Homework Help

Homework! It always seems that little brother or sister can't wait for homework, while big brother or sister wishes it would just disappear! Luckily, for most first-graders, this is the first year that they've had homework on a regular basis, and are usually quite excited by it! Homework in first grade is primarily about developing responsibility in our children. They are responsible to bring home the assignment, complete it with a parent's guidance, and then return it. These skills will help to serve the child well later in his/her school life

First graders should spend no more than 20 minutes each evening on homework. If your child is consistently spending more time than this, or if a particular assignment takes considerably longer, please let me know. If your child is tired and unable to continue, please do not force it; he/she can finish the following day. While our goal is to instill responsibility and increase attention span, we all have days when we're not at our best!

Much of the assigned homework in first grade is designed to be done with family members. There are games, interviews, questions, etc. that may accompany a homework assignment. Even independent tasks, however, need parental involvement. Always check your child's work, and sign and date it. Parents often wonder, "Should I correct my child's mistakes? How will the teacher know he/she is having a problem?" My advice is, yes, point out the mistakes to your child in a gentle way, and use that opportunity to reteach and clarify the skill. If you would like me to know about a particular problem area, always jot a note, and I'll respond as soon as possible.

Homework is a fact of life, along with soccer practice, dance lessons, and all the other demands on a student's time. Start homework routines when children are young, so healthy study habits are formed by the time homework becomes more complex and time consuming.

Here are some tips and suggestions for homework time:

1. Find a well-lit area to work, the same place every day is usually the best.

2. Keep supplies handy: sharpened pencils, crayons, scissors, erasers, etc.

3. Pick a homework time and be consistent - with some flexibility when needed.

4. Let your child do his/her own homework unless it's a "work-together" project. Help your child if he/she becomes frustrated but do not do the work for him/her

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