have shown that “students who feel overworked tend to lose interest in the topics and it may damage their interest in learning and natural curiosity.” (Wallis, 2006) While I do feel that it is important to instill a love of reading and writing in our kids, I don’t want to squash the current interest that they have.
So, for the next trimester I am going to test my hypothesis. Your students will still have work to complete at home but it will be work that we began in class and didn’t get finished, or longer projects that need additional time.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact me at
509-228-4994 or sfilanoski@cvsd.org.
Sincerely, Sara Filanoski
