Homework Philosophy

My belief on homework is that it if there is any, it should be used to enhance what is happening in the class every single day. Your child should be doing daily reading, as well as getting outside for daily physical activity. These are automatics, and should already be a part of their active, healthy lifestyle, which we at Hardisty School stress every single day. Assessments like unit tests are another part of homework that needs to be supported. I always give a week's notice when a quiz or test is approaching, giving ample time for students to review and study knowledge, practice skills, or learn attitudes for test material. This will add time to nightly homework routines.

Students need to learn to manage their schedules and make the time to be prepared for quizzes, tests, and the occasional project. I believe that time at home with family is precious and needs to be honored. I grew up with parents who believed in after school activities including hockey, Ukrainian dancing, the accordion (yes I know...), and later guitar in junior high. If it wasn't for those experiences, I wouldn't have half the skills I have today. I believe the same should be true for the youth of today. All of this has to occur in balance and I will never overload your child with homework because I believe there is so much more to life than worksheets.

If work is not completed in school due to difficulties with concepts or perhaps not being a productive worker (tired, off-task behavior) then unfinished school work needs to be completed at home. I am able to meet with students to give extra-help outside of normal classroom hours with advance notice.  I am willing to sacrifice my recess and lunch breaks to help kids. It is my job to help kids learn, and I will make the effort to give your child the help they need when trouble arises.


 Homework is a hot topic in today's busy, fast-pace world. If you would like additional reading I encourage you to read Alfie Kohn's book "The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing". http://www.alfiekohn.org/books.htm

 A local resource on the topic of homework is a former teacher in Red Deer named Joe Bower.  Unfortunately Joe passed away a couple of years ago.  He was a passionate voice for education reform.  You can read more about Joe and his work at http://www.joebower.org/  He challenged the traditional model of education and I thoroughly enjoy this debate.  Three years after his passing, the page still gets over 30,000 visits per month from around the world!
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About Me

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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Born and raised in the "City of Champions", I Michael Lastiwka am the proud husband to Lana, father to Ruby 9, and Jack 11. I love hockey, music, the outdoors, golf, and pretty much anything that gets me outside. I play guitar with Uptown, a cover band. Check out our tunes at www.uptown780.com. I am in my 20th! year of teaching with Edmonton Public Schools, 3rd year at Hardisty, 8 previously at Bisset in Mill Woods, and 9 at Patricia Heights School in West Edmonton. I grew up in Edmonton, have lived in many parts of the city including Northmount, Blue Quill, Riverdale, downtown, Terra Losa, Terwilligar Towne, and finally Fulton Place. Life unfolds in front of us each day and we need to grab on and make the most of it. I'm passionate about teaching and believe my students can accomplish anything they put their minds to.