Homework

Homework is an extension of daily classroom work. It is a connection for students to share their classroom work within their home environment. It is an extra practice opportunity and allows parents a daily snapshot of their student's growth.

My first graders will have homework beginning Tuesday, September 6th. The emphasis will be reading for all students, and some students will start spelling at that time too. Math homework may begin after reading routines have been established. Students will bring home a reading assignment each night. Also, as students are ready for Accelerated Reader (AR), they will bring home their AR books nightly.

Each week students will receive a blue "Homework Card." Daily homework instructions will be written on the card. Upon completion, parents initial the assignment. The card and homework materials are returned to the class the next day. My students will have homework Monday through Friday.

The district recommends 10 to 15 minutes of homework times the grade level. For example, first graders should do at least 10 to 15 minutes of homework; second graders 20 to 30 minutes; etc. This model does not fit the reading practice needs of all students. I encourage you to not only listen to your student read their assignment, but read with them and to them. As you become familiar with homework routines, you may even read the following night's assignment as a preview.

My reading goal for our students is not only that they are able to read at or above grade level by the time our nine months together is completed, but that they LOVE to read! Excluding AR reading, please let me know if your child's reading homework repeatedly takes longer than 30 minutes per night.

The district prefers not to assign homework on the weekends, but I have found this necessary on occasion, such as when a student has been absent and has make-up work, or if a student is falling behind their reading group. Regardless of the reason, I will contact you and ask for your permission before assigning weekend homework.

If a student loses their homework card, an orange card is used as a replacement. Please help your student find and return their original blue homework card.