Homework
As a grade level we plan our homework together. A homework packet is sent home every Friday and due every Friday. Included in the homework packet is usually the Read it Words, math pages that focus on what we are covering in class, reading activities, language activities which focus on the phonics we are doing, and an enrichment activity. We also expect the students to read for twenty minutes each night. Once the packet is complete we ask that a parent initial at the bottom so we know that you have at least looked it over and checked their work.
Mentioned above were the Read it Words. Each week a list of ten words plus 5 bonus words go home. Your child needs to cut them out and keep them in the envelope provided in their homework folder. They are to practice reading them to you like flashcards so that on Friday when I have them read them to myself or a parent they are prepared. They will also be asked to spell them on Friday. These are words they need to know by the time they get to second grade. Each week I add these words to our interactive word wall. The children are able to go to the word wall, find the word they are looking for, take it to their seat, write it down, and then go and put it back.
To help with the reading each night the children are given "briefcases" in which they take books that are either at their independent reading level or just above. The "briefcase" is supposed to go home on Fridays and be returned on Fridays. If it does not get returned then your child does not get to take more books home until it is brought back. Inside their "briefcase" should be a Superstar Reader Card. For each book that they read put a star in the box. When the chart is full, return it so that they can receive a prize.