Miss McElrath’s Homework Helper

Why do I assign homework?

I believe that homework is very important because it builds student responsibility and helps reinforce skills which have been taught in class. Homework is also a way to help your child develop work and study habits that will assist him/her throughout the years spent in school.

What homework will be assigned?

Language - Every Friday, the High-Frequency words will be sent home for the following week. These papers can be cut into flashcards for extra practice. Use them often! The sentence homework is due on the following Friday.

Spelling - The spelling words (starting in January) will be sent home on Friday for the following week. There will be a pre-test on Monday and a final test on Friday. Any words missed on Monday’s test need to be written 3x each and sent back by Friday. I will take the better grade of the two tests.

Math – Homelinks will come home for Math homework 3 or 4 times a week. They will be reinforcing what we did in Math that day.

Reading – Paper books will be coming home at least once a week. Your child needs to read this book to three people in the house and be returned to school with three signatures on the back.

How can I help my child with their homework?

First graders are not able to complete most homework assignments all by themselves. They will need adult supervision and support to make sure they understand the directions and correctly complete the assignments.

Below are some tips to help make homework a positive experience:

• Make sure your child puts his/her name on their homework
• Spend no more than 15-20 minutes each evening on homework.
• Provide a distraction free place for your child to work. Turn off the TV.
• Keep a box of supplies handy for your child to use.
• Set a routine. Try to establish a time each night when homework will be done.
• Read the homework directions to your child. Rephrase them in your own words if necessary.
• Provide help and support to your child, but do not do their homework for them!
• Direct students in placing all homework into their book bags when completed so that it makes it back to school.
• Some evenings can be quite hectic. If for some reason your child is unable to complete his/her nightly homework, please write me a note explaining this. The homework can then be completed the following night.