Bigger classes are the reality for more and more teachers across the country. In the 2010-11 school year, 57 percent of districts increased their class sizes, and 65 percent anticipate doing so in 2011-12, according to a December 2010 survey by the American Association of School Administrators. So how do teachers cope? Experts and veteran teachers…

Parents and teachers working together can take the hassle out of homework. This article offers sample letters and tips for teachers to adapt to communicate to parents the purposes and basic guidelines of homework. (MT)

A systematic approach which clearly defines teacher, student, and parent roles in homework is described, including discussion of homework policies, homework returns, study areas, survival kits, and time management. (CB)

Ideas for organizing homework and ensuring parental involvement are discussed. Making students responsible for their own behavior is emphasized. (MT)

Math can be the sort of homework parents respect, children enjoy, and teachers savor. Suggestions for achieving this are offered. (MT)

Is it for elementary kids? A district gives some guidelines, a teacher her philosophy. (Editor)

Presents math games for parents to use at home with their children to reinforce math skills taught in the classroom. Areas covered include: sorting and counting; number recognition; shapes; basic skills; measuring; and problem solving. (JMB)

Two educators tell how and why after-school assignments can be rewarding and fun for kids. (Editor)

After spending most of the day in school, students are given additional assignments to be completed at home. It is worth asking not only whether there are good reasons to support the nearly universal practice of assigning homework, but why it is so often taken for granted--even by vast numbers of teachers and parents who are troubled by its impact…

Ways that instructional materials for elementary school students can be taken from room to room or from school to home are described. Ideas include mesh carryall bags, knapsacks, and paper carriers. (CJ)

Calculators are a big help in extending classroom activities and this article took a look at how the students of tomorrow might use them. (RK)

Presents experts' answers to 54 questions on a variety of teaching issues, such as teaching about religious holidays, giving candy as a reward, violating children's confidences, managing classroom routines, assigning homework, grading and using teacher aides. (JMB)

For homework assignments to be effective, they must serve to develop skills and help students gain a sense of accomplishment. Suggestions for developing interesting, positive homework assignments that use contracts and skill cards are offered. (DF)

To improve homework quality in the classroom, teachers should clear up homework fogginess and use strategies for success, including creating goal-directed assignments, balancing homework, allowing time to finish assignments, viewing homework-assignment time as part of the learning process, helping students organize their homework, and helping…

Describes 17 attributes of excellent teachers identified in a recent study by Ruth Tschudin. (JMB)