"Think and wonder, wonder and think!" -Dr. Seuss
Homework Hints
1. Practice basic addition and subtraction facts in a way that is engaging for your child. If flashcards or pencil paper tasks aren't keeping his or her interest, try using a "fun" manipulative like m&m's, matchbox cars, glittery beads, etc. to join and separate numbers.
2. Create "story problems" for your child in everyday situations.
Ex.: If you eat 1 cookie and your sister eats 3, how many cookies have been eaten in all? How many more cookies did your sister eat than you? How many fewer did you eat?
3. Practice spelling words daily. Let your child use what holds his or her interest. If pencil/paper is "boring" then use markers, dry erase boards, colored pencils, etc. Take a break from writing and ask your child to type the words on a computer or ipad. Use scrabble letters or magnetic letters to form words. Allow "extra time" on the computer or ipad to use spelling practice sites or apps, such as
Spelling City or Howie Hungry Monster Build Words (lite).
4. READ, READ, READ every day!!! Make time each day for your child to read to you and
be read to. Encourage your child to engage in both quiet and oral reading. Let reading time be comfortable, enjoyable and fun! Set up a cozy spot with pillows, stuffed animals, books, etc. If it starts to feel like a "chore," give your child flexibility with where they read, what they read and to whom they read. Engage in discussion about the story while reading:
READING FICTION:
Before reading - Point out the title and author. Look at the picture on the cover and ask, "What do you think is going to happen in this story? Why?" This will help your child set purpose for reading.
During reading - Stop every now and then to ask your child to tell you what has happened so far or what he or she predicts will happen. You might also ask for your child's opinion. "Do you think the character did the right thing? How do you feel about his choice?" Explain any unfamiliar words.
After reading - Ask your child to retell the story from the beginning, and ask for opinions, too. "What was your favorite part? Would you recommend this to a friend?"
READING NONFICTION:
Before reading - Point out the title and author. Look at the picture on the cover and ask, "What do you think you'll learn about in this book? Why?" This helps your child consider what he or she already knows about the topic. Look at the table of contents. You and your child may choose to read the book cover to cover or go directly to a certain chapter.
During reading - Don't forget the captions, headings, sidebars, or any other information on the page. Young readers tend to overlook these, so it's a good idea to show that the author includes lots of information in these "extras".
After reading - Ask your child, "What was it mostly about? What do you still want to know? Where could you find out?"
5. Try not to let homework become a struggle or a battle. Class homework should not take more than 10-20 minutes to complete. If it is taking much longer, or if your child is becoming frustrated often, please contact me and we will work together to help your child.
1. Practice basic addition and subtraction facts in a way that is engaging for your child. If flashcards or pencil paper tasks aren't keeping his or her interest, try using a "fun" manipulative like m&m's, matchbox cars, glittery beads, etc. to join and separate numbers.
2. Create "story problems" for your child in everyday situations.
Ex.: If you eat 1 cookie and your sister eats 3, how many cookies have been eaten in all? How many more cookies did your sister eat than you? How many fewer did you eat?
3. Practice spelling words daily. Let your child use what holds his or her interest. If pencil/paper is "boring" then use markers, dry erase boards, colored pencils, etc. Take a break from writing and ask your child to type the words on a computer or ipad. Use scrabble letters or magnetic letters to form words. Allow "extra time" on the computer or ipad to use spelling practice sites or apps, such as
Spelling City or Howie Hungry Monster Build Words (lite).
4. READ, READ, READ every day!!! Make time each day for your child to read to you and
be read to. Encourage your child to engage in both quiet and oral reading. Let reading time be comfortable, enjoyable and fun! Set up a cozy spot with pillows, stuffed animals, books, etc. If it starts to feel like a "chore," give your child flexibility with where they read, what they read and to whom they read. Engage in discussion about the story while reading:
READING FICTION:
Before reading - Point out the title and author. Look at the picture on the cover and ask, "What do you think is going to happen in this story? Why?" This will help your child set purpose for reading.
During reading - Stop every now and then to ask your child to tell you what has happened so far or what he or she predicts will happen. You might also ask for your child's opinion. "Do you think the character did the right thing? How do you feel about his choice?" Explain any unfamiliar words.
After reading - Ask your child to retell the story from the beginning, and ask for opinions, too. "What was your favorite part? Would you recommend this to a friend?"
READING NONFICTION:
Before reading - Point out the title and author. Look at the picture on the cover and ask, "What do you think you'll learn about in this book? Why?" This helps your child consider what he or she already knows about the topic. Look at the table of contents. You and your child may choose to read the book cover to cover or go directly to a certain chapter.
During reading - Don't forget the captions, headings, sidebars, or any other information on the page. Young readers tend to overlook these, so it's a good idea to show that the author includes lots of information in these "extras".
After reading - Ask your child, "What was it mostly about? What do you still want to know? Where could you find out?"
5. Try not to let homework become a struggle or a battle. Class homework should not take more than 10-20 minutes to complete. If it is taking much longer, or if your child is becoming frustrated often, please contact me and we will work together to help your child.