| Homework | "Only you can make yourself smarter!" |  |

Why is homework a vital part of education?

Homework is a vital part of education because it helps the student retain the skills that are introduced in the classroom each day. Just like an athlete who must practice to become an expert at their sport, a student must practice to become an expert at their academic skills. Here are some suggestions for helping your child with homework.

- Make a "quiet corner" where students can work.
- Help students ONLY when they ask. Independence is the KEY to a healthy self esteem and school success.
- READ the DAILY PLANNER! I will communicate weaknesses and strengths of your child.
- READ DAILY WITH AND TO YOUR CHILD! Research shows a direct link to school success with children who have a broad reading background!

Requirements:

There will be weekly homework sheets sent home in your child's Tuesday Envelope. These homework assignments should be returned on Friday. It is your child's responsibility to turn their homework in on time. If your child does not complete their homework assignment they will be allowed the time to complete it during Free Friday. The failure to complete homework during Free Friday or a pattern of late assignments will result in the consequence of after school detention. A notice will be sent home if this becomes an issue.

Homework should never last more than 30 minutes each evening. Your child is expected to read for 15 minutes nightly and record the title, and/or chapter of each book that he/she has read on a Book In The Bag form (one chapter is equivalent to one book). Our goal is to read 200 books for this school year. When your child reaches this goal, they will receive a reading medal.

How do I know if my child is reading at the appropriate reading level?

You should know your child's reading level. If you are unsure, you can e-mail me for this information. During your fifteen minute reading practice each night, always challenge your child to read "a little" above his/her reading level. This builds a stronger vocabulary and raises their reading comprehension. NEVER, let your child read at a frustration level! Click here for a list of books and their reading levels.

Here is a good rule of thumb to help you know whether or not your child is reading a book that is too difficult. When your child chooses a book for the first time, survey (look through) the book. Turn to any page of their interest and let them start reading. If your child reaches five words or more that they cannot decode, then they have reached what we call "their frustration level". When this happens, say to your child "let's choose another book. This book sounds like a dream book. Let's dream about reading this one another time in the near future." Never say to your child, "this book is too hard for you." This may discourage their reading confidence.

Do you ever wonder how you can help your child read better? Check out this book title: Scholastic Explains Reading Homework A great series to help YOU, help your child.

Thanks for supporting your child academically and for teaching them to be responsible for their own learning. Happy reading!

My child wants extra math practice what can I do?

If you child want extra practice on math skills click here for great practice and give him/her a hug from me!