Following oral and written directions is a major goal of third grade.  Reading and comprehending directions should be part of homework each evening.  We are having growing pains in class with listening and following directions the first time they are given.  To help with independence, please read directions with your student, look at any example given, have your student explain orally what he/she is to do, and then let your child independently complete the work.  The work can be broken down into time frames.  Asking your child to predict how long writing a sentence will take or how long half of the math problems will take will help your child break the tasks into smaller sections.  Watch the clock, each piece sent home should not be taking more than 10 minutes.  Each child is unique, as is each family’s procedure and time frame for completing homework.  Students are given time at recess to complete any unfinished work.  If homework is taking too long, complete half and send it back to school.  You would be amazed at how quickly work is accomplished  in that ten minute time frame 🙂  The first month is always the most difficult.  Routines develop, expectations become clear, and students rise to meet the challenges.   We have only been together for ten days, only 7 of those have had homework,  by mid August the bumpy road some of you are experiencing will begin to smooth. Please contact me by email if you have questions regarding homework. jsjones@egusd.net