"Homework" Is NOT a Dirty Word!

ATTENTION

TO ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS:

The Following are Basic Key Tools For Youngsters to Excel in Their Academic and Vocational Endeavors Under Your Instruction:

• Daily and Weekend Homework (Plus Holiday Vacation):  Unfortunately, this practice of giving homework on a daily basis, over the weekend, and during their holiday vacation break has seemingly become obsolete!  
• Give Essays: Today, there are more youngsters becoming increasingly illiterate when it comes to spelling, and using proper grammar.  It is not cute when a child, or an adult for that matter, have no clue on how to differentiate 'their,' 'there,' or 'there.'  And that is only one small example.  Constant use of "Abbreviations" and "Acronyms" have become a way of life today with both youngsters and adults, especially on social networking sites (i.e., Facebook, Myspace, etc.) 
•  Mark 'Incorrect' Spelling Words in Red, and/or Let the Child Write the 'Correct' Spelling Word Numerous Times: This is a practice used when I was attending school.  It works!  Do not allow a child to get away with misspelled words whenever they are writing an essay, homework, etc.  Encourage him or her to learn the proper spelling of words.  And whenever they turn in their homework paper, and there is/are word[s] misspelled, mark it in red indicating that it is incorrect, and have him, or her, write it out several times until it's etched within their cranial membrane! 

The more questions the children ask - the better.  ANSWER their questions whenever they ask you something!  BE HONEST with them if you do not know the answer.  Simply advise them that you do not know, but you will get back to them with an answer the next day, or shortly.  After all, you're only human.  Remember that you, too, have flaws, and make mistakes.

NEVER, EVER, judge the youngsters you are teaching under your care.  You're NOT a god.  You're a teacher.  You're an educator.  You are NOT their friend, so refrain from talking your personal business with them!  

If you, too, happen to attend school to further your academic objectives and goals (Master's degree, doctorate), then be honest with yourself by asking "Am I giving all of myself to help these youngsters?"  If the answer is no, then you need to make a decision quickly as to how you're going to fulfill your educational duties by proving these youngsters with "whole education," without sacrificing them.  If the answer is yes, then you better be well prepared for the youngsters who are more intelligent than you give them credit for because they can spot someone who is not 'genuine,' or 'sincere,' in their words, or actions.

Therefore, stop being fearful to give and teach our youngsters 'whole' education.  Life is an education. It's time to eradicate many of these old relic so-called traditional methods of teaching, and begin to get real with these students of the 21st Century!

Homework is not a dirty word . . . It is a word of necessity!  Isn't that the reason why you became a teacher?  

If you find yourself not wanting to grade papers, or check homework at your home every night, on weekends, or during your holiday vacation break, then perhaps "Teaching" is not your cup of tea!  Think about it!  Like they say, If the shoes fit . . . then wear it, and get to walking!'


In the meantime, for all of you who have no problem whatsoever in carrying out the aforementioned tools, or who is already practicing these invaluable tools of academic learning, then let's produce "thinkers" and "leaders" and "rulers" in the 21st Century!

Peace.

 Copyright 2011.  All rights reserved.