Weekly News

September 20, 2012

Homework time is here!  Students have begun taking home math homework.  In the next week or two we will begin having reading homework.  The purpose of reading homework is for students to develop reading behavior outside of school.  It also provides an opportunity to reread a familiar text.  Lastly, homework keeps you as a parent connected to your child’s schoolwork.  Here are some ways to help your child with their homework:

·         Provide a quiet space for them to read

·         Create a routine around reading

·         Alternate between having them read aloud to you and read silently to themselves

·         Discuss the home and books that are being read

Students are asked to read for 20 minutes per night in addition to completing math homework that will come home every few days.  20 minutes of reading, could mean one or two short books.  Some second graders are reading chapter books.  When books begin to come home students will be asked to fill out a book log.  The purpose of the book log is to keep track of books that are read and to have a record of homework; this helps students to be accountable.  Students should be filling out their book logs by themselves using neat handwriting.  They may need some guidance when first learning how to complete the logs.

Students will be asked to bring their homework book bag back to school every day.  Please help them get into the routine of doing this.  It is important that students keep books in a safe place and return them to school daily.  Books really need to be taken care of while they are out of the room.  I will be asking parents to cover the cost of replacing any books that become damaged while out of the school. 

My intention is for homework to be a way for students to practice skills learned here at school.  We are also creating good study habits for the children that they will use in the future.  Homework is not supposed to be a stressful thing.  If you feel like your family does not have enough time on a given night to complete homework, don’t do it.  Do it the next day or the next time when you have a chance. 

Please call me with any questions regarding reading homework.  Thank you for supporting your child with their homework.

Sincerely,

Randilee  Raynor