August 2011
Dear Families,
Summer is almost gone and Back-to-School is upon us. There are many great sales for school supplies currently. It is not necessary to purchase a lot of supplies, but there are some things that are important for your child to have. I am including a short list:
2″ Durable (or similar brand) view binder for your child’s portfolio.
Backpack for daily information between home and school.
Pencil box with sharpened pencils, eraser, colored pencils, crayons, markers and “an “enclosed” pencil sharpener.
Additional items could include: scissors, a ruler, and Kleenex tissues.
I look forward to seeing everyone on Mon. Aug. 15th.
I will usually be sending homework on Monday and it is due by Friday. (If extra time is needed, let me know and you may use the weekend, if needed. If you are having difficulty with any assignment, let me know right away so I can help with it.) I send home assignments that I assume your child will be able to easily and independently complete.
Current assignments:
Language Arts: Read DAILY for at least 25-30 minutes and complete one of the attached Reading Logs. The homework for Monday night is ALWAYS to read. Sometimes, the packet will come home on Tuesday. This is to dedicate at least one day per week for JUST reading (for pleasure and fluency. ) Read, read, read, read, read ! Make daily reading a lifelong habit.
Complete the Reading Comprehension packets for practice and review. This activity is intended to be an easy review after we reviewed it at school, so if your child is having difficulty, it should be “a red flag” to you.” Please let me know if your child is having difficulty so that I can offer them extra help at school.
Math: Practice “basic addition facts” (1+1 to 10+10) for speed and accuracy. Complete attached Math Review pages included in the homework packet. The Math Review covers material we have covered in class and your child should be able to complete it quickly and easily. If that is not the case, let me know so that I can assist your child. I will sometimes “get it started at school” and have them finish at home. We will be “making an addition game” at school to use for home and school practice.
This DAILY “basic math facts” practice is an important part of the homework (along with DAILY reading.) Both are extremely important. A lack of fluency with “basic math facts” is a problem for some students when we begin working on regrouping. Practice, practice, practice your “basic math” facts.
Optional/Spelling: Spelling will focus on learning the “spelling rules” and our spelling words will be written into a Journal Dictionary for your use in school writing. We will be adding words from student edited writing into the personal dictionary. Students can write spelling words 2 times each or go on the spelling website spellingcity.com for spelling practice. Spelling is a major component of the writing process and spelling is not focused on weekly spelling tests but rather day-to-day usage in written language.
Thank you for listening to your child read aloud sometimes, finding some opportunities to use math in everyday life and encouraging continued good healthy habits such as: getting at least 8 hours of sleep; eating a balanced breakfast and bringing a healthy mid-morning snack; making time for recreation, exercise, and enjoying time with friends. Balance is important.
It is going to be a great year! See you soon!
Sincere thanks,
Mary Whealdon
mary.whealdon@eusd.net