Here are a few commonly asked questions:
- Can work be sent home to complete during a family vacation?
- How long should my child be spending on homework?
- What can I do to encourage reading at home?
- How often should my child study his or her math facts?
Can work be sent home to complete during a family vacation?
School policy states that if a child is absent due to a vacation taken
during school time, work will be completed upon the student's return. This
is due to the fact that teachers give homework based on what has been taught
that day. Please encourage your child to read or keep a journal while on
vacation.
How long should my child be spending on homework?
Third graders are expected to spend no more than 30 minutes on homework,
including 20 minutes of reading. If your child finishes quickly, please have
them visit a suggested website, work on their book report, research an area
of interest, work on Mastery Club Challenge, or read. If your child
struggles with a homework assignment, please write a note in his or her
Agenda Mate and the work will be reviewed in class the next day.
What can I do to encourage reading at home?
Parents sometimes wonder what they can so to encourage reading at home. First, I would talk to
your child about what topics interest them. Then, find books that are appropriate for your child's
reading level. You don't need to know his or her exact level, but if your child is struggling with
more than five words on a page, it's probably too challenging. Also, check that he or she is
comprehending what is being read. Some children are fluent readers, yet they really don't
understand the meaning of the text. Libraries are wonderful resources as well. Regular trips to
the local library allow children to explore new books and find a variety of topics that interest
them. Also, talk with your child's teacher to determine your reader's strengths and weaknesses.
Working together as a team is the first step to success!
How often should my child study his or her math facts?
Answer: Daily and often! Fact fluency is one of the most essential elements of success in math.
Consider the facts to be the foundation of your child's "mathematical house". In order to move
ahead with more challenging math concepts, students must know the basic facts.
Early in the year, addition and subtraction are the big focus. As the year progresses,
multiplication and division play are larger role in third grade math.
Flashcards, computer games, coins, and manipulatives (beans, cubes, etc.) are helpful to use at
home. Check out my maths links for some creative online games that make learning the facts
fun!