Homework Homework Homework :)

September 22, 2008

Dear Parents,

Now that the 1^st graders are getting into the routines of school and homework, I am going to be adding more to the homework. I know that they are ready for it. J  This week they will have handwriting, math homework, a reading log, short books to read, and I will be sending home sight word flashcards for them to be studying each night.  I would like to take a moment to go over each part, so that you understand the importance, routine, and rational of each new part.  

            Math Homework:  The math pages that I am assigning are located in the math workbook that I will be sending home with your child today.  Please notice the letter/number combo at the top right corner.  (ie H1-9)  This tells you that it’s from the homework book (H), chapter 1 and lesson # 9.   These pages coincide with the math lesson that we learned that day, so it is important that you do the math page on the day it is assigned.  That being said I won’t always require a math page for homework because I like to vary the math lessons and sometimes use supplemental lessons other than the textbook.  So don’t worry if there are some pages in the book that don’t get done.  Also, be prepared for an assignment to be crossed out by your child that day.  If I feel like the students need an extra day on the lesson than I will have them cross out the homework and do it the following day if noted that way. 

            Reading log and short books: The reading log I have sent can be kept at home until it is completely filled out.  When your child has read 10 books they can bring it in and get a sticker on the chart.  The children will be working towards free dress passes, homework passes, etc.  The idea behind the reading log is to get the students excited about reading and show them that they can do it.  If your child is not that confident in their reading, go ahead and put the four short books I am sending home on the reading log.  This will pump them up since they will be almost half way done.  The short books are meant to practice phonics and sight words.  You can chorally read them with your child first if they are having a hard time.  The books are relatively simple but will get more challenging.  The books come right from what they have been working on in their phonics books.  Please have them read each book a number of times until they can pretty much read it perfectly. This also helps to begin building their reading fluency.) 

            Sight words:  I am starting at the very base for sight words so bear with me.  I want to make sure that all the 1^st graders have mastered these sight words.  There are 220 altogether. Your child will be tested for mastery of these sight words throughout the year.  They are very important words for your child to know in order for them to be a successful reader.   Your child must master the first set of 40 words by October 13^th.    The best way to work on flash cards is to start with only 5.  Once they have mastered one, add another one.  Continue this process until you are going through the whole group. If your child masters them early, send the list back with a check on the bottom and your child will be tested early.  If your child has mastered it I will send home the next list. 

            I hope all of that made sense… J  If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to let me know.  You can blog or email me.  J   

                                                                                                            Sincerely,

                                                                                                                        Ms. Andrade