How Parents Can Help
For increased success, students can do homework each night. If formal homework has not been assigned, students are can do one or more of the following activities:
Primary (approximately 15 minutes):
- Learn letters, letter sounds, segmenting and blending, read decodables, read a book, write in a home journal, practice making up stories together, play a board game, talk about numbers, talk about what you learned at school today, review math facts, write for a purpose, learn a poem, etc.
Intermediate (approximately 30 minutes):
- Study for a test, review daily notes, work on long-term assignments or projects, research a topic, complete unfinished class work, play a board game, write a letter, record experiences in a home journal, read a book, learn a poem, review math facts, etc.
Failure to complete assigned work creates problems for the child, and detracts from the teacher's task of instruction. To ensure that students do not fall behind, students who fail to complete formal homework assignments may be required to complete work during regular the lunch hour. If your child is having trouble finishing assigned work, then let the teacher know why and potentially think about getting a tutor to try to boost their chances to get back to grade level expectations.
Work Habits
To begin, students need the school supplies requested at each grade level. As the year progresses, supplies often need to be replaced and additional supplies may be requested. If you cannot get the supplies needed, let the school know and we can make arrangements to get all the supplies your child needs to be successful.
Students are expected to show pride in their assignments and to work neatly in their notebooks. Each teacher will establish guidelines for notebook work.
Homework Habits
At Henderson Elementary School, we believe that the home is a large part of the total learning experience for children at all age levels. Parents can begin the Homework Habit by reading with younger children every night and, as the student gains reading skills, by listening to them read starting with decodable books and passages and moving onto levelled readers that are within their ability. School is an active and interesting place and it is always interesting to chat with your child about daily school experiences.
If your child encounters homework difficulties please contact the teacher via email. Individual teachers will determine the classroom homework assignment policy that is most effective for their class.
How Parents Can Help
- Provide the necessary supplies (paper, pens, pencils, etc.).
- Provide a regular study area.
- Establish a consistent "homework time" (e.g. right after dinner).
- Assist your child in:
- practicing math games, board games, counting collections, skip counting
- reviewing material for tests, practice memorization and retrieval with things like flash cards, or quizzing, asking questions (what are 3 things you learned?)
- listening to reading and reading to your child, starting with letters, letter sounds, segmenting and blending, and moving to decodable books and then books of choice
- discussing topics of interest.