HOMEWORK PHILOSOPHY
Homework varies from teacher to teacher and from grade to grade. In my
years of teaching, I have sought to utilize a style of homework that is in
the best interest of my students. As a result, I have come to understand
that a "one size fits all" approach to homework is not sufficient. I
believe that there is value in creating a culture where parents actively
participate in their children's education by choosing the best ways to
support, challenge, and enrich their childrens' academia at home.
There are different ways for parents to continue their children's education
after the school day. Many parents utilize resources, such as worksheets
and activities, sent home by their child's teacher, to reinforce the
concepts and skills learned at school. Some parents supplement their
child's homework with additional resources from home. And, others opt out
of teacher-prescribed homework altogether in lieu of parent-directed
activities that support their child's unique learning needs. As your
child's "first teacher," YOU are the person who should decide how to provide
support to your child after the school day. The extra support you provide
to your child validates the importance of education, boosts the self-esteem,
and promotes life-long learning.
WHAT TO EXPECT!
On the back of each weekly newsletter, you will find a "School-to-Home"
link, which offers activities that can be used at home to
reinforce the concepts taught throughout the week. You will have access to
the weekly word list, journal prompts, reading log, family projects, and
practice books. I will also send home additional activities and resources
throughout the year. The purpose of this link is to create a commonality
between school and home where SHARED SCHOOL EXPERIENCES is the ultimate
goal.
WEEKLY WORD LIST: The weekly word list includes the spelling words, high
frequency words, and story vocabulary words that will be taught for that
week. Creating multiple opportunites for exposure to these words is KEY.
Some suggested activities include making flashcards, drawing pictures,
building words with letter, and playing word-bingo or tic-tac-toe. These
are just a few ways that students can practice their weekly word list at
home. You are encouraged to think of other fun things that your child can
do with these words.
JOURNAL PROMPTS: The daily journal prompts include activities that connect
concepts learned at school with daily writing practice at home. The prompts
will vary from day to day and will increase in difficulty throughout the
year. Your child will benefit from your guidance as they improve on things
such as; letter quality, spacing, spelling, and generating ideas as they
relate to a specific topic. The journals will be turned in on Fridays so
that I can check student writing and provide valuable feedback for both you
and your child.
READING LOG: One of the most important things that your child will do at
home is READ! The key to building your child's vocabulary, increasing their
reading fluency, and improving comprehension is exposure to books. We will
begin the year using consumable books that are decodable and then we will
switch to paperback readers that are at your child's specific reading
level. Sign the reading log each day and return the book on Friday.
*In addition to listening to your child read, you should also read books of
high interest TO and WITH your child. While reading, stop periodically to
ask questions and make predictions about what will happen next.
FAMILY ACTIVITY: Occasionally, you will have an opportunity to participate
in a family project with your child. Although these projects may take some
extra time and resources, they enhance your child's 1st grade experience.
PRACTICE BOOKS: Math practice books and Reading practice books are an extra
resource for you to use at home. Please refer to the weekly newsletter as a
pacing guide for the practice book pages. You can expect to complete four
to five math practice book pages a week. You may use the reading practice
book pages as needed to support your child's language acquisition.
Final Thought- I truly believe that parents play a vital role in the
education and future success of their children. You must INVEST in your
child's future through parental involvement.
** On Fridays, I will meet with every student for our "weekly wrap-up".
This gives students a chance to share educational activities that they
enjoyed throughout the week. both at school and at home.
IF LEARNING IS MEANINGFUL & FUN, YOUR CHILD WILL WANT TO LEARN!
