Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common
questions of students and parents.
- Please tell me about homework.
- How can I arrange for a conference to meet with my child's teacher?
- What do I do with the Basal Reader when it is sent home?
- I am confused. Please explain the Spelling and Vocabulary words to me?
Please tell me about homework.
Every child is expected to read to his/her mom or dad for 10
minutes per night. If your child is still at the pre-reading
stage, please read to your child for the suggested time. Have
your child tell you about the pictures in the book prior to
reading and identify words in the book that he/she may
know.
A MONDAY MEMO is sent home every Monday afternoon listing
the homework assignments for the week.
What are your child’s homework responsibilities?
I expect students to do their best job on each homework
assignment. All homework should be NEAT. All homework
should be completed in pencil, unless otherwise indicated.
Homework handouts are due the next morning. All written work,
such as spelling homework, should be completed in the provided
spiral homework notebook. Homework notebooks are due on Friday
morning.
What are the parent’s homework responsibilities?
Parents are they key to making homework a positive experience for
their children. Therefore, I ask that parents make homework a
priority at home, provide necessary supplies, and a quiet
homework environment. Please set aside a time every day when
homework should be completed. This should be a time for your
child to show you what he or she is learning in school.It
should be a positive time.
How can I arrange for a conference to meet with my child's teacher?
All conferences are scheduled through the school office. Please
call the school secretary to schedule a conference. Conferences
are held at 8:30 AM (however, I prefer to meet at 8:15) and at
4PM. If there is a scheduling problem, please let the school
secretary know and I will do my best to accomodate you.
What do I do with the Basal Reader when it is sent home?
The basal reader, which is used to teach skills, will be sent
home for oral reading practice throughout the school year. Your
child has been instructed to read ONLY the stories that have
previously been read in class. I am asking that your child does
NOT READ AHEAD in the basal reader.
Keep in mind, that guided reading groups will address your child’s
reading level.
I am confused. Please explain the Spelling and Vocabulary words to me?
SPELLING -
Each week Spelling Words will be given. These words should be
mastered by each first grader. Your child is expected to read and
spell the spelling words.
The Spelling BONUS Words are OPTIONAL. When the spelling test is
administered, your child will decide if he/she would like to be
tested on the Spelling Bonus Words.
Spelling is an important part of our Language Arts Program.
Therefore, it needs to be practiced each night. Each week your
child will come home with a Spelling “Tic-Tac-Toe” sheet.
Students should select their spelling homework, with parental
guidance, from the “Tic-Tac-Toe” sheet. Select one activitiy
per night. Remember you want to make a tic-tac-toe by choosing
three activities in a row either across, up and down, or
diagonally. After you complete an actitivy on the “Tic-Tac-Toe”
sheet, be sure to cross it off on the sheet. A spiral homework
notebook will be provided for the written activities. The
homework notebook will be sent home at the beginning of each week
and is due on Friday. The “Tic-Tac-Toe” sheet should be tucked into
the homework notebook and returned on Friday also.
VOCABULARY WORDS -
HIGH FREQUENCY WORDS will be given each week.
These words should be mastered by each first grader. They are sight
words your child should memorize. Many of these words can not be sounded
out.
The VOCABULARY BONUS WORDS are OPTIONAL. Your child, with
your guidance, will decide if he/she would like to study these
words. Again,these words should be memorized. Many of these words
can not be sounded out.
The CHALLENGE VOCABULARY WORDS are for those students who "desire
a little bit more".
High Frequency Words, Bonus Vocabulary Words and Challenge Vocabulary Words
are from our reading series. Your child should be able to read and use these
words in sentences, NOT SPELL THEM. Keep in mind, many of these words contain
irregular vowel sounds and can not be sounded out.All Spelling Words, Vocabulary
Words, Vocabulary Bonus Words and Challenge Vocabulary Words will be presented,
discussed and studied in class through activities and games.
