We will be beginning our homework routine from next week (Week 5). From this point, your child will begin bringing home a homework folder each day.
What to expect:
- Homework will focus on reading each night (or any 4 mornings/days/nights, if you need to read on the weekend because some weekdays are too busy).
- Each morning, students will independently change their home reader in the classroom (this is a routine we practise regularly, and teachers support students to ensure books are chosen at the correct level).
- A home reader will be taken home daily.
Inside the homework folder you will find:
- A reading log – to be signed and dated on nights your child reads
- A literacy information pack with simple tips and ideas to support reading and literacy at home
- A sight word list – to keep at home to practise
- A homework grid – this will be a check off list of items you can do at home to further support your child’s learning.
It is expected that students complete four home reading sessions each week using their Home Readers. If your child is a reluctant reader or finds reading challenging, please aim for 10–15 minutes. When the time is up, stop the session and continue with the same book next time.
If your child becomes very upset when reading their Home Reader, please email us so we can work together to support them. It is important that reading remains a positive experience, with plenty of encouragement and praise.
Students will be completing these routines independently at school and will be given plenty of practice and support to build their confidence. Developing independence is a big focus in Year One, so we encourage children to take responsibility for their homework folder and reading routine, with gentle guidance from home where needed.
Homework folders will be checked on Friday; however, homework folders are expected to be brought to school every day (Monday to Friday) so readers can be changed and routines are consistent.
Thank you again for such a wonderful start to the year. We are so excited for the learning, growth, and fun ahead and feel very lucky to be working alongside such supportive families.
Madison Routley and Sharon Hume
Year 1 Teachers
