Guidelines for Helping with Homework

Guidelines for Helping With Homework
Don't Work Harder Than Your Child!
by Dr. Charles Fay

Set aside a time each day for family learning.
Set aside at least 30 minutes, devoted to "family brain cell development." During this time, there should be no TV, video games, computer games, etc.

Model your own excitement for learning by reading a book, writing letters, etc.

Your child may learn by doing their homework, reading about something they love, writing stories, etc.

Help only when your child truly wants it.
Some parents make the mistake of forcing help upon their kids. This only creates frustration, anger, and kids who believe they can’t learn without their parents’ help.

Help only when there’s an absence of anger or frustration.
When either you or your child gets frustrated or angry, learning becomes associated with frustration and anger.

Help only when your child can describe what the teacher said.
This ensures that your child continues to believe that it’s important to pay attention to teachers.

Unfortunately, some kids learn that it’s best to "tune–out" at school and let their parents do all of the teaching at home.

Move away from your child before he/she "gets it."
Some children believe they can only learn something, or "get it," when an adult is in the same room…or is guiding them every inch of the way.

To prevent this dependency, avoid falling into the habit of sitting at the table as your child does their homework, especially when they are on the brink of learning something new.

THE CARDINAL RULE FOR HELPING:
Never Work Harder Than Your Child.

Dr. Charles Fay is a nationally known speaker, parent, and school psychologist with The Love and Logic Institute in Golden, Colo. His video, Hope for Underachieving Kids, and his book, Love and Logic Magic When Kids Leave You Speechless provide a wealth of ideas for raising kids who are ready to learn and ready for the real world. For more information about Love and Logic parenting and teaching techniques, call 1-800-LUV-LOGIC or visit www.loveandlogic.com

Spelling Resource

I just found an awesome website for helping your child master their spelling words. It allows them to type their words in to the site. It provides interactive games for helping then learn the words, and also gives a practice test.

The site is www.spellingcity.com . You should definitely check it out!

This week in Room 218

Here's a brief overview of what's been going on in our classroom.

MAP Testing
We've spent a total of 3 days completing MAP Testing, which is a computerized test. The MAP test covers Reading, Language Arts, and Math. Once your child completes the MAP test, I'm able to log on and find out their strengths and weaknesses in each of the aforementioned areas. The scores and data are used to guide classroom instruction.

Reading
I am finished testing all of the students, and they've each been assigned a reading group. The students are grouped based on their reading level, each group will meet with me a minimum of 2 times per week. After each Guided Reading Meeting, students will take their books home to be either reread, or to do a pre-read for the next meeting. Please note that these books should come back to school the very next day. If for any reason the book is lost or severely damaged it is your responsibility to replace the book for use by other groups.

Math
Everyday Math is now in full gear, and hopefully your child is enjoying math time. Last night was the first night of Everyday Math homework. Students have been working on completing number grid patterns, recognizing greater than, less than; and counting money. They've learned a new math game at home called Addition Top-It. This would be a great game to play at home. Ask your child to show you how to play. (Note: It can be played with regular playing cards)

Social Studies
This week we've been learning about the three Michigan Native American tribes; the Ottawa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomi. They've learned all about where they lived, the things they made and types of homes they live in.

Snack

I'm projecting that in about 1 1/2 weeks we'll be out of our community snacks. If you don't send an individual snack in with your child every day, please try to contribute snacks to our classroom. I'll pitch in donations as well.

No School
There will be no school tomorrow due to Professional Development. Please be sure to make other arrangements.

Learning Plan Meeting Schedule

If for any reason you can't make your scheduled Learning Plan Meeting, please let me know.

Monday
7:45 - Romantic
1:30 - Chaderra
1:45 - Madison
4:00 - Maranda
4:15 - Namiah

Tuesday
7:45 - Raegan
1:30 - Nailah
1:45 - Satchel
4:00 - Blest
4:15 - Jordyn

Wednesday
7:45 - Je'ron
1:30 - Trinity

Thursday

1:30 - Abdullah
1:45 - Adia
4:00 - Ryan

Scholastic Book Clubs

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: 1DE20

Dear Parent,

Now it's easier than ever to find the right books for your child — and help us earn FREE books for our classroom library at the same time!

With new online ordering from Scholastic Book Clubs, you can choose from a much wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card.

Best of all, our class earns a FREE book every time a parent places their order online.

It's so simple! Here's how it works:
SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.

SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.

SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not experience for yourself how convenient it is to order online?

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure. Plus our whole class benefits thanks to the FREE books we'll earn with every parent online order.

Go to www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs now to get started.

Thank you,
Mrs. Gibson

Back to School Night

Back to School Night is this Wednesday from 5:30-7p.m. It would be great if you can make it, we'll be discussing Exhibitions and Learning Team Meetings, as well as Classroom Expectations. If you won't be able to make it, please let me know.

UPA on BET

UPA will be featured on a BET documentary on Detroit this Saturday at 9:30 pm. We believe that they will describe UPA as a school that works in a struggling, dysfunctional district. Be sure to tune in!!!