Homework is given as a meaningful reinforcement of skills that we are studying or practicing in class.  Students receive homework as it is posted in the agenda.  There is homework that is assigned regularly AND weekly; it should be noted that it is due the following day.  Students who are absent for a lesson have one day per absence to make up missed assignments (pending circumstances).  Parents-please read and sign your child's agenda each night.

I am available before and after school.  Students can choose to set times to come in or stay after as needed.

DAILY: The Reading Calendar is a nightly reading assignment.  Students should be reading from 15 to 30 minutes per evening per the requirement and recording this on the calendar sent home each month.  Reading at home is proven to increase word awareness, spelling accuracy, and builds background knowledge.  Students have been taught how to select a book based on individual skill level.  Students should be reading books, magazines, etc at his/her independent reading level.  Students may also read to siblings to fulfill this requirement.  Please take time to share and discuss books read.

Grammar Tuesdays: Students learn grammar three days each week.  The grammar text is spiral. Grades 6 through 8 have a similar text with increased difficulty.  Students are given regular assignments in grammar, especially on Tuesdays which are due the next day.  Each assignment is listed in the agenda and appears on the grade report.

Wednesday Reading Responses:  Students will be reading self-selected texts from our Wednesday library visits.  The books are genre-based, and are student-chosen.  Students are required to write a one page response each week on what they are reading.  The responses are written in three categories: Textual Connections, Critical-Evaluative, and Creative-Personal.  These reading responses help to prepare students for the upper grades. These are due on THURSDAYS.

Sweet Words of Wisdom: Students should be reviewing and studying our sweet words of wisdom list.  These words come directly from units of study or from student writing.  Some pattern work and phonemic practice is included to build spelling and word awareness.  Please review correct spelling in all assignments your child does at home. These assignments will be due on varying days per the agenda.

News and Nonfiction: Students are to complete a 1/2 page Summary and 1/2 page Commentary each week in response to a nonfiction article read and discussed in class. Students read, reflect, and begin writing each Thursday.  The written portion should be completed at home for FRIDAY/MONDAY collection.  Please see web page for details.

Journal Responses: Students are to complete a journal twice per week (Wednesdays and Fridays); the Friday entry is completed as homework for MONDAY.  We discuss topics and prompts, and students are provided time to plan and begin responses in class.

Writing Workshop: Students will be writing various writing pieces throughout the school year based on the genres in which we are reading. Students will be asking parents and siblings to share these stories, revising and editing at home.  Please be an active participant in reading and sharing your child's creative writing. This will be listed in the agenda as the Writing Process begins!
 

PLEASE review the grade reports each week.  Grade reports list assignments and anything your child may have left incomplete.  Please, AS ALWAYS feel welcome to call or e-mail me with any questions.

Thank you,

Ms. Krall*