Students have an assignment spiral in which they should write assignments daily. I
write all homework assignments on the board, and it is the student's responsibility to
copy their homework from the board. Parents, please sign the assignment spiral daily
so that I know you are aware of the assignments your child may have.
While most assignments will change daily (often work that has not been completed
during the allotted class time), there are several ongoing, nightly assignments that
should be part of the routine. I will distribute a new spelling list and sight word
list on Monday of each week (assuming it is a five-day week). These should be studied
each evening until there is 100% mastery. Also, a reading log is due at the beginning
of each week (parent signature is needed). The mastery of multiplication facts is a
critical component of our math curriculum and should be reviewed from time to time to
maximize retention of information.
Study guides are distributed in advance of tests. Please ask your child to see the study
guide (or notes) from which the information is to be tested. It is my hope that these
preparations will encourage the student to learn to take notes/make study guides in
subsequent grades.
I assign book reports and special projects throughout the year. Hopefully, these are
both enjoyable and educational for the child. Book report products and genres vary
and are assigned every 4 to 6 weeks. Science and Social Studies projects are
assigned at least three weeks in advance of their due date.
From time to time, there is an opportunity for extra credit. Spelling each week affords
the "challenge" list from which extra credit words (optional for the student) are selected.
Science experiments are occasionally offered as extra credit, as are research reports
in the curriculum currently under study.
Accelerated reading is encouraged and there will be rewards offered for reaching
predetermined point levels. This can be incorporated into the reading log and has
been shown to enhance student reading comprehension and raise the reading level.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding homework or more long-term
assignments. Homework should enhance the learning process and support the
curriculum at school. It is my hope that there will be open lines of communication
between home and school. Thank you in advance for your help and support. I am
looking forward to a wonderful school year filled with learning and exploration.
