Homework

"Responsibility educates!" -Wendell Phillips

Reading:  The children are expected to read at home every day both with parents and eventually independently. Establishing a routine and keeping a regular schedule is necessary if we want them to gain fluency in reading by the end of second grade.  Half an hour a day can make a significant difference, and the emphasis should be on quality of the time and not the quantity.  Research has established that emotional pathways and cognitive pathways are intertwined and if the time spent on reading is a positive experience, it only facilitates the learning, and increases motivation.  If your child is showing resistance for reading at home or if the book time turns into a battle of wills, please bring this to my attention early in the year, so we can strategize the approach to get the desired outcome.  Providing books with a content that reflects your child's strong interests can be very helpful.

Spelling:  Every Friday, your child will bring a list of spelling words to study during the week.  The following Friday, the class will be given a spelling quiz.  The expectation is that every child will be able to spell all the words.  These words are carefully chosen each week to reflect some of the themes discussed during the week. Although content related spelling can at times appear challenging, in reality, it is more effective and is retained more easily because of its connection with the actual experience--the cotexual hook.  Spending 10-15 minutes every day will be a lot more effective than a chuck of time two or three nights before the quiz.  The observation shows that those who study the words the last minute, may do well in the quiz, but they will not retain the spelling over long period of time, and they may ace the quiz but not apply the knowledge when writing in their journal.  

Other Assignments:  In addition to the above homework, occasionally, your child will come home with an assignment that is given verbally without a written explanation for you.  The purpose of these assignments are to plant the seeds of responsibility in your child in regards to doing homework.  This approach provides the children with an opportunity to use their memory, practice communicating with you what is being discussed and taught in the class, take ownership of their own learning, and gain self esteem as a result of the growth.  When your child approaches you with such assignments, please provide your focused listening and follow his or her lead on how the assignment needs to be done.  Please do not worry at the beginning of the year while your child is beginning this challenge.  If things are a bit unclear, it is because your child is beginning to apply new skills that will be strengthened over time.  The process is far more important than the accuracy of the product.  Please listen, show interest, and acknowledge your child's imperfect attempt with positive feedback.  If things need to be corrected, s/he will come back to you the following day with an improved strategy. The intitial forgetfulness is also an expected part of the process. Please be patient and allow your child the space for gradual growth.