Students will keep their reading logs in their book bags. The goal is to read at least 10 minutes each night. Record the number of minutes next to the date and return the reading log to the book bag. I look at these each morning.
I find it is easiest to get minutes in if you have a routine. Some students read right before bedtime. Some students read as soon as they get home, so their homework is done. Others prefer to read in the morning. I am just a happy teacher when reading is taking place! They can read aloud to you, a sibling, the family pet, a grandparent over the phone, riding in the car to gymnastics. However you can get them in! These minutes go a long way toward your child's reading success!
Paper Books
Some nights, your child will bring home a paper book to read aloud to you. This will be a book at their instructional level that we have worked on together. There will be a page to sign and return, so I know they have completed the assignment. If your child really enjoys the story, feel free to keep the book. If it is a book they will never pick up again, please send it back to school so that I can use it again.
Word Sorts
Under the Words Their Way Tab on the Home Page, you will find information about the sorts we do in class. Students can practice sorting their words any way they like. I find also writing these words after a sort can help them retain them. The more times your child interacts with these words, the more likely they are to stick!
Math Homework
I will not send home math homework every night. Math homework will be a time for your child to practice skills. Do not feel that you have to reteach the concept. If your child is struggling, write a note at the top of the page and send it back to school. This helps me to know that your child will need more work on this concept. Working on math addition and subtraction facts at home is also important. We will be adding and subtracting into the thousands this year. Basic facts will help your child be ready! You can find flashcards at many department stores.
Questions
If at any time you are not sure about a homework assignment, please contact me. I truly want homework to be a time of practicing skills and showing you what your child is learning. I do not want it to be a time of stress.