1-2 Program
The goal of Home Learning and Thinking (HLT) at UCDS is to empower students to become independent learners and self-advocates. HLT helps children to develop personal responsibility, time management skills and to establish organizational routines and structures. HLT gives students extra practice with skills and will help solidify understanding of a concept. The role of the parent/guardian in HLT is to help the child to establish a routine (a time and place) for HLT, as well as an expectation that HLT be completed daily. Parents/Guardians can instill confidence in their child by helping them to build and maintain ownership of the process. If a child is experiencing difficulty at home, parents/guardians can provide support by being a resource and by encouraging students to let the teacher know how it is going. Students will vary in their individual approaches to HLT. Teachers check in regularly with students to discuss individual strategies and timelines that best support their success.
UCDS teachers recognize that there will be times when outside influences (family events, celebrations, sports, and extracurricular activities) make it difficult for HLT to be completed in the time allotted. Weekly HLT schedules are created with individual students to support families in making decisions about when and where homework can be done. Having a flexible and responsive schedule promotes student organization, time management and communication skills.
3-4-5 Program
The goal of homework at UCDS is to empower students to see themselves as self-advocates and lifelong learners. Home Learning and Thinking (HLT) is an opportunity to solidify connections between home and school. It allows students to practice concepts and skills and supports classroom activities. HLT expectations grow throughout the year with each individual. HLT helps children to develop personal responsibility, time management skills and to establish organization routines and structures. The role of the parent/guardian in HLT is to help the child to establish a routine-a time and place for HLT, as well as an expectation that HLT be completed daily. Parents/Guardians can instill confidence in their child by helping them to maintain ownership of the process. Parents/Guardians can provide support by being a resource and continually reinforcing the importance that the students actively communicate with classroom teachers about the process. Students will vary in their individual approaches to HLT. For this reason, parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with teachers for ideas on how best to coach their child to become independent about HLT routines and to become empowered as self-advocates.
UCDS teachers recognize that there will be times when outside influences (family events, celebrations, sports, and extracurricular activities) make it difficult for HLT to be completed in the time allotted. On these occasions 3-4-5 students are expected to write a note that presents a plan for completion. The aim is to foster self-reliance and independent problem solving.
