Helpful Hints

Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
  1. How much sleep does my child need?
  2. How much time should my child spend on homework?
  3. Should I correct homework that is wrong?
  4. School Attendance and Absences
  5. Birthdays
  6. Transportation
  7. You and your second grader



How much sleep does my child need?

Information from the Nemours Foundation.

School-Age Children and Preteens
Kids ages 6 to 9 need about 10 hours of sleep a night. Bedtime difficulties 
can arise at this age from a child's need for private time with parents, 
without siblings around. Try to make a little private time just before 
bedtime and use it to share confidences and have small discussions, which 
will also prepare your child for sleep.

Children ages 10 to 12 need a little over 9 hours of shuteye a night. But 
it's up to parents to judge the exact amount of rest their children need and 
see that they're in bed in time for sufficient sleep.

Lack of sleep for kids can cause irritable or hyper types of behavior and 
can 
also make a condition like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
worse.
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How much time should my child spend on homework?

An average second grade student should be spending 30 minutes doing 
homework.  This would include writing, studying, and reading.  It is very 
important that you don't think of only written work as homework!  Every 
night the children have oral vocabulary activities, oral math equations, and 
oral reading.  Don't forget to STUDY spelling words everynight.
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Should I correct homework that is wrong?

Yes.  Take the time to check your child's homework each night.  Make sure it 
is done completely, correctly, and neatly.  Use the time together as a way 
to 
learn about their school day and help in an area they may be struggling with.
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School Attendance and Absences

Your child's regular and prompt attendance at school is crucial to his/her 
sucess.  A lot of our learning activities are group oriented and involve 
interaction with classmates.  Therefore,it is next to impossible to make up 
this work at home.  Please view school as a priority.  If your child is 
absent, please send in a note explaining the reason.  Check this website for 
homework.
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Birthdays

Birthdays are special occasions for young children.  You may send in a 
simple 
treat to share with our class. Please do not send in party invitations to 
school unless the whole class is invited.  If your child has been invited to 
a party and cannot attend, do not send the gift to school.
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Transportation

Please make sure that your child knows how they are to go home each day.  
The 
children are easily upset at the end of the day if they are unsure of what 
to 
do.  Suggestion:Buy two tags for your child's schoolbag-(BUS RIDER,CAR 
RIDER).  In the morning place the correct tag on their schoolbag. Dismissal 
made easy!
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You and your second grader

1) Read together!  Children who read at home with their parents perform 
better in school.

2) Establish a family routine for homework.  Set aside a regular, quiet time 
for students to work and encourage your child to study.

3) Set Limits.  Don't be afraid to set limits on TV and video games, 
especially during the school week.

4) Teach your child to be responsible.  Your child is maturing into an 
independent student.  Make them responsible for their education.  HAVE THEM 
PUT THEIR HOMEWORK IN THEIR BACKPACKS ON THEIR OWN.

5)Have fun with your child as you both live and learn together.

Make homework an enjoyable part of your late afternoon or early evening 
activities.  Children grow up fast.  Enjoy second grade homework time 
together.
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