Home Learning That Supports Classroom Instruction

Rule #1-Make learning fun...not frustrating.

• Practice writing letters in the sand, dirt or with playdoh.
• Turn flash card practice (letters, numbers, math facts, etc) into games not drills.
• Make up funny songs or rhymes to help your child remember information, such as the states and capitals.
• Go on fieldtrips to the community library and check out really great books.
  
• When it is time to complete homework sit down with your child and help them.
• Avoid frustration!
  

Rule #2-Help them with their homework.

• Make sure they know you value homework and the learning process.
• Have a set time every day when homework should be completed.
• Make sure you have needed materials on hand: pencil, paper, crayons, etc.
  
• Ask the your child's teacher if you or your child don’t understand what is expected.
• Complete homework on time. It is very frustrating to students to be behind or to have to miss recess to complete homework.

Rule #3 -Take the time to read with your child daily.

• Take the time to listen to your child read, even if it is the same story over and over.
• When your child reads to you, talk about the story before the reading begins.  Discuss the cover and illustrations, and try to predict what the story might be about.
• Allow and encourage your child to point to words as s/he reads.  It encourages her/him to match written and spoken word, and as s/he gains confidence and ability this need will disappear.
• When your child comes to an unfamiliar word in reading give her/him plenty of time to solve the problem.  This way you can see the strategy s/he uses instead of telling her/him the word and letting the child develop the habit of not being dependent on others. 
  
• PRAISE her/him for all attempts at independently working to figure out words.
• Ask your child to tell you what s/he liked about a story you have read to her/him or s/he has read to you.  Ask her/him to retell the story to you using her/his own words.
• When you read to your child, occasionally ask her/him to find a specific letter or word on the page.  Ask if s/he sees any other words on the page s/he can read. 
  
• Remember to keep it fun and light.
• Encourage your child to read to other siblings, visitors, stuffed animals, etc.

Rule #4- Visit his/her school often

• Always attend parent/teacher conferences.
• Call the teacher and make an appointment if you have a question or a concern.
• Volunteer in your child's classroom or in the school during events.
• Attend PTO meetings and other meetings that affect what happens in your child's school.
• Share a talent or interest (talk about your career, teach sewing, take the class dogmushing during the Iditarod, etc).