One question that come up during conferences was about assigning homework. While some parents and students are looking for homework, it is my personal belief that homework is generally not beneficial to younger students and in some cases is off putting to young children and families. There is research that suggests there is little benefit to assigning homework, such as worksheets, in the primary grades.
That being said, I recommend that all students spend time with reading. Parents should be reading to their children everyday, and when children are ready and able, children should also read to their parents (or sibling or family pet!). Additionally, you can encourage your child to write a thank you note or a card for someone or help you write a shopping list. If you are building a project together, ask your child to write /draw a plan for the project. Sing songs together and recite nursery rhymes. Let you child choose the activity, but do not force it. Keep it fun and light hearted. Spend time together and play! To support math concepts, play card games, board games, and games with dice. These will help to build many early numeracy skills.
Soon, I will send home sight words for children to practice. There will be suggested games that you can play to encourage you child to read the words.
Your child is getting 90 minutes of literacy instruction and 90 minutes of math instruction while at school most days. Many children have after school activities and/or attend after school programs, putting in a 10 hour day. It is my hope that when children get home, they can spend quality time with their families, eat dinner around a table, and have some time to relax after a busy day.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
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