Homework, at this stage in your child's learning, is as important for the
attitudes and habits it may foster as it is for learning. It is a good idea
to get adjusted to spending time (15-30 min.) on homework every night.
Your child will not be able to do all of the homework assignments
independently. Because of this, having homework for your child means that
you have some homework, too! Chances are you will be both surprised and
impressed with the things that they (and you) will be doing!
As part of our math program, math homework is given regularly (Monday -
Thursday). Usually a Math Homelink will go home with your child to be
completed that night and returned the following day. In addition, an
expectation for first grade is that time will be spent each day/night on
reading at home. Most often, this will include having your child read books
and practice word-ring words from their Book Bags. At times they will also
be asked to respond in writing to what they've read. This is wonderful time
for family bonding and it offers fantastic opportunities for relaxation and
conversation too!
Lastly, homework should not be frustrating. I rarely expect students to
read books or do homework that includes skills we have not previously gone
over at school. The homework given is meant for review, practice, and
reinforcement of concepts, topics, and skills already introduced and/or
learned. If your child does not understand any given homework, please let
me know what the difficulty was with and indicate what you substituted in
its place. I can review the topic and/or skills again with your child at
school and possibly even offer alternatives to help the process go more
smoothly.
