No Homework in 3rd Grade…Wow!

By: Sara Botero

October 6, 2016

The Columbus School’s 3rd grade, has a no-homework policy this school year 2016-2017, instead they will be doing a home learning project based on any topic of student’s interest.

3rd graders are learning in a particular way this year. The 3rd grade team came up with the no-homework policy which suppress homework but replace it with a home learning project presented every trimester.

According to the 3rd grade team, students passions and ideas are considered very valuable. This is one of the reasons why they are having a trimestral project based on any topic of student’s interest.

“Students will be doing a project that share their interest, for example legos or pizza. Every trimester these projects will be presented to the class. Kids are very excited about it,” Brett Roeper, 3rd grade teacher said.

For the home learning trimestral projects students can implement either technology, do an experiment, a poster or they can come up with any innovative idea that makes them feel comfortable to present.

This home learning project is considered to be daily homework. Students  will be working on it at home, dedicating at least 20 minutes daily.  Although any missing work or any piece of work not done during class time will become homework.

“One of the most important reasons for making this project is to expand their creativity,” Roeper commented.

Presentations will begin on Thursday October 27 of the current school year. They will be divided into different days now that not all students will get to present the same day.  Each individual student will have 10 minutes to present their project to their classmates, parents, and teacher.

The home learning project encourage students to research about their chosen topic independently, although parents can assist by helping them come up with an interesting ideas for their topic. The home learning project won’t be graded, it’s just for personal growth.  

“Each student will have 10 minutes to present their project during class time and parents can come to see their child present,” Jesse K. Howe, 3rd grade teacher stated.

Based on data collected by the 3rd grade team, 98% of the students prefer the home learning project rather than having regular homework and 100% of the 3rd grade parents said they would recommend this strategy to other grade levels.