Do the students have homework in first grade? Yes, your child will have homework in first grade. It is important for your child to start developing homework routines early in life (such as developing a time and place to complete homework each night). The ongoing homework all year is for your child to read for at least fifteen minutes every night. After I find your child's "just right" level, he/she will bring home a book from our classroom library each day. Your child does not need to finish the entire book each night, but it is important to read each night. We will also have math, word work and/or science homework at times, so please check your child's folder each day.
Can I volunteer in the classroom? A very big yes! We love to have parent volunteers in the classroom. I will have sign-ups during Curriculum Night. You can either sign up to be a regular volunteer or a volunteer to be a guest speaker or reader. We are also always in need of chaperones for field trips. In addition to these opportunities, I will also have various tasks that can be done from home. Also, if you have a special talent or knowledge that could be utilized in the classroom, please let me know.
Do you celebrate birthdays? Yes, we celebrate birthdays. If you would like to send in a non-food birthday treat for a simple celebration please let me know a day or two 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 or at the end of the school year.
What makes a book “just right?” A “just right” book is one that your 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? (we use the five finger rule)
Can you tell what the story is about or what you are learning?
Can you read smoothly without stumbling over many words? (reading fluently)
Keep in mind that children read all kinds of books, not always “just right” books. Children, just like adults should be exposed to many different types of reading (reading for leisure, reading for information, reading the pictures).
Is daily reading to be done independently? Daily reading needs to be done in a way that works for your family. 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 she/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. Because his/her interest level may not match up to his/her reading level, it is also great for you to read with your child. You can take turns reading sentences or pages. This reading time should not be stressful. It should be something that your child looks forward to each day. It is just one way to help your child become a better reader.