At OPS, homework supports learning and reinforces skills taught in the classroom. Students will be assigned approximately 20 minutes of homework daily, Monday through Thursday, along with daily reading.

Homework in our classroom typically looks like the following:

Mathematics: 1 double-sided worksheet following weekly lessons

Fundations: The Phonics Journal Homework Menu is to be completed and handed in by Friday weekly

Reading: Read for 15-20 Minutes each night

Weekend: Reading is encouraged every day

Planetarium Field Trip:

• Our visit to the planetarium is always an out-of-this-world adventure! Students learn about stars, planets, and constellations while experiencing the wonders of space in a fully immersive environment. It's a day filled with curiosity and discovery as we explore the universe beyond our own.

Veolia Water Treatment Company In-Class Visits:

• Through hands-on activities and engaging discussions, the Veolia Water Treatment team brings environmental science to life in our classroom. Students learn the importance of clean water, how it’s treated, and what they can do to help protect this vital resource.

First Grade Musical:

• The first-grade musical is a highlight of the year, where students shine on stage while showcasing their creativity and teamwork. With songs, choreography, and costumes, it’s an opportunity for every child to build confidence and share their talents with the school community.

March Mathness Family Visit:

• March Mathness is a fun and interactive event where students strengthen their number sense, problem-solving skills, and love of learning through exciting games and challenges. It’s a month-long celebration of math that gets everyone excited about numbers!

Fundations Chalk Writing Family Lesson:

• Fundations Chalk Writing adds a creative twist to phonics and handwriting practice. Using chalkboards and colorful chalk, students enhance their letter formation skills and phonemic awareness while having fun in a hands-on, multisensory learning experience.

Fundations (Phonics & Spelling):

• Review letter sounds and digraphs (e.g., "sh," "ch," "th") at home.

• Practice tapping out words to reinforce spelling patterns.

• Encourage your child to write simple words and sentences, focusing on correct letter formation.

Writing:

• Have your child keep a daily journal to practice writing complete sentences.

• Encourage using descriptive words and expanding thoughts with “who, what, when, where, why” details.

• Praise effort over perfection to build confidence.

Reading:

• Science of Reading: Focus on building phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words) and phonics skills (understanding the relationship between letters and sounds). These foundational skills are essential for becoming a fluent reader.

• Decodable Books: Use decodable books that align with your child’s phonics level. These books help reinforce the sounds and spelling patterns they are learning. Encourage your child to “sound out” unfamiliar words rather than guessing.

• Read with your child every day for at least 15-20 minutes.

• Ask questions about the story to check comprehension (e.g., “What do you think will happen next?”).

• Explore different genres, including non-fiction, poetry, and stories, to expand interests.

• Play word games that focus on rhyming, blending sounds, and identifying beginning and ending sounds.

• Practice segmenting words into individual sounds (e.g., “cat” = /c/ /a/ /t/).

• Recite tongue twisters or nursery rhymes to make phonemic awareness fun.

Handwriting:

• Encourage neat letter formation with attention to proper spacing and alignment on lined paper.

• Practice letters in both uppercase and lowercase.

• Engage in fine motor activities like coloring or tracing to build hand strength.

Mathematics:

• Practice counting, adding, and subtracting using everyday objects like toys or snacks.

• Encourage using math vocabulary (e.g., “more,” “less,” “total,” “difference”).

• Play number-based games (e.g., dice games or board games) to reinforce number sense.

Science:

• Explore the natural world by going on nature walks and observing plants, animals, and weather changes.

• Conduct simple experiments at home (e.g., mixing baking soda and vinegar to make a “volcano”).

• Ask your child to make predictions and observations about everyday phenomena.

Social Studies:

• Talk about community helpers (e.g., firefighters, police officers) and their roles.

• Explore maps and discuss local places and landmarks.

• Introduce basic concepts of history by sharing family stories or historical events.

Social Emotional Learning:

• Practice naming and discussing feelings regularly (e.g., “How did that make you feel?”).

• Teach simple strategies for managing emotions, like taking deep breaths or counting to ten.

• Reinforce positive social behaviors like sharing, taking turns, and listening.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):

• Encourage Playdates: Arrange playdates or group activities to help your child practice sharing, cooperation, and problem-solving with peers.

• Model Positive Social Behaviors: Show how to greet others, take turns, and listen actively during conversations. Praise your child when they demonstrate these behaviors.

• Role-Playing: Use role-playing games to help your child practice responding to different social situations (e.g., meeting new friends, handling disagreements).

• Boost Confidence through Choices: Offer simple choices (e.g., what to wear, what snack to have) to help build decision-making skills and confidence.

• Set Achievable Goals: Help your child set small goals (e.g., raising their hand in class, trying something new at recess) and celebrate their progress.

• Compliment Effort: Focus on praising effort, kindness, and perseverance rather than only outcomes, to build self-esteem and resilience.

• Foster Independence: Encourage your child to complete simple tasks on their own (e.g., dressing themselves, packing their backpack), which builds confidence and responsibility.