Homework:
- My previous school year’s students are familiar with my homework policy. I do not send out a lot of homework. If a student gets a homework, I expect the student to work on it independently. If the child does not know what to do, please write a note to me so I can help the student when the child comes back to school. You may explain to the child what they need to do but if the child can not finish the homework, please do not do the homework for them.
- Homework for the first week of school is mostly paperwork. We have district and school required paperwork that needs to be filled out. This week will just focus on students bringing home and bring these forms back. I also have questionnaires I need answered to help me get to know your child but through your eyes. I will try to make a checklist of all these forms so you know if you have filled them all out.
- Some of you may be thrown off with this one. Please do not help your child do their homework. Please do not finish their homework. When I send home something your child needs to work on, I know they can do that independently. If they forgot what to do, you may read the directions. You may even help with the first item but if your child can not do it, write a note and send it back. This will alert me to reteach that lesson.
- You will have a checklist so you will know what homework was sent home. make sure you sign on the space allotted for that day.
- If it is an assessment day, the students will not get a homework but I still expect students to work on their online assignments. Your child should know their usernames and passwords. The links for these sites are on the students’ individual web pages. Your child should work on the any three of the following:
- AR and Ticket to Read: after reading a story or a book. I will teach your child how to look for the quiz number so they can take the quiz after reading.
- MindMath or STMath: This will not work if you are using a tablet or an iPad. This site only works on a desktop or on a laptop. If you have difficulties accessing this site because of a required registration code, please let me know.
- Typing: Students will be working on a keyboard skill per week. This is now a required skill for all students as they take their assessments online. The state tests usually administered on the last few months of the school year require the student use a computer or a tablet. Although the tests are not timed, the students will not have a hard time looking for the keys while typing when taking the test. This will definitely lessen the stress on the students.
- California Treasures online activities
- enVision Math online activities
- FOSS Science online activities
- Scott Foresman Social Studies online activities
- selected educational games to reinforce the lessons for the day
- The students’ homework may include the following:
- Fluency practice: This can be a set of high frequency or select words for the specific students to work on. Students may also be given phrases or a story. This should be read aloud for you to hear. The student should read this more than 2 times. You may set a timer so they know when to stop. Each of this homework focuses on an area in fluency. It can be on accuracy; it can be on expression or it may be on speed. each component is important to help students with reading comprehension.
- Reading comprehension
- Basic Math facts
- Word problem solving
- Lesson of the day
- Special homework
JUST FOR PARENTS
10 Helpful Homework Hints to Use With Your Child
- Convey to your child your expectations about homework. Your
consistent message should be: “Homework is important to your success in school,
and I expect homework to be done appropriately.” It is critical that your child
understands that you place as much importance on homework being done each night
as you do on your child going to school each day. - Set aside a special time each night just for homework. Most of your
child’s sports activities; music lessons and doctor visits are scheduled. Add
homework to the schedule. Decide with your child on an appropriate time for
doing homework each night. - Set up a proper study area. Experts agree that a quiet study
environment is a must. Make sure your child has a desk or table in a quiet
place, and insist that all homework be done there. - Create a “homework survival kit.” Minimize time lost when your child
is looking for items necessary for completing assignments. Put together a
“homework survival kit” — a box that holds critical supplies such as
paper, sharpened pencils, eraser, markers, ruler, folders, glue and index cards. - Decide on a “homework drop spot.” Avoid morning hunts for missing
homework assignments by choosing a place where your child puts all completed
assignments the night before and picks them up in the morning. - Show interest in your child’s assignments. When your child shows you
completed assignments, take time to look at them, ask questions and show support
by offering specific comments: “This is an excellent map you’ve drawn. It shows
every detail.” - Offer praise as motivation. Check assignments and offer well-deserved
praise for the efforts your child makes. Your praise will motivate your child to
keep up the good work. - Call the teacher about homework concerns. Very often the teacher can
suggest a solution to a problem that might be bothering you or your child. By
working together, you and the teacher can enhance the opportunity for your child
to succeed in school. - Use a “Homework Contract” if your child still has problems doing
homework. This contract is a written a signed agreement between you an your
child that states: 1) the specific homework rule that must be followed, 2) the
specific reward your child will receive for following the homework rule, and 3)
the consequences that will occur if your child doesn’t do homework
appropriately. - Stay involved and informed. Check your child’s list of assignments
each night to make sure all homework is getting done, to stay involved with
what’s going on in class, to answer any questions your child may have, and to be
alerted to any long-range assignments and tests.
Sources: U.S. Department of Education/Helping Your Child Get Ready For School series