Brainstorming & Planning

Step 1 – Read Prompt Carefully Realizing that homework is an important part of the learning process, many teachers assign tasks even on weekends. Think about your weekend homework experiences. Write to convince your principal to require or abolish the practice of assigning weekend homework.

STEP 2. Brainstorm a PRO- CON LIST REQUIRE - Students will practice new knowledge which will lead to academic success. Homework provides a meaningful activity over the weekend. Students will come to school better prepared to learn. ABOLISH – Students have responsibilities and obligations beyond school. Students usually do not complete homework on weekends, leading to failure. Teachers may provide better learning opportunities during the school day.

Step 3. CREATE A FOUR SQUARE ORGANIZER Fold paper or draw boxes.

Write your thesis statement. Unfold the paper and write thesis statement at the top or the middle of the paper.

Mr. Noack, please abolish the practice of assigning weekend homework at Navarre High School.

ADD REASONS Reason One Students are less likely to complete homework on weekends. (CAUSE & EFFECT) Reason Two Students have a life beyond school. (MAIN IDEA & DETAIL) Reason Three. Teachers must find better ways to advance learning. (PROBLEM & SOLUTION)

Begin to Develop Argument in Each Paragraph Reason One- It is often said that students will be more successful with homework on the weekends, but this is simply not the case. In fact, grades may be negatively affected. Students are less likely to complete it. As a result students copy from friends, and never learn the material. When exam time rolls around, grades plummet. (CAUSE AND EFFECT) Reason Two – Reason Three- While teachers may think that the weekends are an ideal time for academics, others believe it is the time for other aspects in a teen’s life. Sports teams. Family responsibilities. Part-time jobs. Church activities. (MAIN IDEA AND DETAIL) Reason Three- Finally let’s consider alternatives to weekend homework. Instead of weekend homework, why not consider other opportunities to improve learning? Look for a better ways for students to ask questions and practice subject matter. After or before school study groups guided by teachers. Focused class time. Study buddies. (PROBLEM SOLUTION) CONCLUSION:

Write a quick conclusion Write a quick conclusion. (In case you run out of time, it’s a way to “end” it!) Reason One- It is often said that students will be more successful with homework on the weekends, but this is simply not the case. In fact, grades may be negatively affected. Students are less likely to complete it. As a result , students copy from friends and never learn the material. When exam time rolls around, grades plummet. (CAUSE AND EFFECT) Reason Two –While teachers may think that the weekends are an ideal time for academics, others believe it is the time for other aspects in a teen’s life. Sports teams. Family responsibilities. Part-time jobs. Church activities. *(Many teens are Sunday school teachers. ) (MAIN IDEA AND DETAIL) Reason Three- Finally let’s consider alternatives to weekend homework. Why not consider other opportunities to improve learning? Better ways for students to learn and practice concepts. - After or before school study groups guided by teachers. Focused class time. (PROBLEM SOLUTION) CONCLUSION: Clearly, the policy of giving homework on weekends should be abandoned. A student learns so much through life experiences that shouldn’t be cut short for assignments. There simply has to be a better way!

TRY IT!!! Many believe that sports programs are an essential component of high school life, while others believe it is a detriment to learning. Think about sports in your high school. Do you believe that sports are a help or a hindrance in the lives of students? Write to convince school board members to eliminate or continue to support sports programs in the high schools of your school district.