Photos are of:

~ beans and tomatoes in gardens observed by Pre-K and K classes.  Kindergarten students took home samples!

~ plants Kindergartners pulled out of pots to observe, touch, and smell, especially the roots.  They did this garden science on the new shop/science porch on benches assembled by 3rd through 6th graders in shop.

~ vegetables harvested in August.

~ 3rd grade students in shop nailing legs on porch benches.

~ 5th/6th grader students cutting wire for the large dove puppet.

In upper elementary school, the nature of homework changes a bit. No longer are students simply responsible for a math worksheet and some reading--they are adding studying to their nightly routine. It is important to recognize that this is a new skill and like any new skill takes some time to become automatic. It can also be that part of the nightly routine that feels the hardest to get a handle on for parents. Hopefully, this blog will give you some sense of what is being asked of your student. Know that we will talk more specifically about the areas your student should be focusing on when we meet for parent/teacher conferences.

What kinds of things should my student study?

Spanish---T. Raquel asks students to create new vocabulary flashcards and to flip through them each day. Learning a new language requires using it and the flashcards help students secure spelling and definitions, make learning related words easier, and teach students that a bit of review each night eliminates the need to "cram" before the test!

Math---The 5th and 6th grade math programs assume that students have automaticity of basic math facts. This means that they recall answers to basic facts quickly and accurately. Students who are still struggling to recall these facts find the math program to be very difficult. For example, in the first unit of fifth grade math, students are expected to be able to list all of the factors of a number, complete prime factorizations, and write that factorization in exponential notation. If you don't know your multiplication facts the fifth grade expectations can be overwhelming. We don't teach or practice basic math facts in the 5th and 6th. Students who are still working to secure these facts are expected to practice nightly.

Math (part 2)---5th and 6th grade math is much more complex and abstract. In many cases, if you don't know the math vocabulary, you can't even begin to answer the math questions. The first assignment in every unit is to write the new math vocabulary in the math journal. Students write the definitions in their own words and are reminded to study the definitions every night.

How do they learn what and how to study?

We work very hard to teach students how to identify what they don't know, that they need to work to secure it, and a variety of approaches to studying. These are vital skills to learn before beginning middle school. Students don't learn them in a day or a week--it is a process that we pursue every day. In the beginning, students are told directly that they need to work on a particular skill. As students grow in awareness, they are asked to reflect on what may be getting in the way of securing a new concept or skill. Over time, many students begin to engage in this process independently. They are also given opportunities to learn what methods of studying work best for them.

How can parents help?

• When talking to your student clearly communicate that you know that learning how to study is a new responsibility but one that they are ready to tackle.
• Ensure that your student has a quiet, distraction free zone for homework/studying.
• If you are concerned that your student is not spending enough time studying, implement a study/homework time. Simply have a family policy that a particular span of time each night is homework/studying time. That is the only thing that happens during that time--no excuses, no exceptions. This can provide helpful structure for some students.
• If your student asks you to help them run through their flashcards, do so and have fun! Don't let it become a drill session, be positive about the words or math facts that they know and communicate that you know with practice that they'll secure the ones they aren't so sure about. If they don't want your help, that's okay too---they are growing in independence and may find other ways to study that work better for them.