FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions from parents
1.Q:How do I figure out the book level if the book doesn’t say? A:Go to www.arbookfind.com
2.Q:How often do you do book orders? A: Once a month, but they are optional .
3.Q:My child lost their homework or left it at school, what should they do? A: They have two options- call a friend and recreate the assignment on a blank piece of paper/photocopy or understand that they are responsible for making it up the next day. Homework is listed in the planner and also on the website. As a general rule I try to empower students to problem solve for themselves rather than make excuses.
4.Q: My child doesn’t understand the math and it is not the way I learned, what do I do? A: Be patient and don’t fight about the way. Many concepts are taught differently now. If you cannot resolve the process than have the student seem me for help at recess the next day or write a note in the planner.
5.Q: Why do you have Accelerated Reader goals? Shouldn’t kids read what they want? A: There are over 100,000 AR titles which can be found at the library or stores so students do have choice. Research has proven that students need to be challenged in their reading in order to grow. If a student chooses a book too easy or too hard they really don’t grow. I ask that students read an AR book in their reading level for their 20 minutes of nightly reading. If they would like to read other books that is fine, but should not be counted for their logged reading.
6.Q: It is my child’s birthday, can we celebrate with the class? A: Our school follows wellness guidelines and although we want to cherish each child our class is not set up to have birthday parties. If you would like to celebrate with your child please plan on bringing something the last ten minutes of school or something that can be passed out an taken with the other students. In the past families have given out healthy snacks, school supplies such as book marks and pencils, or crafts. Be creative and keep the sugar content low.
7. Q: My child’s homework is too hard and takes more than an hour every night, what can I do? A: Try to determine why it is taking so long-Is it distractions or do they not understand the directions? Then contact me and explain in detail the problems. I can adjust any homework to meet the needs of your child or they can seek help at recess or after school.
8.Q: My child is not mastering multiplication, what can I do to help? A: Spend 3-5 minutes a night working on flash cards and try to be systematic by only doing the fours and then go to the fives etc. Also there are many multiplication games on the class website which will help reinforce the concepts and give your a break from flash cards. Flash cards and timed tests along with other resources can be found at www.multiplication.com Students can also access Fasttmath stretch from the school student page for free.
2.Q:How often do you do book orders? A: Once a month, but they are optional .
3.Q:My child lost their homework or left it at school, what should they do? A: They have two options- call a friend and recreate the assignment on a blank piece of paper/photocopy or understand that they are responsible for making it up the next day. Homework is listed in the planner and also on the website. As a general rule I try to empower students to problem solve for themselves rather than make excuses.
4.Q: My child doesn’t understand the math and it is not the way I learned, what do I do? A: Be patient and don’t fight about the way. Many concepts are taught differently now. If you cannot resolve the process than have the student seem me for help at recess the next day or write a note in the planner.
5.Q: Why do you have Accelerated Reader goals? Shouldn’t kids read what they want? A: There are over 100,000 AR titles which can be found at the library or stores so students do have choice. Research has proven that students need to be challenged in their reading in order to grow. If a student chooses a book too easy or too hard they really don’t grow. I ask that students read an AR book in their reading level for their 20 minutes of nightly reading. If they would like to read other books that is fine, but should not be counted for their logged reading.
6.Q: It is my child’s birthday, can we celebrate with the class? A: Our school follows wellness guidelines and although we want to cherish each child our class is not set up to have birthday parties. If you would like to celebrate with your child please plan on bringing something the last ten minutes of school or something that can be passed out an taken with the other students. In the past families have given out healthy snacks, school supplies such as book marks and pencils, or crafts. Be creative and keep the sugar content low.
7. Q: My child’s homework is too hard and takes more than an hour every night, what can I do? A: Try to determine why it is taking so long-Is it distractions or do they not understand the directions? Then contact me and explain in detail the problems. I can adjust any homework to meet the needs of your child or they can seek help at recess or after school.
8.Q: My child is not mastering multiplication, what can I do to help? A: Spend 3-5 minutes a night working on flash cards and try to be systematic by only doing the fours and then go to the fives etc. Also there are many multiplication games on the class website which will help reinforce the concepts and give your a break from flash cards. Flash cards and timed tests along with other resources can be found at www.multiplication.com Students can also access Fasttmath stretch from the school student page for free.