Homework Clarification...

 Math Work:

1.  Students set goals for themselves (most were fluency goals) this week.  They are trying to gain 10 percent or more fluency on reflex.  This is to help them see an end goal.  We talked about how effective goals can be measured.  For example, a student at 47% fluency set a goal for herself of 57%.  This goal can be worked on both at school and at home.  As students become fluent, this goal will change from fluency to something else that they need to work on.  

2.  To work towards a fluency goal, they can reflex, do flashcards, white board work, oral quizzes, or paper practice tests.  I have other ideas if you need them.  Please let me know.  

3.  They should be working towards their goal for a minimum of 10 minutes a night at least 4 nights a week.  

4.  Your student received their Unit 1 pre test and Unit 2 post test with areas for them to work on highlighted.  They can use the study links or IXL to focus on tightening up these skills.  It is NOT a requirement to do this, but many families choose to do the study links and have students do a little more work than the 10 minutes of fluency practice.  

5.  On the homework log, they should be recording what they are doing to meet their goal.  How did they work towards fact fluency specifically?  If they do IXL or study links as well, they can record those there too.  

At the end of the month, they will sit down with me and evaluate if they need a new goal or if their old goal should be tweaked or continued.  

Reading Work

1.  Students set goals for themselves that were measurable and attainable.  Some goals included read 3 books by the end of the month, finish a series I started, or read for 25 minutes a night.  

2.  To work towards their reading goal, they need to be doing that particular goal.  If it is to finish a series, they should work towards that goal.  If it is to read for 25 minutes a night, they should work towards that.  

3.  They should be working towards their goal for a minimum of 20 minutes a night at least 4 nights a week.  

4.  On the homework log, they should be recording their book and specifics for how they are meeting their goal.  If it is a time goal, they should be recording a time.  If it is a book goal, they just need to keep track of what they read.  

At the end of the month, they will sit down with me and decide if a new goal is needed or if they should adjust their old goal.  

Word Work

1.  Students receive a home copy of their spelling words on Fridays and these come home in the Friday folders.  They should be cutting their words and working on some particular sort for at least five minutes four nights a week.  

2.  These sorts can include:  written sort, blind, sort, category sort, see and spell, speed sort, or any other way to help them successfully learn their words.  We will be getting spelling city as a resource soon that can be used at home.  If you need ideas for word sorts, see a previous blog post or just search for Words Their Way sort ideas.  

3.  Students get instruction on their words on Mondays and then take tests on Fridays.  The spelling tests come home Friday or Monday depending on turn around for grading.  

Logistics

Homework logs come home on Fridays and are due on Fridays.  If your student does the study links, he can turn them in whenever they are completed.