Frequently Asked Questions:
Does my child have homework?
How do I help my child with homework?
What's the best way to get in touch with the teacher?
How do I know if my child is doing well?
What do I need to do if my child is absent?
How does the Accelerated Reading program work?
What are other ways parents can help?
How do I help my child with homework?
What's the best way to get in touch with the teacher?
How do I know if my child is doing well?
What do I need to do if my child is absent?
How does the Accelerated Reading program work?
What are other ways parents can help?
Does my child have homework?
Yes! I have assigned homework to keep skills sharp, and provide continuous practice in necessary skills. In addition, your child may need to work on a project. All homework assignments will be given on Friday afternoon and are due the following Friday morning. Your child's homework may be different than another student's homework in our class due to each student's unique needs. Homework assignments are in detail in the Bee Binder along with a grading rubric.
How do I help my child with homework?
All homework assignments given will be practice on a lesson that has already been taught. Most assignments should be able to be competed independently. Unless your child has been absent, we HAVE gone over this in class. That being said, students may have questions, and need some assistance with their homework. Here are some suggestions to aid with homework time:
1. Provide a quiet place to work and the necessary tools (pencils, paper, etc.)
2. Show an interest, and look at every assignment.
3. If they are just STUCK- Have your child read the question aloud to you. Ask questions that lead them to figuring out the answer.
4. If they finished, but both you and the teacher expect better work- While homework should be neat, and students should be doing their best work, no one is perfect. Point out some difficult words your child spelled correctly, and ask them to reread their writing for any words they did not spell correctly. If they can not read their words, explain that the teacher may not be able to read it either, and rewrite parts that are messy.
5. If you see a question/problem they got wrong- Ask them to look at it again, and explain how they got their answer.
6. If your child is very frustrated- Try taking a break, and coming back to the homework at a later time. Don't quit altogether- that sends a message that giving up is ok. Try doing one or two hard questions together, then let your child do the rest on his/her own. Please let the teacher know if you feel the homework is consistently too difficult for your child.
7. Remember, it is your child's homework, not yours. You will not be helping your child in any way by doing the homework for him or her.
8. I am very aware that we do things differently in school, and use different wording. Please jot me a note in the planner if you would like any explanation about a topic that your child is having difficulty with.
1. Provide a quiet place to work and the necessary tools (pencils, paper, etc.)
2. Show an interest, and look at every assignment.
3. If they are just STUCK- Have your child read the question aloud to you. Ask questions that lead them to figuring out the answer.
4. If they finished, but both you and the teacher expect better work- While homework should be neat, and students should be doing their best work, no one is perfect. Point out some difficult words your child spelled correctly, and ask them to reread their writing for any words they did not spell correctly. If they can not read their words, explain that the teacher may not be able to read it either, and rewrite parts that are messy.
5. If you see a question/problem they got wrong- Ask them to look at it again, and explain how they got their answer.
6. If your child is very frustrated- Try taking a break, and coming back to the homework at a later time. Don't quit altogether- that sends a message that giving up is ok. Try doing one or two hard questions together, then let your child do the rest on his/her own. Please let the teacher know if you feel the homework is consistently too difficult for your child.
7. Remember, it is your child's homework, not yours. You will not be helping your child in any way by doing the homework for him or her.
8. I am very aware that we do things differently in school, and use different wording. Please jot me a note in the planner if you would like any explanation about a topic that your child is having difficulty with.
What's the best way to get in touch with the teacher?
I am at school at least 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after school each day. Feel free to call the school (910)864-4843. Please keep in mind, the office may not transfer your call down during instructional time, or I may be in a meeting. In that case, please leave a message with the office staff, and I will get back with you.
I also check my email at least once a day. My email address is [email protected] .
You can also write a note in your child's planner, as I will check it every day. This is also the best way to leave me a note concerning excuses for absences or a change in transportation.
I also check my email at least once a day. My email address is [email protected] .
You can also write a note in your child's planner, as I will check it every day. This is also the best way to leave me a note concerning excuses for absences or a change in transportation.
How do I know if my child is doing well in class?
All students will receive a report card every 9 weeks. Please sign and return the report card envelope and indicate if you would like to have a conference concerning your child's progress.
Every 4 1/2 weeks (between report cards) students will receive a progress report. Please sign and return.
Students will take home graded papers in thier BEE Binders. Please look through these papers and discuss with your child. In addition, sign and return the weekly literacy contract. Any other notes will be written in the daily planner. If you ever have a question about your child's progress, feel free to call, email, or write me a note.
Every 4 1/2 weeks (between report cards) students will receive a progress report. Please sign and return.
Students will take home graded papers in thier BEE Binders. Please look through these papers and discuss with your child. In addition, sign and return the weekly literacy contract. Any other notes will be written in the daily planner. If you ever have a question about your child's progress, feel free to call, email, or write me a note.
What do I need to do if my child is absent?
If your child is absent from school, please send a note when your child returns to give a reason for his/her absence. Please know, students will only be excused for reasons approved by Cumberland County Schools' policy. I will send home any make-up work I feel is necessary to keep your child from falling behind.
How does the Accelerated Reading program work? (A.R.)
Our Accelerated Reading program is a way to encourage more reading. Studies show that one way to become a better reader is to READ!
Most books have an AR reading level and point value. (Go to ARbookFind.com to look up levels and points).
All students will work with the teacher to develop a point goal for a 9 week period. Students will then read books and take tests within their reading level. Based on the results of the tests, students will earn points toward their goal. Students who make their goal will receive a voted upon incentive. I will keep you informed about your child's progress in A.R. on his/her weekly behavior report.
Most books have an AR reading level and point value. (Go to ARbookFind.com to look up levels and points).
All students will work with the teacher to develop a point goal for a 9 week period. Students will then read books and take tests within their reading level. Based on the results of the tests, students will earn points toward their goal. Students who make their goal will receive a voted upon incentive. I will keep you informed about your child's progress in A.R. on his/her weekly behavior report.
What are other ways parents can help?
I know many of you work, so volunteering at the school may not be an option for you. (If it is something you would like to do, PLEASE call me!) However, there are plenty of other ways you can help our class and our school.
** Collect Box Tops for Education. Many products contain "Box Tops for Education" on their packaging. Please cut out, collect and send in these Box Tops to earn money for our school. Our school has collected thousands of dollars from this program!
** Purchase books from the Scholastic Book Clubs. For every book purchase you make, it gives us points to use toward free books for our classroom.
** PTA. Our PTA works very hard to help our school. By joining the PTA, you can be a part of this process. In addition, the PTA puts our a monthly newsletter with dates and events to keep in mind.
** Keep in touch. Make sure the school has your current phone numbers and address. Please let us know of any changes that may affect your child's learning.
** Collect Box Tops for Education. Many products contain "Box Tops for Education" on their packaging. Please cut out, collect and send in these Box Tops to earn money for our school. Our school has collected thousands of dollars from this program!
** Purchase books from the Scholastic Book Clubs. For every book purchase you make, it gives us points to use toward free books for our classroom.
** PTA. Our PTA works very hard to help our school. By joining the PTA, you can be a part of this process. In addition, the PTA puts our a monthly newsletter with dates and events to keep in mind.
** Keep in touch. Make sure the school has your current phone numbers and address. Please let us know of any changes that may affect your child's learning.