First Homework Packet

Families,

          Today you will find your child’s first homework packet in their purple BIRD folder. Each Monday a packet of work will come home with your child to be completed during the week. Please make sure you read the information about fluency practice. For the first few weeks, all students will receive the same homework. Once beginning of the year assessments have been completed, students will receive homework that can be done at their independent working level. Homework is due every Friday. This includes the spelling homework I send home the previous Friday.

          There is a September reading calendar in the BIRD folder as well. Please keep this calendar at home during the month and make sure your child colors in each day that they read at least 20 minutes. Reading does not have to take place in one 20 minute block—it can be broken into two 10 minute chunks if that works better for your child. Reading can be done independently (silently), to an adult, or with an adult (taking turns reading). Books, magazines, and comics are all acceptable reading materials. Students can also read books on myOn during this time (see intro letter in BIRD folder for details). Students who return their reading calendar at the end of the month with at least 20 days shaded and a parent’s signature will be invited to the 20/20 Lunch Bunch. This celebration happens in my classroom during lunch. Student will get to eat their lunch in the classroom, watch a cartoon, and receive a prize for their reading efforts.

          My goal in assigning homework is not to make your evenings stressful or take away your valuable family time. I want to instill a sense of responsibility and help students develop a routine of reading at home. If your child is overwhelmed by the amount of homework, it's too difficult, too easy, or you have other concerns, I'm more than willing to discuss this with you and your child. Homework (packet and spelling) should not take more than 15 minutes per night (Monday-Thursday), plus the 20 minutes of reading 20 days per month. I’ll talk more about homework expectations at Parent Night on September 10. If you have questions before then, please email me.

Thank you for your support!