SPECIAL HOMEWORK PROJECT: TRADITIONS
As the year draws to a close, we are talking in class about traditions. What traditions do our families
have, and how did these traditions get started? Have any of our families begun new traditions of
their own?
As a final project, I would like you to make a mini-presentation to the class about the traditions in
your family.
1) Write about a tradition that you have in your family. Use your best handwriting and glue stick your
writing to the poster board provided.
2) Make an illustration of the tradition on paper, using paints, markers, crayons etc, or collage work.
Glue stick your work onto the poster board.
3) Bring in any ‘extras’, such as photographs or mementoes, that would add to your presentation
about your tradition (no valuable heirlooms, please!).
4) Practice talking about your family tradition or traditions, and be ready to answer questions from
your audience. Practice reading aloud what you have written. Your audience should be able to hear
and understand what you are saying.
This project is due Friday, December 18th.
MATH PROBLEMS
The children would all benefit from regular practice of math facts (addition,
subtraction for most, then multiplication and division if they are "masters").
Some children will be able to complete the whole page in 20 minutes, and some
not. Please remind your child to work on the page that best suits their level.
Homework is targeted for only 15 - 20 minutes at this age. As the students
become accustomed to and more fluent in their math facts, they will be able to
complete more of the page assigned. Progress will come with regular practice.
Using counters or beans to help with addition facts is beneficial to some
children.
Keep a supply of bottle tops on hand, numbered 1 - 10 for math games that I
will send home from time to time. Other necessary staples include dice and a
pack of cards.
READ IT, DRAW IT, SOLVE IT!
Use math art (sketches and symbols instead of detailed illustrations).
Make a "Key" where you explain your symbols.
Write the answer.
Prove your answer with a number sentence.
MAKING WORDS
Rather than cut out the letters from the homework sheet, you could write the
letters on bottle tops, and use these instead. Keep your bottle tops at home for
future homework.
BOOK BUDDY BAGS
Some children will bring home a selection of books to practice during the week. The books
are selected to be at the child's "just right" reading level. Reading them throughout the week will
help them develop fluency and word attack skills. Please help keep track of books that come home
by entering each title onto the Reading Log sheet.
OUR ROUTINE
Homework comes home each Monday, and is to be returned each Friday.
Assignments are often a review of concepts presented in class, and may include
required repeated practice of these newly acquired skills. Homework usually consists of spelling,
Making Words, writing and/or math. Periodically there will be a special project that may extend over
a week or two.
The students should do their homework independently and take pride in their
work. They should do what they can in 15 or 20 minutes, and no more than that.
Twenty minutes of supervised reading is a very important component of homework.
Students should be encouraged to read books at their "just right" level, to
build their confidence in reading independently.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding homework ... I am here
to help!
Ann Golesworthy