There are several tools that I hope will assist you in making sure your child
reaches his or her potential in school.
1) The first one is the homework sheet. I provide this sheet as a tool
for you and your child to plan homework time and see what assignments are
coming up next.
2) The second tool I hope you will use is RenWeb. This is a secure
website where you can privately check your child’s grades online. Attached to
this letter, you’ll find an instruction sheet for setting up your RenWeb
password.
3) I hope you and your child will take advantage of spellingcity.com.
If your child wants to get ahead on upcoming spelling words over the weekend,
this is the place to go. It’s an interactive way for your child to practice
his or her spelling words throughout the week, too.
Here is some additional information about homework and the work we do in our
class...
The purpose of homework is to provide the extra practice time students need
to master concepts learned in class. At Hoover Christian School, we provide
one-on-one instruction throughout the day. However, students still benefit
from additional practice at home.
The amount of time your child needs to spend on homework will depend on his
or her individual needs.
Math: Every day your child works on a math workbook page in class. I do not
grade these pages until the following day. Therefore, you may want to check
your child's work in math, making sure he or she has completed the problems
correctly. The students work on this page in class each day with my
assistance, but some do not finish in that time, and may need to complete the
page at home. Students know it is their responsibility to complete this page
as part of their homework.
Math pre-tests are given before every chapter test. As with spelling tests, I
record the best score. If your child scores 100% on a math pre-test, he or
she does not have to take the test the following day. If your child makes a
low score on a pre-test, review the test with your child. You may also choose
to monitor his or her daily work closely to ensure he or she is getting extra
practice.
English/Writing: Writing and grammar make up your child's English grade.
Students complete writing and grammar practice as part of Write For Today.
Write For Today alternates between grammar one week and writing the next. You
can help your child review the grammar questions and revise and edit his or
her writing.
Students will also have writing assignments as part of Writer's Workshop.
They may type or handwrite these assignments.
Spelling: Students learn many spelling strategies and practice writing the
words each day in class as part of Guided Spelling. Many students also
benefit from having someone call the words out at home. Some parents find
that their children benefit from practicing their spelling words ahead of
time. Spelling words are available weeks in advance at spellingcity.com.
Reading: Everyday we work on strategies in class to help your child better
understand what he or she reads. Students read everyday in class, but I
highly encourage students to read at home as well. Reading books that
interest them will give them more practice and will help them develop a love
of reading. I encourage you to listen to your child read. Discuss the plot
and characters and let your child know that you enjoy books just like they
do!
I encourage you to make homework time and the homework sheet work for you.
I hope the sheet makes it easier for you to plan study time with your child
so that homework is a positive time to reinforce skills, and not a burden.
Thank you for everything you are doing at home to help your child succeed in
school! Nothing can replace the help and support of a loving adult. Showing
your child that you value what he or she is learning will help your child
develop study habits that will last a lifetime.
