Do You Agree with Initialing the Homework Nightly for Your Child?

My daughter is in the 5th grade and we have to sign nightly as well. This is to enusre that we know what homework there is, if any. This is just a way to have parent involvement and to be aware. I don't see the big deal in initialing every nite.

From raising my 3 kids and from my kids school years. The only reason why she is wanting you to sign is to let her know that you have taken time to look at his work. And that you are awear of his grades...........Been there and done that.

I think it is a good idea to initial homework. I don't understand distance learning?

Thanks.

M.

I have to side with Debbie on this. You may not understand the reasoning, but it doesn't mean that the policy is wrong. Please remember that this woman has spent years to get her degree, to get the continuing education that all teachers are required, and let's not forget teaching too. She has every child's best interest in mind and asking this simple task ensures that there is a record of the assignments made and can give you as a parent instant knowledge of how much your child is able to complete while at school and what ends up coming home. It's a great reference for long term projects and upcoming tests, especially now that kids seem to have a zillion things that they do after school and on the weekends. If you know you're going to be gone over the weekend....then when the assignment is made Monday you can spend the next three days completing it before the big trip and don't have to worry about last minute work to do.

One last thought and I do no mean to offend you, but what kind of message does it send your son by refusing to sign it? You know that he knows it is the policy and he's going to notice that his never is signed....Does he learn that the rules don't apply to him and his family? What happens when there is a rule that could really affect his life and he chooses to believe that the rules don't apply again? A big what if, but it certainly is possible.

Bottom line: When you're already with your son during homework time, sign the paper, support the teacher, and show your son the respect for the authority figure that he spends so much of his time with.

I don't believe this has anything to do with your sons progress or performance at school. This is a policy for the children that need that extra help and to get the parents involved in the school work as well. It seems you are taking it personally and you shouldn't. I honestly don't see what the big deal is and think it is a wonderful policy. I would check my daughters work whether I had to initial it or not. I believe it is very important to be invovled. I am not sure what distance learning is but it doesn't sound too good to me. I believe children need their independence but only so much.

By not initialing the work you are showing your son that he doesn't and you don't need to follow the rules. And that isn't a good message to send to such a young child.

I am in agreement with all these posts, in my duaghters school in 3rd grade they start sending home an assignment book. It lists what the child is responsible for doing. and it needs to be signed evernight there is home work to be done. (If they had this when I was a child I would have punished alot more for lying.. I hated doing home work, would have much rather been playing.) Sorry off the subject.
I think that by putting your initials on your childs home work shows they teacher there is an effort being made that you are taking part in his education, and that he did it at home and not 10 minutes before the bell rang. Just my 2 cents

As a teacher, I can only encourage you to initial your son's work. It sends the message that both his parents and teacher want him to be successful in school. Plus, what kind of message does that send to him if you are refusing to do something for his authority figure? I have had so many students tell me that "their mama was going to come up to the school" because the child found that following the rules were unncessary for them. Most times, I don't see that parent.
Remember, you can always homeschool if you don't like this policy.

She is not having you initial his homework because she doesn't think you are good parents, she needs to know when she looks at his work, that his parents have checked over it and helped if there were mistakes. A lot of teachers have 25 children in their class and may not have the time to sit with each child and make sure that they understand everything. By requiring the initaling she is ensuring that the parents are helping and that if there are problems they are being caught at an early stage and not when they are huge and out of control. I guess I would have to say that I think you have overreacted to this and that it is really not a big deal. hopefully you were checking his homework before he turned it in anyway, and so taking an extra 3 seconds to initial shouldn't be a big deal. She is wanting the parent's to take some responsibility in their child's education which is completely understandable, and seeing our current education system I would have to say that I think she is right in expecting this. If there is another problem with the teacher then I would definitely get together with the teacher and pricipal to figure out a better way, but if it is just this one thing and she is not treating your child badly or causing other problems I would say just do it and let it go. Try to think of the big picture and put yourself in the teacher's shoes, hopefully that might help sort it out.

T.,
I don't think is a big deal. You should sign it. I think is a very good policy, system or whatever you want to call it. This is a very good way of communication between you and the teacher as well. Also, it is very important that your kid does not see you or your husband reluctant about this signing homework or any other school work. I do this with my 6 yr-old kid everyday and, that helps me to know what is going on with him. My son and I (or my husband sometimes) review the homework together and I can clarify to him any doubt or correct any mistake as well as enjoy together when he does a good job!
Alejandra

Initialling indicates that you DID indeed see the homework.

Sadly a great number of parents think all education occurs at school. They leave it all to the teachers. Homework is designed to re-inforce what they learned in class, and to allow them to practice it on their own.

When a parent initials their child's homework, it shows both the child and the school that the parent has seen to it that there was homework assigned, what KIND of things they are studying, and encourages communication between child-home-school.

While you may have excellent rappirt with your child, and your child's teacher, not everyone is so fortunate.

Just go with the flow. It either a school rule or a classroom rule, but either way, it IS a rule that your child has been told to follow.

***I am a Mom, grandma, AND a Teacher Associate, so I see both sides of any school-related issue. :) I'm also doing on-line classes! Good Luck!

I absolutely agree that you should initial it. I have 5 kids, ages 10, 8, 6, 2 & 1. My 10 year old actually has an assignment book that lists her nightly homework and that has to be initialled. I'm glad my kids' teachers have a similar policy. I wouldn't take it personally. It is not her way of questioning your involvement per say, but a way to make the kids responsible. This insures the teachers that the kids are showing their parents what they are doing every day and that the parents are aware of the teacher's expectations.

.

What is the big deal with checking your child's homework and initialing it. Are you not invovled with his school work or do you just not care if he gets his homework completed and done correctly?

A child can learn how to do something wrong and not understand if they practice it incorrectly. That is probably why this teacher wants you to initial his homework.

I am a teacher, and my thought is 1) Does it really take a lot of time for you to sign your initials? 2) I believe she is trying to instill some "responsibility" to your 4th gr. child. The only reason why I state it that way, is b/c it seems children are REQUIRED to do so much more now then before. What they do and learn in 4th grade they used to learn in 6th grade. (It's not like she was stating that he was in trouble. She was just relaying a message to him that she felt he was responsible enough to relay to you.)

Some schools develop these "rules" to encourage parent involvement. If they don't require it for all parents, then it begins to look like some are being singled out. It's like setting rules for students who have unruly behavior but not for those who know how to behave well. Do you see what I'm saying?

Personally, and as a parent, I would just initial the homework.
However, I do understand your point in the same context. :)

As a retired teacher, I can understand why the school asks you to initial the work. We did at my school, as well. It serves several purposes: it lets the school know that you know what his assignments are; it lets the student know that his parents know what he is doing; it lets you know what the assignments are. It is just good accountability on every level. In addition, students like for their parents to be in the know about what is going on (though they will pretend otherwise!).
I would say, "Just do it." However, if it truly goes against your grain, make an appointment with the teacher and principal to discuss the issue. Most schools will accomodate parents if their requests are reasonable. Best wishes!

Honestly, I don't mean this in a bad way, but I don't see what the problem is. If you already spend time with your son on his schoolwork as it sounds like you do, it will only take a half a second to initialize (not even sign) his work. If you don't, then this is a great way to show your son that you are interested and involved in his schoolwork, which is very important for you to demonstrate now while he is still young so that it will influence him to continue with his best efforts when he is older. I understand that there are some things that schools require that don't always make sense, but I think you have to pick your battles, and this one, to me, that just doesn't seem worth a fight. It's a simple task that requires only seconds of your time, and may have a big impact on your son. I think you probably spent more time already fighting this than you would spend in a semester just initializing. Seems like a no-brainer. Just my opinion.

Signing his homework seems like a mild request. Don't take offense; her intent is not to offend you. She is probably using the signature as insurance that every child’s parent becomes involved and accountable for their child doing their homework. However, I am wondering what she does about those students who forge their parent's signature...
Unfortunately, every parent is not involved. No, she should never have involved your son in an adult matter. You should let her know not to do that in the future.
Also, signing homework is a scare tactic for some children. They know they have to bring in their homework completed and signed. For some, this may be a challenge depending upon how well they are doing in a subject.
You and the teacher are a team. How well you work together will directly affect your child’s well being in this teacher’s class. Consider this before taking action.

Hi T.,

It will only take half a second to initial =-) I'm sure you would like understanding of it - most likely - she has seen parents paying more attention to students homework and getting a better rate of success from her students when this takes place. It's not a focus on you; however, it's a focus on ensuring each student is also communicating with their
parent(s). I hope she responds to you kindly and you have no hard feelings from her response.

=-)S.

My 3 year old started preschool last fall. After the start of the school year, I called my mom with a complaint about a policy at the school. She told me something that I think every parent should hear:
"Starting/being in school is a lesson for child and parent... Children learn how to grow into intelligent adults; parents learn that they can't control everything for their child, even though they feel compelled to be in charge all of the time."

UGH, that made me angry to hear, but also made me realize that I have to (at times) let ANOTHER authority figure in Drew's life tell me what to do via their "POLICIES"
ALSO, I praise you for being involved, but in order to correct the downward spiral of society (and I feel parents and teachers are the tip of the spear in that battle -- so we should work together) some of the GREAT parents need to do tedious chores (like initial homework) so the kids that have uninvovled parents have a better chance to succeed and emotionally develop. yikes, now all the hard-working parents are picking up the slack for the lazy ones?!? better now than with Welfare checks when the misguided children grow up. If it's a SCHOOL policy, then kids who may not even talk to their parents (and there are homes like that, sadly) at least approach them once, and hopefully that will open a line of communication in those types of homes. I'd sign the homework, and turn it into a praise. I'd say, "should I look it over or are you confident in this work?" it sounds like he will be confident, so sign it and praise his efforts. kids love the idea of being trusted and it being reinforced often, it may make your strong bond even stronger to turn this to your advantage.

I agree with a lot of the other moms. I used to lead an all girls group of about 30 to 35 girls and not being their parent they were always at ease to open up about what was going on with their lives, their school and their families. Now days it's unfortunate that a lot of parents aren't involved so to make sure parents do have involvement and interest in their child the school is trying to implement procedures to make sure it happens. I know even today with the homework signing rule that parents still don't look at it they just sign off on it. It would not be fair or easy to pick out certain families and children that would be an exception to the rules so as a way of showing your support for every Childs education not just yours I think it should be done with joy and as an example to your children that education for all kids is important. This should be talked about in a very positive way around your child.

I have two sister in laws that have taken on volunteer work at their kids schools to not only keep their kids close and know what they are doing but to also make sure they are being a support to the school and the teachers who sacrifice to educate children. They are low paid, under appreciated, and most often asked to compromise their beliefs and feelings in order to be "politically correct." Teachers teach not for the pay but because they love children and want to make a difference in the future.

In cases where the schools and teachers let education and the well being of the children slide it's becuase it feels like a losing battle. If every parent was more involved in their children and the schools their children go to it would be a win win situation.

I'm sure they just want to make sure homework gets done and the parents have looked at it. I would just initial it.

Dear T.,
I have been initialing homework for so long that it is old hat to me. I agree with it, personally. Not only does it make the child aware that "Oh no, my parents are going to see this" but it totally involves the parents as well. It also eliminates the age-old comment "I didn't know my child was doing this or that" --
Her request may/maynot be school policy, but it is HER way of teaching and like I said, I've been signing homework papers for so long, that it is old hat for me.
Just do what the teacher wants and be proud of your son and of your own accomplishments as a parent. Signing homework sheets is nothing compared to the BIG picture of education.

I would say sign it and go on with it. It gives your children a responsibility to make sure their assignments are finished and makes sure you kow what they are doing in class. My little girl is in 4th grade too. We sign it every night. I let it be the responsibility of my little girl to make sure I sign it. If I don;t they don;t get break. I agree with the teacher. It givee a sense of responsibility. Not all parents really care about their childs homework and do not encourage them in shcool. Signing your intials once a day is the least of your worries. Wait until they start dating or move out. Those are the days I dread. But keep you head up.

I appreciate honest advice from friends, so I hope you do to and will take as such. To use your own words, it seems you are being stubborn. It's hard work being a teacher and for very little pay in most cases (My Mom is one). When my kids are old enough, I hope to be as helpful and cooperative and encouraging to my kids teachers as possible. It seems such a small detail, I'd do it no questions asked. Sweet to hear you married your h.s. sweetheart. I always love those stories! Hope you can work it out!

Yes I sign. My daughter is in 3rd grade this year but I also have a son in 7th grade. They teachers in elementary school are just preparing your children for middle school and the responsibilities they will have when they move on to the next level. It is just a follow up and another teaching tool...nothing negative.

i think the signing every night is not only to see that someone has helped a child with the work..or more so has checked over it for errors, but it is also for the kids who may go home and say they have no homework when they dont feel like doing it. if you didnt have the papers to sign, then if your child would get a poor grade and the teacher tell you its bc homework was not turned in...well without your signed papers you would not have known about the assignments. i do agree that the teacher should not have spoken with your son as this was a situation between a parent and the school. my childrens school has the same policy....my oldest is in 3rd grade and i need to sign a paper saying she read for 30 minutes and another homework sheet where i have to initial every assignment. i didnt really mind until i actually wrote a note to her on the communicater side of it and she refused to even acknowledge it. its as if the teacher did not want to be involved. but its probably going to be easier on you and your son if you just sign the paper for his homework. good luck

Hi, T.. I am a teacher--although of eighth grade students--and while I understand your point that initialing his homework doesn't feel like a contributing asset to your son's educational experience, it does show him that you're actively involved in his schooling and that you have an open line of communication with his teacher. Often we teachers hear from parents that they "just don't know" what is expected in terms of homework or studying. By looking over his work with him and initialing it, some of those concerns/questions are alleviated before they get to the teacher, if--in fact--they get that far.

Hi T.:

Good for you! You are teaching your child to question, just because a person is in authority doesn't mean they are right! Yes he does have to show respect but you are teaching him how to be his own person.

The Teacher should have written the note to you & your husband. Your child is not responisible for his parent actions.

I don't even agree with homework! After so many hrs at school don't our children have enough in their brains to comprehend?

I think the children should be able to come home and play.

Fortunately 1 of my children have a study hall that they actually have to study in. She gets her homework done at school. My other daughter has to do her homework at home.

What do you think of the E.0.G?

A.

Don't force your child to sign your name to his homework so he won't get in trouble. I have seen it happen and it's not fun for the kid who gets busted. It's not that big of a deal and it does contribute to his schooling. By sending the teacher a note basically claiming you know better, you are showing you could care less about your sons school work. So much so that you can't be bothered to look it over quickly and let her know you are willing to work with her to make sure his homework is done. She is trying to help open the lines of communications between herself, the parents, and the children in her class, she is not out to attack you.

T., I have a 4th grader this year as well. I also have a freshman in college, and as long as I can remember I have signed assignment notebooks. I am also a teacher, and I have to tell you, it doesn't have anything to do with making sure the parent is involved, it is simply in hopes of making sure the parent looks over the homework to make sure it is completed and done correctly. Homework is the easiest way of getting some good grades. Just sign the notebook is it really that hard?

Yes, sign the homework! I am an elementary teacher, and almost all the teachers have parents initial homework every night-- it's simply meant to help you be involved, and for the teacher to make sure the child is receiving help at home. And, honestly, does it take that long to write your initials? I'm sure it doesn't, and it gives you the opportunity to see your son's homework. I'm sure the teacher isn't singling you out.

As far as the teacher talking to your son about it, I'd say that you opened the door to that. I'm just guessing here that you've discussed this subject in front of your son, and that he probably read the note you sent to her-- and if you're going to say something to him, there's no reason she shouldn't. It sounds like you feel disrespected by the teacher speaking to your son-- but think about how disrespectful it is to the teacher to not comply with such a simple request. I agree with the mom who said you're sending the wrong signal to your son about respecting those in positions of authority. And it puts him in a really tough position.

I am sure it is just a way for the teacher to actually see if the parents are even remotely involved with what the child is doing in the class room. I say sign it! Waste your time on the more precious things.

I have been signing my children's school work since they were in 2nd grade. I now have one in 4th and one in 6th...I now sign planners.
I have become personal friends with many teachers through years of volunteering at my kids' schools. They have homework signed for a few reasons:
1) This shows the children that their parents are involved in their school work. You would be suprised to how many kids don't have support if the school doesn't enforce it.
2) This ensures that homework is being done. The school day is set up differently then when most of us were in school...the kids no longer have extended classroom time to work on material learned, therefore they receive their lectures in the classroom and the material is finished as homework.
3) It has helped improve communication with parents. Most teachers don't have the time to write notes or call home anymore. If a parent signs homework they then have the chance to write a quick note to teachers regarding any concerns. Teachers then know what parents they need to communicate with and regarding what.

I am sure that you are involved with your child's life and I'm sure you openly communicate with his teachers, but please keep in mind this isn't the case with nearly 90% of children attending the Des Moines Public School System.

As I sit here and read through the responses I just wonder what they are thinking by telling you that it shows the teacher that you indeed did help your child with homework. It does not mean that you did anything more than take the paper and pen in hand and put two letters on it. You can do that without ever knowing what those sheets of paper hold. It is yet another way of trying to control our lives. If teachers would stop complaining about how much (or little in their minds) they make and focus more on teaching like they did when we were children, perhaps they would not need to send kids home with so much homework. I have a 4 year old who is in pre-k this year and he is already being sent home with homework. Also, they need to stop trying to make our kids grow up so fast. Kids need to play and laugh and have fun. It sounds like your sons teacher is just a control freak!
Good Luck

I agree with the others. What is the big deal about signing? The school systems ask for this to make sure that parents are aware of what their child is working on. It is a sad fact but not parents are involved in what their child is doing and this is the only way that schools have to make sure.

Just sign it and be done with. There will be bigger fish to fry down the road.

i am actually kinda shocked that so many people are being kinda rude by saying really how much time does it take?? just do it. yeah nice thing to teach your kids...if it doesn tinconvenience you then do it, but when it does, thats when you start to make a fuss.
i too am glad you are teaching your son to think for himself and form his own opinions instead of going along with everything everyone else is doing.
and no, i would not think that signing, initialing or notarizing your sons homeowrk would not prove anything to anyone, teacher or otherwise about you having actually checked the hmwk or even looked at it.
i think if you want to teach kids some responsibility then you should start with not asking them to check in with their parents for every little thing that are expected to do.
and no i dont think it was right for her to give your son a message to relay to you. it should have been kept bt the adults. besides if she was is so worried about making sure your involved, why wouldnt she have sent a letter home with him in response and asked that you inital it ;)

T.,

First of all, this teacher was wrong to discuss this with your son and I would call her out on this and explain to the her and the Principal that you don't like adult situations or concerns discussed with your child and demand that it not happen again. It almost sounds like she was trying to intimidate your child, by telling him she was telling the Principal on you.

I am not sure if your child's school has a handbook, if it does have a handbook, request a copy if one wasn't recieved. More than likely this is the teacher's policy and not a school policy. If you read the handbook and the policy isn't stated in the handbook, then I would ask her why she is so adament on the initials. Is she giving the kids, extra credit for it or are they being "rewarded" for the initials. I only sign it when it is necessary, like a grade that isn't above a C.

She may have in the past experienced parents who aren't involved and thus believes that all parents are not involved with their childs education. I have run into many educators who have thought this and soon found out that, we like yourselves know what is going on and don't need a minute by minute play. Just because someone is an educator or has been an educator for any length of time, doesn't necessarly mean they know what is best for your child. You are the parent and you are showing your son that you are his parent, they are the educator, they are not your employer, you are theirs! They forget that, except of course when they want more money and then who do they lobby, the school board member who will cater to their needs and then they will lobby for the school board member to be elected! You can teach your child to have respect for their teaches, but still maintaing control over your child's education. Our children aren't allowed to be disrespectful to a teacher, they now I will do whatever is necessary for their education, my standards I have found usually are above the school systems when it comes to acceptable grades, behavior, attitude and dress.

The schools and teachers usually send home notices and policies telling us what is expected of us as a parents and what is expected of our children, all require a signature and must be returned. This is how I now deal with the teachers and school system. I now outline with each of my kids teachers at the beginning of the school year what is expected of them. I usually hand deliver these myself within one week of school starting, a copy is given to the principal, the counselor and I send a copy via certified mail to the superintendent of the school system, it basically tells them communication is something I demand, I only need to know when one of my children isn't doing classwork, homework or their behavior isn't acceptable.

I ask that we be notified as soon as a problem arises, because the sooner it is dealt with the sooner the remedy will take place. I let them know that in our home there is consequences for failure to do school work and for unacceptable behavior. I tell them, that I do not want to recieve a report card or a progress report with anthing below a C, since both of our children are bright and smart enough, this shouldn't occur. I let them know that if we aren't notified, we will be request a meeting to take place and that the following people will be asked to attend: the childs counselor, the principal, ourselves the child and the teacher.

I also make sure I give each teaher a brightly colored index card with all phone numbers, e-mails and our home fax number.

As a former PTA/PTO officier and parent, I have heard what many teachers, administrators and even what other parents have said about parents that couldn't do things when they demanded it or they weren't doing things up to their "standards". After many years of helping out teachers and in the office, I finally walked away from the PTA/PTO, I had heard enough bad mouthing and whining about what they wanted. That is why within the first month now, your child is sent home a fundraiser, to cover "budget cuts".

For my two children book rental alone was almost $400.00, then there was the school supplies, $10.00 gym uniforms (they only pay about $3.00 per uniform because they get a discount for bulk buying), $1.60 a day per kid to eat lunch, $350.00-$600.00 sport fees, a minimum of $500.00 show choir fees, admissions to any games $5.00 for the student & $7.50 for the adult (who by the way had to pay the sport fees), the fund raisers they send home for the choirs and then there are our property taxes, where I live for every dollar that is payed in property taxes almost 0.80 cents goes to the school system! A school system, with less than 6,500 kids. The average property tax bill in my township is rougly around $1800.00 a year, now times that by say 2000 homes (I am sure there are more homes in the area), that comes our to $3,600,000 a year, our school budget is rougly a $5,600,000! Now remember that they are charging book rental, fees for sports, choir, band, shop fees, lunches and this doesn't include what is given by the state of Indiana or the Federal Goverment!

I have found that the school systems are slowly attempting and being allowed to strip parents rights away, they want your money and if you don't believe me go to a school board meeting and get informed about how much money is going out the window, get a copy of your school systems budget and go online and check out your schools standing within your state at the states website, there usually is a link and you can find out all kinds of information.

I am thankful, that both of mine are in high school, our son is a junior and our daughter is a freshman. I will tell you, if I had to do it over again, I would have homeschooled my kids, I didn't think I was smart enough, now I know I am. Education isn't about education, it's about politics, power and money!

Good Luck,
K.

I absolutley do. Sometimes homework asks for an initial or a signature but not all of the time. I sign it anyways. Everything gets checked when they are finished. That way I have an idea what they are learning in school and also if they are understanding what they are doing.

T.,

My oldest is in 5th grade but, he started having an assignment notebook in 3rd. Which is basicallly the same concept saying yes, I looked at the assignment notebook and he has completed all of his assignments. Thus we have one signture vs. our intials.

Secondly, Things have changed in regard to the responsibility that teachers have now vs. when we were in school. They have the state,gov't and no child left behind requirements to meet. I know that my son went to school in South Dakota for Pre-K - most of 2nd. He had homework starting in K and throughout. When we moved to Iowa he still had homework however, his younger brother did not have any homework in k or so far in 1st grade. I think having the letter homework the older one had in SD did help.

There are a lot of things with no child left behind that has hindered our schools because of the law which was meant to be a good thing but, still has many bugs to be worked out.

I know that it can be a pain to have to make sure things are signed but, is it worth your 30 seconds to do so to prevent punishment to your son because you didn't want to?

I do agree that the teacher should have contacted you first before making any comment to your son.

Wish you the best of luck with this situation.

Just think in a few years he will be in jr high or middle school where they do have assignment notebooks. Maybe this is just a small prep thing for that.

Good Luck!
A.

No, I don't agree with initialing your child's homework...but I already initial my son's agenda..so basically it is the same thing. It doesn't take any more time to do either, however mayber the teacher just wants to make sure that we are current with what is happening with their education...

I agree you should sign. It shows your son that you do your part too. You are modeling with each step you make. I have a 3rd grader, and I sign nightly. It isn't an inconvenience, it also allows me to keep up with what he's learning, and make sure that he understands it.

I sign my sons homework because they ask me to, I agree it is a little silly, I think they do that more for the kids that have parents that are not involved with their childrens education maybe to try to make them get involved, but they make everyone do it so it doesnt look like they are pointing fingers, u know? but what the heck its only initials so its nothings to make a big stink over.

I have to agree...while my children aren't even school age yet - I think this is a great policy. You sound as if you are already involved with his education...so you are probably looking at what the teachers are giving him each night anyway. And looking at your child's homework is a way for you to catch things that could be potential problems...for instance - you may see early on that he may need help more in one subject than another so you could maybe spend some more time with him in that area.....

I agree that it is good to teach your children to question things...but I just don't see how this is something that needs questioning...you are showing a sign of support for him...showing him you are interested in what he is doing...showing support for his teachers...also - with this responsibility I'm sure he'd less likely to come up with an excuse about not doing his work or saying he doesn't have any as I've heard some of my friends with school age children have issues with. Their kids come home saying they don't have any work...then the end of the grading period comes up and they get a notice from the teacher saying "suzy" isn't doing her homework.

The teacher is just trying to be fair! You have to understand that not every parent is like you and helps their child with their school work. Some parents just don't care and think it's the school's job to make sure that your child is learning what they have to. The whold homework thing is and always has been a tradition. Homework is an important tool to learning and it also keeps the parents in check with what is going on. If I were you I would appologise to the Teacher and cooperate. Her job is hard enough! It's wonderful that you are such a great parent, but like I said moast parents don't care.

Initialing homework is a good idea. Here's why, first of all it shows the teacher not only that your son is being a responsible student and completing homework but also that he has someone at home that shows their support towards homework and school too. You would be surprised at how many students, starting around 4th grade who do not do their homework, let alone get any form of support from the adults in the home. This is just a checking/training process that good teachers will put into place just before a student goes onto Middle school, because believe me it is a whole different ball game in middle school. A good
word to remember for your student in Middle school is "Independence" because that's what its all about!
So look at this not as keeping tabs on your son or you, but as
as good guide to motive him into always completing homework
throughout his short career in school. If he knows he has to get a piece of homework signed before he hands it in - he will
or he knows he will have to face the consequences!

I think signing the homework is a way they get the parent involved. Unfortunely some parents could care less about there childs schooling, so the schools try to get the parents involved with you initialing the homework. I don't think it is a bad thing! Check his homework make sure there are not mistakes then sign it.

Hi T.. I am thinking that yes I would just initial it. This way she does know, that yes, you are checking it and going over it with him. However I do think she needs to know that she should have NEVER said anything directly to your son. She should have picked up a pen or a telephone and spoken to you herself. Good luck with this and let me know how it turns out.

C.

I absolutely agree with all of the responses advising you to initial. Teachers have the children's best interest at heart, and all too often an issue will come up and teachers hear " I had no idea that he didn't understand or that this was going on". Initialing is one way to keep the lines of communication open and keep you involved in your child's education. Also, I would be careful how much you go after this teacher-- a 'pick your battles' type of thing. If something comes up later in the school year that you really do feel strongly about and need to confront her, you don't want to lose any credibility or already have a shaky rapport with that teacher. Trust me--teachers are way more willing to work with and help parents who don't nit-pick every little thing.