Another note about homework

While last year, the homework was geared for just practice and building a routine for you and your child. This year, it is based off of Virginia state standards. They are working on building your child's ability to do all the things that are asked of them. They are responsible for all of the work as eventually, they will have to complete the same SOL tests that all children in Virginia are responsible for (these exams are sooner than you think!). I know that everyone's schedules are hard and filled with other things (errands, extra curriculars, other children, etc) but it is important that homework gets done and you are setting the tone now for the rest of your child's schooling.

I've found that for some of the more resistant students, setting a visible schedule of what happens when they come home helps greatly. For example, get off bus, have snack, play game for 15 minutes, homework, set table for dinner, eat, play game, take bath, get ready for bed, read, lights out. If you'd like me to create it as I have a program on the computer that can print icons that may help, please call me and tell me what you'd like on it and I'd be more than willing to create one for you!

Homework should be no more than 10-15 minutes a night if the child is willing to sit right down and get it done. If it is taking longer, please talk to me about it. In no way, shape, or form should they be working for a half hour! You can always adapt an assignment if it's not working. Just jot a note beside it that says "not cooperating and read and retold story instead". It's not a problem. That being said, something should be accomplished every night. I can't just assign reading and retelling since I have to check on the report card that it is done and have to have solid evidence in order to do that.

Please let me know if you have any concerns. We're going to get through it together. :-)