November 2, 2017
In an effort to build a love of learning and create a less stressful environment at home, we have tried to come up with a homework plan to help families support their children academically while still finding time for activities and family. There has been a lot of talk about what “homework” should look like this year at Kohl, and maybe some misunderstandings about the idea of having “no homework” at all. Kids need to do some sort of academic practice at home in order to reinforce the concepts they are learning in class. After talking with you during parent/teacher conferences, it became clear that we need to clarify expectations, make a few changes, and outline a way to make it all work.
What we have offered for home practice:
- iReady lessons (certain students)
- ReadingPlus lessons (certain students)
Students should use their assigned reading program at least once a week for 15-20 min. I will be be checking the iReady and ReadyPlus programs on Friday to see if they are completing this assignment at home. If your child does not have access to a computer at home, please let me know.
- MobyMax for math and fact practice. MobyMax also has several other content components that are optional
- Multiplication/division fact practice (this can be done on the computer, with flash cards, Learning WrapUps (learningwrapups.com or amazon), practicing math dashes, pages from math book in the homework folder, etc)
- Reading at home (20-30 minutes)
- Dictado Students write their weekly Dictado sentence in their homework notebook. Students need write this sentence in their homework at least once each night. I will be checking for their weekly written Dictado practice on Fridays
- Mystery State
- Math packet for completed math unit. After we finish a math unit, I will be sending home a math homework packet. Our first math packet will come home in homework folders on Monday, November 6th. Students should work on completing this packet consistently throughout the week. Packets, will have a set due date and directions attached.
How do you fit it all it without going crazy?!
Children should be doing about 30 minutes of “homework” practice each night. This can look different each night and also will depend on whether or not you have other things going on- i.e. sports practice, music lessons, special family events, etc.
Monday night: Complete Mystery State, write Dictado sentence once, choice read for 15 min
Tuesday night: iReady or Reading Plus lessons - (20 minutes), write Dictado sentence, practice math facts AND/OR do a math page from the math packet
Wednesday night: Choice read or iReady/Reading Plus lessons, Dictado, practice math facts AND/OR math packet work
Thursday- Choice read, practice Dictado, practice math facts AND/OR math packet work
Friday, Saturday, Sunday- choice read 20-30 minutes before bed, practice math facts AND/OR math packet work
Occasionally your child will have “extra” work to do at home that they did not finish in class or possibly an extra project (like the book reports). In this case, your child would complete the extra work and if they have time, go back to the original schedule, again, taking only 30-40 minutes of time in the evening.
You know your child and know what works best. Your child may need breaks between activities, a little less time or maybe a little more time. Overall, you should NOT be spending hours on homework. No more than 40 minutes total in one evening is sufficient for any 3rd grader. If you get to that point, stop and call it a night.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding “homework” or anything else. I am always happy to talk with you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Aisha Galt
