Homework
Homework:
Typically, fourth graders have about 40 minutes of homework four nights a week. This usually consists of:
Math Home Link: 10-15 minutes (4x/week)
Nightly Independent Reading: 20-30 minutes (5-6x/week)
Please ensure that homework is part of your child's daily routine and that he or she has a quiet environment in which to work.
Homework provides an opportunity for students to practice the skills they are learning at school, as well as for you to participate in your child's learning process. However, it should not be a battle that causes friction between parent and child at home. Please let me know, via email or note, if your child especially struggled or was frustrated by a particular homework assignment. I will be happy to follow up with them during the school day.
Math Fact Practice:
Fluency with basic math facts is an important part of a child's mathematical toolkit. In fourth grade, we spend a great deal of time on two concepts, multi-digit multiplication and fractions, that require a solid foundation of multiplication facts. Children who are not yet automatic with their facts can easily get bogged down as they attempt to solve a problem, leading to frustration.
In general, students should be solid with the addition, subtraction and multiplication facts by the end of third grade, and in fourth grade students learn their division facts. In fourth grade, they are expected to be able to correctly answer 48/50 facts in 3 minutes or less.
What can parents do to help?
make math fact practice a part of the daily homework routine. Students should be practicing their multiplication or division facts for at least 5-10 minutes/day, until they demonstrate mastery.
When possible, play games with your child to make math fact practice more fun. This is especially important for students who struggle with timed practice.
What resources are available?
Students can practice their facts at either of these sites, which we use at school: