Homework

Nightly Independent Reading

The amount of free reading done outside of school has consistently been found to relate to growth in vocabulary, reading comprehension, verbal fluency, and general information (Anderson, Wilson, and Fielding 1988; Greaney 1980; Guthrie and Greaney 1991; Taylor, Frye, and Maruyama 1990). Students who read independently become better readers, score higher on achievement tests in all subject areas, and have greater content knowledge than those who do not (Krashen 1993; Cunningham and Stanovich 1991; Stanovich and Cunningham 1993). Please set aside at least 20 minutes each school night for your child to read independently or even better, aloud to you.

Math Homework

Verona utilizes the Math Expressions program for math instruction.  Specifically, fourth grade’s math curriculum involves group work, hands-on activities, problem solving, logical thinking, and decision-making lessons. You can expect your child to have math homework every week.  Math homework is intended to reinforce concepts learned in class.  I will always explain how to do these assignments before students are sent home.  Your child should not be spending more than 30 minutes on math homework.  Additionally, your child (and/or you) should not experience high or excessive frustration when completing homework.  If either of these situations occur, please jot me a note at the top your child's homework, and I will work with your child one-on-one in the morning to complete the work for full credit.  It is important to also note that students can, and are encouraged to, bring home their math notebook to help them in completing their homework.

Unfinished & Absent Work

Any work not completed during the day will be sent home to be finished and returned the next day.  If your child is absent, he/she will need to complete the work that was missed.  Students will have a fair and appropriate amount of time to finish any assignment they may have missed.