(1) How much homework support should I give my child?

Parental involvement with homework is very beneficial and greatly appreciated. It is a great way for you to be aware of what your child is learning about, as well as to assist them with any difficulties. However, the work produced should ultimately be generated by the student. This is the best way for me to see what, if anything, your child may be having difficulty with.

(2) Should I correct my child's homework, or let them hand it in with errors?

If your child has any minor errors in their homework, it is fine for you to point this out to them, and help them correct it. However, if your child had a great deal of difficulty with the assignment, it would be best if you simply write a note indicating that, and leave the work the way it is. This way, I can see exactly where your child is having a problem, and I can assist them with it.

(3) If my child is absent, do they have to make up their missed homework assignments?

Yes, they do. Homework assignments are necessary to reinforce concepts learned in school. It is an effective way for your child to review and reinforce their learning, and it is also a useful way for me to assess whether or not they are learning these concepts.

(4) How can I help my child with reading fluency?

I love this question! The answer is read, read, and then read some more! Research shows that stronger readers make better learners in ALL subject areas. First, help your child choose a book that they are interested in AND that is the appropriate reading level. You can use the "Five Finger Rule." In order to be sure that a book is not too difficult for your child, have them read one page to you. If they encounter five words or more that they cannot read, or define, then the book is probably too high for them. To promote fluency, once you have found that "Just Right" book, have your child read aloud. This will help them to start reading more smoothly and with more expression. Although they may feel awkward at first, encourage them to continue. They can even read aloud by themselves. The more they do it, the more comfortable they will become.

(5) How can I help my child with reading comprehension?

After reading with your child, discuss the story, or chapter, that they just read. Ask them to tell about the story. With fiction stories, we describe story elements (characters, setting, problem and solution) of the story. We also look for the main idea and supporting details. With non-fiction books or articles, we always look for the "W" answers: who, what, when, where and why.

(6) Does my child have to hand in a Reading Log every week?

Reading is the key to academic success. By encouraging your child to read every night, you will be helping them develop a love of reading by getting in the habit of reading on a routine basis. Having them hand in a Reading Log each week can be motivating. Also, they earn AR360 points AND an extra Bonus point! Your support from home is greatly appreciated--and, if you read together, it's also a great way to spend some quality time with your child.

(7) How can I help my child in the area of math?

In general, you can always help your child become more skilled in the basic facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). This can be done using flash cards or simply by challenging them to solve simple equations. You can do this in the car, at the dinner table, when purchasing items at the store, anywhere! Also, I have many fun math websites available on my webpage. Another way to help your child with math is to assist them with their homework. If there is a concept that is challenging (that "new math"), please send me a note. Many times, we spend the first part of our math block going over a concept that may have been difficult for some of the students during their homework the night before.

(8) How can I help my child prepare for an assessment?

The best way to prepare for a test is to spend some time each night reading over and reviewing the material. In the areas of science and social studies, we have found that creating flash cards for vocabulary words and key concepts is extremely helpful. Unfortunately, students sometimes wait until the night before the test to study. Obviously, ths is not very effective. I always give a week's notice for tests, and a study guide and/or the student's notebook is sent home to help prepare for the assessment. The more a child is exposed to the material, the better they will internalize it and remember it. Your assistance form home is very beneficial.

(9) What is the best way to get in touch with you?

The best way to get a message to me is either by email (cyoungman@sufferncentral.org) or by phone (845-357-2858 ext. 23123). I check my email and voicemail every day before school, during my lunch break, and immediately after school. You can also send in a note with your child, but please be aware that it might "get lost" in the bottom of their backpack for a few days!

I hope that these FAQs are helpful. If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

Thank You