Dear First Grade Families,
I want to take the opportunity to clarify what the expectations are for first grade homework. Students are asked to do 2 steps (15 min. for each step) of reading or math, Monday through Friday. At my house with 2 little boys, we only do about 10 -15 minutes at a time and then take a break. The weekly homework packet is completely optional. It can also be used in place of a reading or math step. Students are never required to do more than 30 minutes. I understand that some kids take longer than others. Even if the homework packet is not completely finished, I still encourage students to hand it in on Friday or the following week so they can pick a reward from the reward binder or basket for going above and beyond classroom expectations. Some examples of rewards are: bring a hat to school, show and tell, or read a book to the class.
For students that already know their spelling words for the week, they have the option to be a Spelling Detective. This is an alternative that Vanessa and I created for parents that have asked for other ideas for students that already know their spelling words for the week. Instead of practicing words that are already mastered, they can work on finding words that focus on the sound or skill of the week. Again, this is completely optional. (And no prize or reward is given) These kids then get to read their words that they found to the rest of the class on Friday instead of taking the test, which they really enjoy!
Both first grade classrooms have the same expectations and procedures for homework. I understand that family time, sports etc. are also important and there might be days that there is simply not enough time for homework. I am trying my best to accommodate all families. I like to give options for families that ask for more to do at home and for families that prefer less. Please do what is best for your family J I have attached a list of ideas for you to try at home if you wish. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
What should we be doing for our 30 minutes of Action 100 Work each night?
-students must do 2 steps of work at home and log it on their log sheets each Mon.-Fri.
(remember 1 step = 15 minutes)
-steps can be reading work or math work
(R=reading work, M=math work)
Reading Work Options:
- Read Action 100 Books
- Read library books (these books are not always at your child’s independent reading level so you may have to read these to your child)
- Read little paper books that Ms. Rother sends home
- Practice Spelling words
- Log into Smarty Ants (see log sheet) https://play.smartyants.com/login
- Do reading activities ABCya https://www.abcya.com/grades/1
- Work out of optional weekly homework packet
- Spelling detective work
- Work on our Wonders Reading Curriculum Website (see log sheet) https://my.mheducation.com/login
Math Work Options:
- Practice math flash cards in addition or subtraction
- Log on to Xtra Math: www.xtramath.org (see log sheet)
- Log on to Prodigy: www.ProdigyGame.com (see log sheet)
- Do any app. you may have on your phone, computer, ipad that deals with math concepts…especially addition facts
- Do math activities ABCya https://www.abcya.com/grades/1
- Work out of optional weekly homework packet
