What kind of homework can we expect in first grade?
Homework Policy: When students start reading groups in September their homework will be to read these books to you. Your child will also be able to work on ST Math, a math problem solving website they will also have access to in the classroom. I do not assign ST Math homework but your child will have access to the website as a student in Hilliard City schools. This is a great way to get in some extra learning on those rainy or cold days when it is hard to get outside and play.
My thinking is two fold:
o It is generally agreed that the younger the child, the less time the child should be expected to devote to homework. A general rule of thumb is that children do 10 minutes of homework for each grade level. Therefore, first graders should be expected to do about 10 minutes of homework, second graders 20 minutes, third graders 30 minutes, and so on. (cited from National Association of School Psychologists)
o Harris Cooper, a leading homework researcher, examined more than 100 studies on the effects of homework and concluded that there is little evidence that homework at the elementary school level has an impact on school achievement. Studies at the junior high school level have found some modest benefits of homework, but studies of homework at the high school level have found that it has clear benefits.
Finally, I believe homework should be purposeful, either to my instruction or to student learning. The most purposeful homework I can assign is that of READING!
My thinking is two fold:
o It is generally agreed that the younger the child, the less time the child should be expected to devote to homework. A general rule of thumb is that children do 10 minutes of homework for each grade level. Therefore, first graders should be expected to do about 10 minutes of homework, second graders 20 minutes, third graders 30 minutes, and so on. (cited from National Association of School Psychologists)
o Harris Cooper, a leading homework researcher, examined more than 100 studies on the effects of homework and concluded that there is little evidence that homework at the elementary school level has an impact on school achievement. Studies at the junior high school level have found some modest benefits of homework, but studies of homework at the high school level have found that it has clear benefits.
Finally, I believe homework should be purposeful, either to my instruction or to student learning. The most purposeful homework I can assign is that of READING!
What about Birthdays?
Due to various allergies and the dietary needs of many students, we ask that children no longer bring in edible treats to celebrate birthdays. To recognize birthdays, our class will sing happy birthday and your child can bring a book for that day's read aloud. I understand that this change in policy may not be a popular one, but please know that we want our classroom to be a safe and comfortable place for all students and these small changes ensure the health and safety of all.
**There will be an opportunity for kiddos with summer birthdays to celebrate their birthday before the end of the school year.
Invitations to birthday parties held outside of school may only be passed out if the ENTIRE class is invited. I make exceptions to this rule if you have a daughter/son and she/he is inviting ALL the girls/boys, etc. You can imagine the hurt feelings of kiddos when they are not included in a mixed birthday party and as a parent I know the enormous cost of having 26+ kids at a party. Please use the student directory to help you send invitations for smaller parties by mail or evite.
**There will be an opportunity for kiddos with summer birthdays to celebrate their birthday before the end of the school year.
Invitations to birthday parties held outside of school may only be passed out if the ENTIRE class is invited. I make exceptions to this rule if you have a daughter/son and she/he is inviting ALL the girls/boys, etc. You can imagine the hurt feelings of kiddos when they are not included in a mixed birthday party and as a parent I know the enormous cost of having 26+ kids at a party. Please use the student directory to help you send invitations for smaller parties by mail or evite.
Snack Time
1. Healthy Snack Options ONLY. Ideas include: grapes, yogurt, apple slices, carrots, granola bars, raisins, pretzels, cheese slices, apple sauce pouches, bananas, etc.
2. Choose a quick snack.
3. If your snack requires utensils-you must provide them.
4. Choose a snack that doesn’t create a lot of mess.
5. Choose a snack that your child can open and manage themselves.
6. Please NO DRINKS.
7. Your child will be asked to return the following items to their backpack/lunchbox: Doritos, chips, Little Debbies, brownies, cookies, candy, drinks, donuts, etc.
2. Choose a quick snack.
3. If your snack requires utensils-you must provide them.
4. Choose a snack that doesn’t create a lot of mess.
5. Choose a snack that your child can open and manage themselves.
6. Please NO DRINKS.
7. Your child will be asked to return the following items to their backpack/lunchbox: Doritos, chips, Little Debbies, brownies, cookies, candy, drinks, donuts, etc.
Does my child need to learn their Student id? They always pack.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Your child's student ID will be used throughout their entire career at Hilliard City Schools. We will be using their student ID for technology logins so it is very important that you help your child learn this number during the first few weeks of school.
WHat should my child wear to school?
Comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. We paint and glue A LOT in first grade! Also, tennis shoes are best. Opened toed sandals and crocks are adorable and comfy but cause many issues during recess and are NOT ALLOWED. We have a lot of mulch in our play area and every year there are splinters and cut toes. On C day our class has gym and your child MUST wear gym shoes on this day or they will not be permitted to participate in gym.
What day does my child have Music, GYM, or art?
Our specials schedule cycle is as follows:
A Day=Music
B Day=Gym
C Day=Art
The first day of school is A day, the 2nd day is B day, the 3rd day is C day, and the 4th day is A day again...
It is important that you keep track of the days so your child can have the appropriate attire for gym. Snow days and holidays do not count in the schedule rotation.
A Day=Music
B Day=Gym
C Day=Art
The first day of school is A day, the 2nd day is B day, the 3rd day is C day, and the 4th day is A day again...
It is important that you keep track of the days so your child can have the appropriate attire for gym. Snow days and holidays do not count in the schedule rotation.