Homework.... The war continues

I posted a question about homework on Facebook today and it exploded with strong opinions for both sides. Some parents think it's good, some think it's too much, some say their kids need the practice, and some say their child can't focus that long. 

As a newish teacher, I am still trying to figure out where I stand on it. I do agree that giving "busy" work as homework is bad/lazy/ineffective teaching. I want all the work my students do to be meaningful; I just don't know if homework can be meaningful.

First, doesn't it always seem that the students who need to do the homework are the ones who don't do it? Also, do you grade it for correctness or for competition? And then I think, kids deal with so much at home, should I add to the stress? I'm still on the fence, but I better figure it out soon... School starts in three weeks!

Where do you stand on homework? Does it work for you and your class?

5 things I'm going to do this school year

I don't know about you, but I am so overwhelmed by all the amazing ideas out there. Honestly, I want to implement 100 new things in my room this year. However.... I would NOT like to go insane this year, so I have created my 5 things list. So here we go:

1. Interactive notebooks for Science and ELA. I teach 6th grade ELA and Science, and instead of just trying it with one class, I am going ALL in and doing it with all groups! I am really enjoying the products from The Science Penguin and Lovin Lit to help me get started!

2. Stations! Omg... I am so nervous about this one. I am a "newish" teacher, so I am not 100% confident in my management abilities. I hope with lots of planning and prep, it will be great!

3. Constructive and Extended response practice EVERY week to prepare my students for the new Georgia Mile Stones test.

4. Short Weekly Formative Assessments to collect data and to drive my instruction.

5. Constant and meaningful communication with Students and Parents.

Narrowing down my list helps me focus on making these 5 things great!

What is your "new thing to try" this year?