| *Homework will begin on Tuesday, September 2*
Homework in first grade consists of math practice on every night except
Friday, practice of spelling word patterns, and sometimes reading of a book
practiced in class. This might sound like a lot, but really, this should be
able to be finished in about 20 minutes. I know many families are busy at
night, and homework sometimes becomes a chore. I do believe homework can be
beneficial to students, as it helps them practice what we are working on in
school (I will never send home work that the kids are not familiar with),
helps parents be informed about the types of things we are learning in school
(and see how their child is coming along in that area), and also builds a
great sense of responsibility in the child. I always remind the kids that
this is "their homework" and they are responsible for getting it done and in
their bag. Of course, they are first graders, and this may not come
automatically for them.. they will need help from mom or dad!
Now, this all being said.. none of these benefits will be achieved if
homework is done the 5 minutes before rushing out the door in the morning.
Here are a few suggestions for making homework work for your family:
- establish a set time to work on homework (right after school, after dinner,
before a favorite television show..)
- allow the children to do as much of the work on their own, but be close by
to assist when needed. For some students, homework sheets might need to be
read to them. Others may need help understanding directions.
- check over the work when it is done. Homework DOES NOT need to come back
perfect. If you would like to help explain a mistake on the homework,
great. Just circle that problem for me so I know it was a difficult one and
I will reinforce that skill more in school.
- most importantly, please do not let homework become a major battle at home-
where the child and you are completely frustrated. I need to know if
homework is taking much more than 20 minutes at night and I need to know if
they children are struggling when completing the work. This
defeats the whole purpose of sending the work home!
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