The Homework Lesson

The Homework Lesson

On the first day of school, Ryan found himself in Ms. Rose's fifth grade class. He was kind of nervous because he'd heard Ms. Rose could be a real monster sometimes. But when he saw her, she looked nice enough. She had a pleasant voice and seemed to be glad to see all the kids.

Ms. Rose started with an overview of what they'd be doing during the year. It actually sounded interesting. Then in a lower voice, she warned them she would be giving them homework assignments, which absolutely, positively had to be done. They were not to be handed in late, and they were to be completed fully. No excuses! No extensions! She sounded like she meant business.

That day she assigned the class its first homework. It wasn't anything too difficult. They had to do a sheet of math problems and read a short story. It wasn't due until Thursday, but she suggested they do it immediately that night. “ Homework has a way of piling up, " she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. But today was only Monday! There was lots of time, Ryan thought.

So when school was over, Ryan and his friends ran off to play baseball. Ryan got home just in time for dinner, and then his favorite TV show came on. His mom asked him if he had any homework. “ No, not tonight, " he said, because he figured he really didn't for that night. He tossed his homework on his desk.

The following morning at school, Ms. Rose asked how many students in the class had finished their homework. No hands went up. She nodded but didn't say anything about it. That night she gave them a little more homework. This time they had to study for a spelling test. The spelling test wasn't until Thursday either, so Ryan didn't bother studying that night. He stacked the spelling list on top of the other papers on his desk.