Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- What are the homework expectations?
- How can I contact the teacher?
What are the homework expectations?
Establishing positive homework routines can occur in Grade One.
In the early primary years, our main focus is to develop basic
literacy and numeracy skills. Therefore, the biggest component of
our 'homework' is daily reading practice which will improve your
child's decoding, comprehension and fluency skills. Making this
an enjoyable experience may also foster a life-long love of
reading. Daily reading can and should be a combination of the
child reading appropriately leveled to parents as well as parents
reading to the child.
Library books chosen by students are not considered part of
homework. Students choose these books for interest, so they
often choose books that are beyond their reading skill. If you
have time to share these books with your child, they will benefit
from hearing the rich language and content through your modelling.
It is appropriate to plan approximately 15 minutes of homework
per day per grade. With this time frame and purpose in mind, the
basic homework expectations for 4B are:
1. Reading at least 10 minutes a day.
We will begin a Home Reading Club early in the year so the
children have appropriate text for their level to read.
2. Word Family review
Time will be provided in class to practice and sort word family words.
But families may also wish to review them at home for a few
minutes each day to reinforce class learning.
3. A Math Bag
Your child will bring home a math bag to complete each week.
These activities often take longer to complete than 15
minutes to complete but are very popular with the children,
can involve the whole family and be enjoyed throughout the
week.
4. Sharing Time
Approximately once every 6 weeks, each child will have an
opportunity to prepare a short, informal oral presentation on
a given topic for Sharing Time.
Finally, if your child is not consistently maintaining in-class
expectations and working to the best of his or her ability
throughout the week, unfinished work may be sent home occasionally
in a "Ketchup Bag" to be completed and returned in the following
few days.
Homework should be done away from the TV and other distractions
and completed by the child as independently as possible with
parents providing encouragement, support and assistance as needed.
Often times, practicing skills can be incorporated into other
daily routines. For example, playing word or math games while
driving in the car, during grocery shopping or even while making
dinner together.
Please remember these expectations are meant to complement your
child's learning, not to overwhelm or frustrate them. Setting a
time limit for each session and using your own sound judgment can
help prevent homework from interfering with a balanced family
life and other worthwhile activities.
How can I contact the teacher?
There are many ways in which you can reach me.
1. Voice mail
2. Email
3. Planners
4. Attendance line
5. Calling the main office for emergencies
Our school has a voice mail system in place. You can call and
leave a non-urgent message at 519-570-8125 #7545. Please use
the regular office number (519-744-4430) if the matter is
urgent. I cannot guarantee that I will be able to check for
messages during the busy school day but will do my best to return
your call as promptly as possible.
There is an email link on this website through which you can send
a message. Alternatively you can email me directly at
ask_ms_a@yahoo.ca .
You can also write messages in your child's planner. I check and
initial the planners each morning. I often send messages home
this way too so it is important to check the planner each evening
and initial each day so that I know you have seen any
communications.
If you are calling to inform me of your child's absence, please
call into the school's attendance line at 519-570-8125 X3041.
