Dear Parents,
I just want to emphasize a few items
with regards to classroom procedures, expectations and ways I will be
communicating student learning.
Please sign the agenda and Multiplication log each night and the Reading Comprehension weekly, BUT ONLY if the homework has been completed. If there’s a reason why it hasn’t been done, just jot a note in the agenda. I don’t expect you to correct the work, but please check to see if it has been done to the best of your child’s ability.
Our spelling program this year will not include weekly testing. Spelling will be incorporated into our reading and writing workshops. There is little evidence of transfer of knowledge and understanding from spelling tests and exercises to personal writing. Spelling growth occurs as children write and read on a daily basis. A list of frequently used words has been given, and the expectation is for students to spell these words correctly in all their writing. Students are encouraged to attempt to spell unknown words as best they can in first drafts, without having the flow of ideas hindered by a focus on correct spelling. They will be taught to examine spelling when they edit and proofread their writing. Over 60 years of research has proven conclusively that conventions are best taught one type of error at a time and within the context of actual student writing.
Reading Comprehension
Each Monday, your child will have a short reading homework assignment that asks you to listen to him or her to read out loud and answer a few questions. Included in the brief instructions will be a hint, or tip, that you can use to help your child with this assignment. Just sign the bottom of the page indicating that you did, indeed, listen to your child read out loud and help him or her with the questions. Reading comprehension homework is due every Thursday.
Each night your child should be
reading for 20-25 minutes. The reading comprehension activity counts as
the reading for that night. Many children have their own books they enjoy
reading at home on a nightly basis and I encourage
them to continue to do so. There will be a recording log to keep track of
this.
This year, your child should
be working on learning the addition/subtraction facts and the multiplication facts, if they are not already known.
There’s a chart of these
facts in your child’s binder. Please spend 10 minutes each night on these if
there isn’t quick recall and record in the Log.|
Our schedule
has now been finalized. Our class’ specialty subjects are on the following days:
Phys Ed: Tues. & Thurs. Music: Mon. & Fri. French: daily
I am concentrating on helping your
child be more responsible for his/her
daily work, as well as, projects assigned. I give time each day for homework to
be copied down in the agenda and every student should be spending time each
night doing it. It’s good to set up a routine, if this hasn’t yet been done. If
your child arrives home without work that he/she needs, talk with him/her about
it. Please encourage your child to keep all the work together that is brought
home and remind him/her to put it back in the bookbag when it’s completed.
Please emphasize the importance of returning work when it is due.
I am also available for a meeting or a phone call. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s a concern. Just jot a note in the agenda and I’ll get in contact with you. I am looking forward to a great year. I really appreciate the extra support given at home and it certainly makes a difference in a child’s learning.
Sincerely,
Ms. Doreen Milhet