Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions 
of students and parents.

1. What kind of homework do second graders get?
2. How long should homework take my child to do?
3. Should I help my child if they are struggling?
4. Should I check over my child's assignments?
5. What if they do not do their homework?
6. How do I know what homework assignments my child has?
7. Why should I read to my child? They are already reading on their own.
8. What's special about the homework folder?
9. What kinds of snacks may I send in to school?
10. What's the best way to get in touch with the teacher?
11. I'd like to volunteer to help out in the classroom. Do you need help?

What kind of homework do second graders get?

Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday nights.  Your child 
will 
receive homework that helps them study and learn approximately 15 
to 20 
spelling words, practice math skills learned in class, and 
memorize their 
addition and subtraction facts.  And, of course, you and your 
child read for 
approximately 20-30 minutes EVERY NIGHT.  Reading to and with 
your child is 
one of the best investments you can make in your child's 
education!

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How long should homework take my child to do?

Students will spend approximately 30-40 minutes per night 
completing 
assignments.  Sometimes in the beginning of the year it might 
take longer 
because they're tired, still getting used to the school day, or 
struggling a 
bit to get back into the homework habit.  Be patient and do help 
them stay 
focused.  By October your child will be back in the homework 
habit and eager 
to get it finished.

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Should I help my child if they are struggling?

A little guidance does not hurt.  But if you find you need to 
reteach a 
concept they have learned in school, please let me know.  I may 
need to help 
your child individually or reteach the concept with the entire 
class.  Write 
a note and place it in the homework folder.

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Should I check over my child's assignments?

Yes, please do.  For example, you might spot a pattern to their 
mistake.  
They consistently added 7 + 6 = 14 instead of 7 + 6 = 13 on a 
math worksheet 
and all you need to do is call their attention to 
it and the problem is solved!  Make sure spelling words are 
spelled 
correctly.  You don't want your child studying the incorrect way 
to spell a 
word!  PLEASE SIGN YOUR CHILD'S HOMEWORK AFTER YOU HAVE CHECKED 
IT, THANKS.

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What if they do not do their homework?

Unless you write a note to me explaining why the homework was not 
finished 
at home (families do have emergencies and changes in schedules) 
and asking 
for additional time, they will stay in at recess to complete it.

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How do I know what homework assignments my child has?

In September ONLY,, Monday through Thursday, I type up and send 
home with your chid 
an assignment sheet!  The sheet has the date and tomorrow's 
special on top, 
and then lists by subject each homework assignment. Students will 
ALSO be learning how to record their own homework on a weekly 
homework assignment sheet. PLEASE SIGN THAT SHEET EVERY NIGHT!  
It STAYS in their homework folder. In October, or once they get 
the hang of it, students will be responsible for writing in their 
own homework assignments and my typed sheet will not be sent 
home. 
  I also pack up everyone's folder at the end of the day, 
checking to 
see that they leave school with what they need.  They place their 
homework 
folders in their own backpacks and the next morning, it is one of 
their 
morning jobs to place their homework folders in the bin.  I then 
go through 
each folder, pull homework, notes, money for the cafeteria as 
students begin 
their day.

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Why should I read to my child? They are already reading on their own.

Research has proven that children who are read to, learn to read 
quickly and 
are 
fluent readers.  Even if your child is 
already reading at or above grade level, you can model good 
comprehension 
strategies and how to figure out unknown 
words. As you read aloud model how to stop and think about what 
was just 
read, ask "did it make sense" and if not, show them how 
you would go back 
and reread a passage.  Model summarizing what was read as you 
reach the end 
of a chapter.  Help them make connections between books, between 
their life 
and a character's life. Make predictions about what will happen 
next based 
upon what has already happened in the story.  Reading to your 
child is one 
of the most important investments you 
can make in your child's continuing education.  TURN OFF THE TV, 
PUT AWAY 
VIDEO GAMES, READ!  Yes, it might be the last thing YOU want to 
do after a 
hard day's work, but I guarantee once you sit down next to your 
child and 
begin you'll wonder why you didn't set aside this time before.  
My children, 
Ben and Kate, cherish memories of books we read together when 
they were 
little. Now, both are avid readers and independent learners.

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What's special about the homework folder?

Every child receives a HOMEWORK FOLDER on the first day of 
school.  All 
homework assignments, notes from the teacher and office, and 
marked papers 
will arrive home daily in this folder.  PLEASE RETURN ALL 
HOMEWORK 
ASSIGNMENTS, NOTES FOR THE TEACHER AND OFFICE, LUNCH MONEY 
ENVELOPES FOR THE 
CAFETERIA, AND NOTES FOR THE NURSE in this folder daily.  It is 
our most 
important communication tool.

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What kinds of snacks may I send in to school?

This year only healthy snacks are allowed - fruit, cut-up 
veggies, cheese 
and crackers are good choices.  Please DO send your child in with 
a thermos 
of WATER ONLY (or bottled water).  They may keep it on their desk 
throughout 
the day.

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What's the best way to get in touch with the teacher?

The quickest way to reach me is via phone - call the school at 
223-6911.  My 
extension is 2036.  Once school begins I usually arrive by 7:30 
a.m. and 
leave at approximately 5 p.m.  If you cannot reach me - I do 
travel to the 
copy room in the morning, leave a voice mail.  One of my goals is 
to check 
my voice mail daily!  I haven't been very good about that.  
However, I do 
check my email in the morning as I do attendance and lunch count 
on line and 
after school.  Email me at daniels@esasd.net  I will respond!  
You can also 
include a note in your child's homework folder if it is not a 
problem 
needing immediate attention.

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I'd like to volunteer to help out in the classroom. Do you need help?

Thank you so much!  Yes, I can always use help!  I'd love to have 
someone 
help copying important papers and becoming our homeroom mom/dad 
to organize 
special events.  Don't forget to join the Resica P.T.O.  You can 
help by 
volunteering time to book fairs, school store, and other 
community building 
happenings.

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