NIGHTLY READING
Students should be reading at home for 20 minutes each day (don't forget weekends!). This reading should be recorded on students' yellow Reading Records each evening, as well as checked off on students' Homework Calendars.
Students are welcome to read half of their book for 20 mins and finish it the next day. They can also keep it for 2 days using the 2nd day to read it again with more fluency since the content is familiar to them. This is a great routine to build confidence with reading.
Students are welcome to read half of their book for 20 mins and finish it the next day. They can also keep it for 2 days using the 2nd day to read it again with more fluency since the content is familiar to them. This is a great routine to build confidence with reading.
For tips about reading with first graders, see the video below.
HOMEWORK CALENDAR
In addition to nightly reading, students have a Homework Calendar to refer to each evening. These are printed on colored cardstock and should remain in Daily Folders each day. Each week students have a list of sight words that they will be working with in class. These words are listed on the Homework Calendar and should be reviewed/practiced at home each evening. Additionally, each week students are asked to complete two Choice Activities on the back of the Homework Calendar. Once a Choice Activity has been completed, a parent should initial and date that choice square. The Homework Calendar should return to school each morning with the evening's work checked off and any completed choice activities initialed and dated. Once completed, that activity is now "off the board" and other choices should be selected. Families may also opt to create their own choice options. These can simply be written in to the daily calendar.
MATH PRACTICE SHEET
Math Practice Sheets are sent home each week in order for students to regularly exercise their mathematical muscles. There are 6 problems assigned each day. Students should complete the assignment in pencil and show any problem solving work in the space provided on the back page. Adults are to check the work, record scores on the back, and review with students any problems that they struggled with. Every attempt will be made to send these home with students on Fridays. Families can then choose when the work best fits into their week's schedule. Completed, checked practice sheets are due to be turned in by Friday. Please note that each day's assignment should take students no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
PENMANSHIP
During second semester we will add penmanship practice to our weekly homework routine. Students should first neatly trace (pencil, marker, or crayon) over the letters/words on the page. Once this is complete, students should write the same items independently and in pencil. Along the way they should compare their efforts to the model provided, checking for spacing, formation, and neatness. This independent practice will be done on the worksheet in the space remaining or on a separate blank handwriting sheet if provided. Manuscript work will be sent on Friday and is due no later than the following Friday