As I corrected the first set of H.W. papers I have noticed that I may have overloaded all of you at Open House - my apology!!! Let me clarify the HW policy for you:

Each Friday your child will bring home the new H.W. packet and new spelling list. The children need to practice spelling/writing their words (no caps unless the word should be capitalized). They must know what the words mean (have them use a children's dictionary or an on-line dictionary rather than just giving them the answer). They need to write 8 sentences using their words. If they challenge themselves and write several of their words in a sentence they can write fewer sentences. THEY MUST DO THE THINKING AND WRITING. Please encourage neatness, capitals at the start and periods at the end of each sentence.  Remind them that if the reader can not read the work it is a waste of their time. Spelling words MUST be underlined and spelled accurately. They should spell first grade words right and sound out harder ones to the best of their ability. Each child has an individualized list based on the words in the word family and also priority words they need to learn.
     On the addition and subtraction pages they need to practice/learn all of them. I would set a timer and then mark by circling or a slash how far they got in 5 mins. so they can actually see their progress each week. I will correct them in school. 
     The Reading Log must be signed by a parent or guardian.  I will be keeping these but will respond on a separate sheet of paper.  We are trying to encourage the child's responsibility.  Please have your child write the title of each book using appropriate uppercase letters and underline the title.  This will help them as they create individual reading responses in school.

We will continue next week in the same themes. 
Science--Ants
Reading--Comprehension and Writing Responses
Writing--How to Generate topics
Math--Part/Part/Whole

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.  I feel that we are off to a great start!  Have a wonderful weekend.