Homework Information:

Reading Homework (half-sheets) is sent home to help students move forward with their reading by using sight words, simple sentences and word patterns.  I let the kids know that if they bring it back I will send another one home with them.  We are working on many things during the day and this is a quick way to reinforce our learning at home.  This is an option for parents to use in building beginning reading skills at home.

 Math Home Links are a part of the Everyday Math Curriculum.  There is one each day we have a lesson.  This is also for reinforcement of math concepts.  It helps strengthen the concept in the child’s mind with the repeated exposure and lets the parents know what the children have been learning at school.  The Math Links begin in First Grade and continue through the other grades.  Please take your time in completing the Home Links.  If more than one evening is needed, please return once the work has been finished.  Returning the Home Links the following day is a guideline, not an absolute. 

 The Spelling Packet is for practice of the week’s spelling words.  We introduce the spelling words and use them in activities in centers (stamping them and making them w/ letters) during the school day.  I knew some parents were practicing spelling words with their child nightly at home, so I thought it might help if I provided a ready-made way to do that.  Again, these are optional.  It simply provides a structured way to practice each night if you choose to do so.  If you would like for me to continue sending these home each week with your child let me know.  Several have expressed that these are good tools for practicing their words at home.  Below are ideas of how parents can work with children  to practice spelling words at home.  These ideas are not intended to be done in addition to the spelling sheet sent home.  These are for families who might not need the sheet each week, but would like to know of effective practices for reviewing spelling words.

 On average most of the work can be completed within a 15 minute time period (5 minutes for reading, 5 minutes for math, 5 minutes for spelling).  If it takes longer than that, I suggest stopping after 15 minutes.

SPELLING IDEAS:  It is a good practice to do one activity daily to reinforce the spelling of the word lists.  These are not intended to be done in one sitting or to do the night before the test.  Spreading different activities throughout the week will yield the best results.  Again, all of these are options for parents.

*  Write the spelling words 3 times each.

* Put the spelling words in alphabetical order.

* Make word shape boxes for each spelling word to emphasize the shape of the word. (like practice sheets)

* Make up sentences with a blank for the appropriate spelling word to be filled in.  (I like to eat ____.  To be filled in with "pie")

* Have the students make their own sentences using each of the spelling words.

* Practice writing the spelling words in shaving cream (or pudding) on a table.

* Rainbow Writing:  Write the spelling word with one color of crayon.  Repeat with a second color, third color, fourth color and fifth color.  Make sure the child writes the entire word in the one color first instead of doing one letter in the five colors before doing the second letter.

* Scramble the letters of the spelling word up and have the child unscramble by looking at a list of the spelling words.

* Make a word search with the spelling words hidden in the puzzle.  Have students find the hidden spelling words.

There are many ideas out there for spelling practice.  These are just a few ideas I have used throughout the years.  I hope you find these beneficial for your use at home.