Just like you might have wondered how homework gets from the classroom into your child's backpack (see this blog post), you might wonder, "Well how does my child's homework get from their backpack to the teacher?" or perhaps "Why did my child get a missed homework slip when their homework was in their bag?" Here is how it works in room 202.
At the very beginning of the year, I establish the expectation with students that they are now in second grade so they will need to become a little more independent. Instead of handing their whole folder to the teacher or putting their folder in a bin, students bring their folder into the room, open it, look inside, and give me any homework or notes that they see inside. If they are unsure of what is inside, they check with me. Then students either put their folder in their mailbox for the end of the day, or back in their backpack.
On days when homework is always due (Tuesdays and Fridays) students are expected to either hand me the homework papers or place it in the homework bin. Every single day it is written on the board for morning directions to check folders and i give verbal reminders to the whole class and sometimes point out individual students who did it, ie: "Great job, Lucas. Thanks for checking your folder". On homework due dates, I add "Turn in your homework" to the morning directions and during the first two months of school, I give multiple reminders (at least 3) out loud to the whole class to turn in homework, then I give 1 or 2 "Last call for turning in homework". After that, in September and early October I might even sit with the class and read the names of who turned in their homework and state something like, "If anyone didn't hear their name it is because you didn't turn in your homework. Please go get it now if you have it".
After the first few months of school, I begin to release responsibilty to the students a bit, and don't make as many announcements, (but still announce it once or twice and write it on the morning directions). This allows students time to get used to the routine and the responsibility for checking their folder daily. I also gradually take away the individual check ins during the course of the year. Later in the year, verbal reminders are reduced, but it is still written, and students are expected to take more responsibility.
Of course, everyone forgets once or twice and leaves homework in their bag, and some students need more help. Certainly if someone needs extra support, they will get it, especially early on. As you and I determine which students need more reminders/individual support , we will discuss via email, phone or in person. Second grade is a great year to start developing the skill of taking responsibilty and helping students become more independent to prepare themselves for the future.