Frequently Asked Questions
How much homework will my child have?
Your child should read at least 15 minutes each day. This is the most important and beneficial work they can do! At this point of your child’s schooling career, the most important aspect of "homework" is to develop a routine for completing homework. Find a regular time and place to do homework that is conducive to completing it quickly and efficiently. Although it is my hope that your child becomes more independent, your support may be needed to set up these routines and insure that your child experiences success. If you spend 30 minutes daily with your child developing this routine when s/he is young, your life will be significantly easier as your child matures as a learner in later years. In my classroom, students will receive a homework chart at the start of each week. It is up to you and your child what is chosen to do and how much to do.
Do you celebrate birthdays?
We love to celebrate birthdays! However, due to new guidelines, there will be no birthday FOOD treats allowed at school. We will still recognize their special day with a certificate and birthday pencil. If you wish, you are welcome to provide a NON-FOOD item to share with the class, such as a pencil, bookmark, class book, etc. If you would like to send in a birthday treat for a simple celebration please let me know a week in advance so that it can be scheduled into the day. If your child has a summer birthday we can celebrate with a half birthday celebration.
Do you use parent volunteers in the classroom?
Parent volunteers are definitely welcome in our classroom. I will talk more about volunteering and have sign-ups at Curriculum Night for various opportunities. You can either sign up to be a regular volunteer or a volunteer for special projects. We will also need chaperones for field trips and volunteers for classroom parties. In addition to these opportunities, I will also have various tasks that can be done from home. Also, if you have a special talent that could be utilized in the classroom, please let me know.
What makes a book “just right?”
A “just right” book is one that you can read with little or no assistance. If your child can answer “yes” to these questions it will probably be a “just right” book.
Are you interested in the book?
Can you read and figure out almost all of the words?
Can you tell what the story is about or what you are learning?
Can you read smoothly without stumbling over many words?
Keep in mind that children do not always read “just right” books. Think about your own reading choices. Sometimes we just need an “easy read” like a magazine or light novel. Other times, we are expected to work through reading that is more challenging. Your child will also have these same experiences. The point is that the majority of the time your child should choose books that are “just right.”
Is daily reading to be done independently?
Daily reading needs to be done in a way that works for you. Keep in mind however, that there are several goals involved in the daily reading. Research indicates that the more practice a child has reading, the better s/he will become as a reader. Therefore, I would like your child to read as much as possible with you by his/her side to listen. I would also like this time to be an enjoyable time to develop a love of reading and books. To do this, let your child choose his/her reading material as much as possible. Because his/her interest level may not match up to his/her reading level, it is alright for you to read with your child. You can take turns reading paragraphs or pages. This reading time should not be painful or a chore. It should be something that your child looks forward to each day. It is just one way to help your child become a reader for life.
Your child should read at least 15 minutes each day. This is the most important and beneficial work they can do! At this point of your child’s schooling career, the most important aspect of "homework" is to develop a routine for completing homework. Find a regular time and place to do homework that is conducive to completing it quickly and efficiently. Although it is my hope that your child becomes more independent, your support may be needed to set up these routines and insure that your child experiences success. If you spend 30 minutes daily with your child developing this routine when s/he is young, your life will be significantly easier as your child matures as a learner in later years. In my classroom, students will receive a homework chart at the start of each week. It is up to you and your child what is chosen to do and how much to do.
Do you celebrate birthdays?
We love to celebrate birthdays! However, due to new guidelines, there will be no birthday FOOD treats allowed at school. We will still recognize their special day with a certificate and birthday pencil. If you wish, you are welcome to provide a NON-FOOD item to share with the class, such as a pencil, bookmark, class book, etc. If you would like to send in a birthday treat for a simple celebration please let me know a week in advance so that it can be scheduled into the day. If your child has a summer birthday we can celebrate with a half birthday celebration.
Do you use parent volunteers in the classroom?
Parent volunteers are definitely welcome in our classroom. I will talk more about volunteering and have sign-ups at Curriculum Night for various opportunities. You can either sign up to be a regular volunteer or a volunteer for special projects. We will also need chaperones for field trips and volunteers for classroom parties. In addition to these opportunities, I will also have various tasks that can be done from home. Also, if you have a special talent that could be utilized in the classroom, please let me know.
What makes a book “just right?”
A “just right” book is one that you can read with little or no assistance. If your child can answer “yes” to these questions it will probably be a “just right” book.
Are you interested in the book?
Can you read and figure out almost all of the words?
Can you tell what the story is about or what you are learning?
Can you read smoothly without stumbling over many words?
Keep in mind that children do not always read “just right” books. Think about your own reading choices. Sometimes we just need an “easy read” like a magazine or light novel. Other times, we are expected to work through reading that is more challenging. Your child will also have these same experiences. The point is that the majority of the time your child should choose books that are “just right.”
Is daily reading to be done independently?
Daily reading needs to be done in a way that works for you. Keep in mind however, that there are several goals involved in the daily reading. Research indicates that the more practice a child has reading, the better s/he will become as a reader. Therefore, I would like your child to read as much as possible with you by his/her side to listen. I would also like this time to be an enjoyable time to develop a love of reading and books. To do this, let your child choose his/her reading material as much as possible. Because his/her interest level may not match up to his/her reading level, it is alright for you to read with your child. You can take turns reading paragraphs or pages. This reading time should not be painful or a chore. It should be something that your child looks forward to each day. It is just one way to help your child become a reader for life.