Homework Expectations
Homework certainly is a hot button issue in our society these days. Some families and teachers find homework to be very important while others have eliminated it completely. Most current research supports a link between homework and academic success starting in the upper elementary grades, but finds a weaker correlation when looking at early elementary grades.
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My belief is that in order to be beneficial homework needs to be a positive experience for your child. Since each child is different with varied interests and family lives, so too must their homework be tailored to meet their needs. I will provide multiple homework options and choices, the only mandatory homework is to read with your child 3-5 times a week. Carefully examine the other choices each month and select the best routine for your child. Some children look forward and thrive with extra practice at home, while others are exhausted from the busy day of learning and need time to relax and be a kid.
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Homework Options
Reading Option: Reading with your child is the single best thing you can do at home to help your student at school. If you do nothing else for homework this year please consider reading with your child for 15 minutes 3 or 4 times a week.
To support you in this goal every week I will send home two books in a ziplock bag that should be within your child’s capabilities. Books can be read more than once, as repeated reading build fluency and automaticity. Support your child as he or she reads, by modeling strategies for solving tricky words, (see 1- page handout), asking questions about the book and demonstrating your love of reading. Let your child do as much of the “heavy lifting” as possible while still supporting their developing skills. You can supplement your nightly reading with choice books and these can be read aloud.
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Math Option: At the beginning of the month I will send home a one page handout with math choices that support our work in class. These activities are designed for your first grader to be able to do with the help of an adult or older sibling. They are often games that can be played multiple times and should be a fun way to work with your student on key math concepts.
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Basic Practice Option: Some children really benefit from additional practice of spelling words or math facts (addition and subtraction at home. Taking a night to run through flash cards or practice for a spelling test might be a great option for your child. Included in the homework folder at the beginning of the year are some ideas for creative ways to sneak in this kind of practice. You can also find the hand out here.
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Non-Academic Option: Research shows that developing fine and gross motor skills, building imaginative thinking skills, and fostering a sense of creativity are critically important skills for young learners. Additionally, these ‘non-academic’ skills build a strong foundation for the learning that happens inside our classroom.Each month you will receive a choice board. These choice boards are not meant to be daunting or overwhelming. Rather, they are intended to build fine and gross motor skills, creativity, and imaginative skills. As students complete an activity, they may color that square in, and will be sharing their calendar with the class at the end of the month.
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The Bottom Line
Homework is about supporting the learning happening at school. It should take a maximum of 10-15 minutes per day. If homework becomes a struggle please contact me and we can work together to adjust the expectations.