In addition to the written homework, I am requiring each child read at
minimum 15 minutes each night. I recommend that this be done aloud with a
parent present to begin. Over the next few weeks the children will be
choosing leveled books to take home from the classroom. I am asking that
they are allowed to choose a book from home until this process begins. A
good rule of thumb when choosing a book is that the child makes no more than
three mistakes on one page. The same book can be read more than one night.
The homework schedule is as follows:
Spelling: Each week, on Monday, a spelling list will be sent home usually,
consisting of 5 words that represent the phonics unit (Handy-Andy) we will be
studying, 5 New Hanover County Core words, and 2 words related to our monthly
theme. Monday's homework is to have your child read the list of words, spell
each word aloud as they write them on the lines provided, and reread them as
they finish. Please review these words each night. A pre-test will be given
on Wednesday, with the opportunity to retake any words missed again on
Friday.
Handy-Andy: Who or what is Handy-Andy? Handy-Andy is a name that will come
up often in the classroom. Andy is our helper who is always handy to assists
with penmanship as well as our phonics leader. His picture is hanging in the
classroom, come in and introduce yourself. On Tuesday and Thursday a
practice sheet(s) will be sent home reviewing the phonics unit we are
studying. (The first few weeks of school, we will be reviewing the vowels
(a,e,i,o,u), and their short sounds (/a/ as in cat, /e/ as in net, /i/ as in
pin, /o/ as in job and /u/ as in sun).
Math: On Wednesday a practice sheet(s) and/or a math game will be sent
home to reinforce the math skill covered during the week. I ask that you
keep in mind, math is a building block. It is essential to have strong
foundations to ensure better success at higher problem solving.
All homework is due on Friday. I ask that you either staple all worksheets
together and sign the spelling sheet or that you initial each sheet. In
doing so you are stating that you guided your child, but allowed them to the
do the work on their own. This will give you a chance to see where your
child's successes and weakness are. It will also allow me to regulate their
homework based on individual need and skill. If there are ever any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Mrs. Foy.
Practice in good health.
