September 2013
Dear Third Grade Parents & Guardians,
Welcome to an exciting and important year in your child’s educational
development. I want to explain several basic components about homework in
this transitional year. I will discuss everything in greater detail during curriculum
night on Thursday, September 26th.
MOST IMPORTANT
Please read and sign your child’s homework log EVERY NIGHT.
You will be able to tell by the daily list what homework there is and what notices
are in the homework folder each day. I check the homework folders and
homework logs every morning. If there is anything you need to tell me, you may
write it in the parent/teacher communication box on the homework log. It is
important for your child to know that we communicate even if it is as simple as
initials on a homework log.
BASICS ABOUT HOMEWORK
Students must read at least 20 minutes each day and record on the back of
their homework log. Logs will be checked daily. Parents must initial the log
each night.
Students must practice math facts for 5 minutes each day and also record on
the back of their homework log.
In the beginning of October, we will start our spelling program that will focus on
recognizing common spelling strategies, and learning spelling/phonics rules.
Each week the children will be taught a new spelling rule. As part of their
weekly homework students will have a packet that will be passed out on
Monday, to be returned on Friday. The packet has activities to familiarize the
students with the weekly rule. An activity called look, say, cover, write, check will
also be done with the packet. Your child can show you how this is done from our
practice in school. Spelling packets will only be assigned when we have full
weeks of school. I suggest spreading this assignment out over the course of the
week. Please plan accordingly if you have busy Thursday evenings to avoid
unnecessary homework stress.
Math homework is given 3-4 times per week. One of these nights is a “math
games” night. Please remember that I will only assign homework about things
that have already been covered in school.
Cursive homework will be assigned one night per week.
Science and social studies work is given as needed.
HOMEWORK PROCEDURES
Homework assignments are explained, modeled and written on the board at
school.
Students copy the daily assignments, a listing of the day’s notices, and
upcoming events onto their homework log. These are reminders for you and
your child. Please read and initial daily.
In third grade, homework is used in part to build responsibility. Your child should
be completing the homework, and packing his/her backpack independently.
Your job is to initial the homework log when your child has shown you the
completed assignment. Your child should then pack his/her folder with the
completed work, notices to return, and the homework log that has been signed
by a parent. Most children remember their homework folders when their
backpack is packed at night rather than in the morning.
If your child is truly struggling with homework, please don’t let it go on forever!
For example, if they are stuck on a math sheet and struggle for more than 20
minutes ... STOP! Write a note on the homework log to me explaining the
difficulty and I will review the concept.
Other Important Information
Our specialist schedule is as follows:
Monday TuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridayConferences:
Report Cards:
MCAS Reading:
MCAS Math:
Music/Recorder (bring recorders when you get them)
No special
Art
Library (return library books)
PE (need sneakers)
October/November and March/April
February and June
March
May
Please join me on Thursday, September 26th for curriculum night. I consider this
one of the most important nights of the school year.
Thank you!
Ms. Lawton