Homework in first grade is a way to build confidence in students,
create independence, develop responsibility, and keep parents informed
about what their children are learning in school. It is also important that
your child is engaged in at least 10 minutes of reading every night to build
fluency and comprehension. Homework will be given Monday through Thursday nights.
Each first grade teacher generally gives different assignments on
different nights, so we have put together some hints to help parents
help their children.
1. Check your child's Home Folder each night. Talk about the
papers
with your child. Ask if the paper was completed independently or as a
class. Talk about any mistakes on the paper and what the correct
answer should be. Praise your child for his or her efforts. Sign any
"Sign and Return" papers, discuss them with your child, and return them
to the folder.
2. Have your child practice the weekly spelling words each night by
writing them on scrap paper.
3. Read aloud to your child whenever time allows, and have your child
read aloud to you, too.
4. If written homework is assigned, have your child try to read the
directions independently. Most homework can be completed by the
child on his or her own. If you feel your child needs help, sit with your
child just to get started and then let the child continue as you go and do
something else. Check in occasionally to see how everything is going.
Ask if your child has checked his or her finished work. Insist that your
child put the homework in his or her schoolbag because that is your
child's responsibility.
