Homework is an important part of being in first grade. The good work habits your child establishes now will most likely carry thought their academic career. Therefore, homework in first grade has two purposes: It provides an opportunity to establish good work habits and it reinforces skills taught in class.

Homework should take your first grader approximately 15-20 minutes each night to complete. Your child should be independent in completing their homework, as I go over what is expected at the end of each day. In addition, because it will always be "a reinforcement of what we did in class," the skills and concepts of the homework should be familiar to your child. If your child is confused, or is taking longer than 20 minutes to complete the assignment, please let me know. Try to keep homework time as positive and stress-free as possible. If your child seems tired, stop and continue later. Do not push your child.

Along with the assignments, your first grader should be engaged in 10-15 minutes of reading each day. This includes your child reading to you, you reading to your child and/or shared reading. Again, this time should be positive and stress-free.