Homework Reminders
• Write first and last name
• Write the date
• Use pencil only
• Use complete sentences
• Attach completed work with the homework form
• Use standard letter conventions
• Write neatly on the lines
• Work should be completed by the first grader only
• Parents – sit with your child and guide him/her with each assignment,
sign/initial each box when complete
• Return in blue daily folder each Monday
Your child will have a blue Daily Folder. This blue folder contains a
monthly calendar called the Tiger Calendar. This calendar will include
important events and happenings for first grade and around Teravista
Elementary. It will also include your child's daily behavior. Please sign
this folder everyday and return it the next school day.
Homework will be given every Tuesday. It will be inside your child's red
folder. The homework will consist of math, spelling, reading, science and/or
social studies. The homework may be turned in by the following
Monday inside their daily blue folder. Please make sure it has your child's
name written on the top, is completed with pencil and completed by the child.
Homework should not last more than 20 minutes.
Daily reading homework will be given as well. Your child is expected to read
the book to an adult at least 2 times and return the book the following day.
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WAYS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO WRITE:
1) Write a friendly letter! Read the friendly letter to your child. Ask your
child to repeat the letter in English, Spanish, or his/her own native
language. Then ask your child to copy the friendly letter and draw a picture
to go with the message. Help your child fold, address and mail the letter to
someone special.
Dear ___________, (date)
How are you doing? I like playing and having fun with friends. I also like
reading books, taking care of my pet, and watching cartoons. How do you like
to have fun? Maybe we can play together sometime. Write me back as soon as
you can.
Your friend, ______________
Talk About It: Ask your child to tell you how he/she feels after receiving a
card or letter in the mail from someone special. Then use a calendar to mark
birthdays of family members and special friends so they can be remembered
with a friendly card or letter.
Take It Further: Using the 5 Parts of a Friendly Letter (listed below), write
a simple letter to your child. Read the letter to your child and ask him/her
to help you identify the 5 parts of your friendly letter. Use English
language, Spanish, or your own native language to read and talk about the
letter. This is a nice way to share feelings with your “someone special.”
5 Parts of a Friendly Letter
1. Heading -- tells when the letter was written (date). Place in top right
corner.
2. Greeting -- says hello and usually begins with “Dear.”
3. Body -- the main part of the letter where you tell something or ask
questions
4. Closing -- says goodbye
5. Signature -- tells who wrote the letter
With a Group: Arrange a pen pal letter exchange with another group of English
language learners/speakers. Ask someone to translate letters, if needed. Help
each child compose a friendly letter and draw a picture to include with the
letter. Seal letters and mail. What a fun way to start new friendships!
tips above taken from PBSKIDS.com
2)Try writing a friendly letter on your own. Include all 5 parts.
Write a letter to an imaginary friend. Pretend that your friend lives in
another country (ask your parent/teacher for help choosing a place.)
In your letter, tell your friend about the weather where you live, and ask
questions about his weather.
Trade letters with a classmate.
Read your classmate's letter.
Pretend that you live in the country mentioned in the letter.
Answer the questions about the weather asked in the letter, and write back.
Using your library or the internet, you can learn about that place and answer
your friend's questions about the weather in this letter.
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FUN WAYS TO WRITE WORDS:
1.ABC order- Write your words in alphabetical order.
2.Rainbow Words - Write your words in three colors.
3.Backwards Words- Write your words forwards, then backwards.
4.Silly sentences -Use all your words in ten sentences.
5.Picture words - Draw a picture and write your words in the picture.
6.Words without Vowels - Write your words replacing all vowels with a line.
7.Words without Consonants - Same as above but replace consonants with
lines.
8.Story words - Write a short story using all your words.
9.Scrambled words -Write your words then write them again with the letters
mixed up.
10.Word search II -Make a word search with a friend, then trade and solve.
11.Word search I - Complete a word pre-made search.
12.Crossword - Complete a pre-made crossword puzzle.
13.Surround words - Write your words on graph paper and outline in colors.
14.Ransom words - Write your words by cutting out letters in a newspaper or
magazine and glue them on a paper.
15.Pyramid Words - Write your words adding or subtracting one letter at a
time. The result will be a pyramid shape of words.
16.Words-in-words - Write your word and then write at least 2 words made
from each.
17.Delicious words - Write your words in whipped cream, peanut butter, or
anything you can eat! Bring in a note from a parent!
18.Good Clean Words -Write your words in shaving cream on a counter or some
other surface that can be cleaned safely.
19.Dirty Words - Write your words in mud or sand.
20.Pasta Words - Write your words by arranging alphabet pasta or Alphabits.
Glue on paper or bring me a note from a parent and do on a table or counter
at home.
21.Reversed words - Write your words in ABC order -backwards!
22.3D words - Use modeling clay rolled thinly to make your words. Bring a
note if done at home.
23.Create an activity - Can you think of a fun way to do your spelling
activities? Try it out!
24.Puzzle words - Use a blank puzzle form. Write your words on the form,
making sure that the words cross over the pieces. Then cut them out (color
if you wish) and put them in a baggie with your name on it. When you and a
friend have completed your puzzles, trade and put them back together.
25.Magazine words - Use an old magazine or newspaper and find your word. Cut
it out and glue it on paper.
26.Cheer your words - Pretend you are a cheerleader and call out your words!
(We will do this as a group activity.) Sometimes you'll yell, sometimes
you'll whisper! If you want to do this at home with a parent, get them to
send me a note that you've done it.
27.Sound Words - Use a tape recorder and record your words and their
spelling. Then listen to your tape, checking to see that you spelled all the
words correctly.
28.X Words - Write two words having one common letter so they criss-cross.
29. Other Handed - If you are right-handed, write with your left, or vice
versa.
30.Choo-Choo Words - Write the entire list end-to-end as one long word,
using different colors of crayon or ink for different words.
31.Silly String - With a long length of string, "write" words in cursive,
using the string to shape the letters.
32.Backwriting - Using your finger, draw each letter on a partners' back,
having the partner say the word when completed.
33.Telephone Words - Translate your words into numbers from a telephone
keypad.
34.Flashwriting - In a darkened room, use a flashlight to draw letters in
the air.
35.Newspaper Words - Search a newspaper page from top to bottom, circling
each letter of a word as you find it.
36.30 Second Words - Write a TV commercial using all the words from your
list.
37.Popsicles - Make words using popsicle sticks.
38.Secret Agent Words - Number the alphabet from 1 to 26, then convert your
words to a number code.
39.Etch-A-Word - Use an Etch-A-Sketch to write your words.
40.Morse Code - Convert your words to Morse Code.
