Homework Structure for 1st grade
The purpose of homework in first grade is basically practice. Practice for the homework to come in the higher grades, and for practice of skills learned on the classroom. This is never a time to learn a new skill, but a time to review skills learned during the school day.
Type of homework:
The homework given in will primarily be math and reading. The math program taught in the classroom has corresponding “homework links” that are meant to reinforce the lessons learned in class. However, if I feel that this link will be stressful to the students I will not send this home.
Reading homework will be giving in the form of a daily reading log. All students are asked to read for 20 minutes each night. In first grade this can be a combination of the student reading and being read to. This log is to me signed by parents and sent back to school on Friday of every week.
Time:
Reading aside, the time spent on homework should not exceed 15 minutes each night for first graders. If parents are finding that homework takes much more time, them I would like to be make aware of this. Homework at this age should be a time to be proud of what the students have learned, not a time consuming process.
Parent Involvement:
All homework given can be and hopefully would be done with the parents. The students should be able to finish the tasks alone; however I believe the parents should be part of the process. All reading should be done with an adult or parent. This helps the students feel more confident and helps to ensure their understanding.
Technology and Communication:
Any and all concerns regarding homework can be addressed personally in the classroom or via email. The teacher will communicate with parents via email promptly.
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteAs a former first grade teacher I feel like your homework expectations are right on. I wish some of the Everyday Math Home Links had fewer directions so that students would have an easier time doing them on their own. I also remember a few assignments that left parents slightly confused. You are wise to not send home ones that may end up being stressful.
I'm just starting up the Everyday Math program. I joined the listserv for Everyday Math and one of the largest issues is the Home Links and the issues associated with directions, particularly with the upper elementary grades.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest concern about using Everyday Math as part of our math homework is how do we reconcile the kids who can't do it at home? Aren't we just enlarging the divide that we are always trying to bridge?:
I have found that if the link is to stressful you can always give the students a manipulative version of the assignement. I have always made sure my students have manipulative that they can take home and I have taught everyday math from 1st to 5th grade.
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