In class, at the end of the day, we set up the Homework Paper.

All three homework assignments should be done on this paper. A heading (Name, First & Last; and the date, in the upper left corner) should be on the paper. On one side should be the Spelling Assignment. On the back, Reading and Math, along with the parent signature that indicates that the parent saw the homework done. All work should be done by the student. (Except the parent signature) SPELLING ACTIVITIES: These are the activities that the kids can choose from, to do as homework. We have done them all in class during these first weeks of school. The only restriction is that they must choose a different activity each day during a particular week. [We will add more activities as the weeks go by.] 1) Write each word three times. [Nevada, Nevada, Nevada; New York, New York, New York] 2) Rainbow: use four colors, or more; each letter should be a different color. Write each word once. { Nevada ]. Write the complete word, then go on to the next- not all of the first letters, then the second. 3) Sentences: Put each of your spelling words in a different sentence. Sentences must have a minimum of five words. [The state of Nevada is west of Utah. ] 4) Alphabetical Order: put your list of words in alphabetical order. Then recopy the alphabetical order list. Write each word twice. [Montana, Nevada, New York, Wisconsin] 5) Write your words two times- rainbow the vowels. [Nevada.] READING HOMEWORK: Students should be reading a chapter book or novel. Something that is a just right book: not too hard but not too easy. We have not been able to get to the school Library, but students have been encouraged to check out books from the classroom library. Students should read 20 minutes each night (Monday through Thursday). We set up a Homework paper at the end of class each day that lists the information they should give for reading credit. The Information includes title of the book, underlined [Charlottes Web]; time read [7:15-7:35]; pages read [p. 21-29]; and 3 to 5 sentences about what was read. MATH: The first few days I let kids choose what to do for math. On Wednesday, I sent home math worksheets and a page protector. These worksheets can be placed inside the page protector. Then using a dry erase pen, student can practice and reuse the worksheet over and over. We do these each day in class, so students should be familiar with the process. Ten minutes a night is a good start. Our goal is to be able to do 100 problems in 3 minutes for each of the four computational areas: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. We refer to this as immediate recall. This happens when the student can recall the fact instantly without use manipulatives of any kind (finger counting; count bys.etc.). Ive also urged the kids to make flash cards for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division (purchased flash cards will do). Verbally reciting facts is also helpful. It should take 4th graders 15 minutes to complete their Spelling; 20 minutes of reading; and 10 minutes of math. Thats 45 minutes of homework. Students will get a card on Monday that has

five punches on it worth five free days of homework for the term. If there are occasions when homework cannot be done, your student needs to simply produce their card; I punch it, and the homework (Spelling, Math, & Reading) will be excused for that day. We dont split it up. Its an all or nothing arrangement. The Pass is only good on regular homework not projects. Students who do not complete their homework will attend a Study Hall, during Friday Afternoon Club to aid them in getting their work completed. Homework activities are due each morning, Tuesday through Friday. Examples on the following page. [Heading] [Name: First and Last}

Linda Grawet
[Date: Month-day-year]

September 1, 2011
[Assignment Title]

Homework

SPELLING: [activity title that student is doing: Rainbow; 3 Xs each; Alphabetical Order] 1. 2. 3. . [Continue to number through 25]
[number each spelling word] [the entire assignment should be done on the front page if needed, use back too] *****************************************************************************************

ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE PAPER: READING: TITLE: Charlottes Web page 28 to page 33
[Title of book, underlined] [Time read] [pages read]

TIME: 7:15-7:35

Wilbur the pig discovered Charlotte the spider. He met her in the doorway to the barn. Wilbur also found out that Charlotte could spell words in her web. They became good friends.
[3-5 sentences about what was read]

MATH:

[write a sentence telling what you did for math facts practice get a parent to sign your paper] Students should have several worksheets in their take-home folder: one each for addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The worksheets are self-checking, with answers on the back. We use these in class each day so students should know how to use them. The procedure is to put a sheet inside the page protector, and use a dry erase marker to write the answers. Someone should time the student for 3 minutes. Then check answers. Keeping track of how many are completed, in order, is a good idea. (Start at the top, and work to the right, then go down to the next row- not skipping all over the sheet). The remainder of the 10 minute session should be spent practicing the remaining problems (not timed). I recommend that addition and subtractions be worked on first. Add multiplication in a few weeks. Wipe the sheet off with a tissue when done. Let me know if you need more copies.