Why do I assign reading logs? Why do I use up my precious copy limit each and every week? Because I am required to! But what is the real impact on my students’ learning or reading skills? Minimal if any at all. I am a closet reading log hater. I just do not have time {or I do not allow for time} to check them each and every day. I do not hand out prizes for reading each night. They way I see it, kids who love to read…will.
Thus, the Reading Log Opt Out Form was born. I am sending this home tomorrow and here’s why.
I began this year with a great idea to keep up with nightly reading in a spiral notebooks. I had the kiddos set it up by writing the title, the date, and a picture of something that happened in the story. I wanted to start simple…it is a complete waste of time…ugghh. Don't get me wrong. I am not anti-homework, anti-establishment
or anything. I am a little lazy maybe…I love or Math Expressions homework sheets, etc. But I do not assign spelling homework either. I can’t handle reading those old spelling sentences!
Enough of my tirade. If anyone has any wonderful breakthroughs in reading homework land-lemme know!
Have you checked out Spelling City? I put all of the kids' lists on Spelling City, and their spelling homework is to log on and do a game or puzzle with their spelling words.
ReplyDeleteThis is great on so many levels.
1. The kids LOVE being able to play games on the computer, and complete their homework at the same time!
2. I don't have to waste my print quota on spelling homework.
3. Students take their tests online (all of my kids have different lists...yah..) and it grades it for you!!!! They just print out the results.
It's really amazing..check it out if you haven't tried yet.
http://teachingwithflare.blogspot.com/
I think this is very smart! I love how you explained this so nicely to the families. No brilliant ideas on homework here...I just do nightly reading (no log), studying spelling words, and math (the easiest homework to assign!).
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!!
Kristen
I do use Spelling City! My kids love it and don't even know they are studying! I send it and a few other ideas for practicing at home in their binders.
ReplyDeleteKristen...I hope no one takes it the wrong way. I told them at Open House that I just want them to love to read as much as I do! Dreams, dreams! May they all come true
I do the same thing as Kristen - I assign reading minutes every night but I don't ask them to write down what they read, then I typically send home the back side of their math workbook page. I just assume they are studying for spelling throughout the week...... maybe that is a bad assumption, haha!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous Multiagers!
Some parents need the structure of assigned homework from the teacher or their child won't do anything at home. My kids are responsible to read for 10-15 minutes (not very much, I know but our district only allows 10 minutes per grade level of homework - I teach 2nd and so I am only allowed 20 minutes total); I give some sort of spelling activity and some math problems. I shrink it down to a booklet - 1 paper, front and back with 4 days of homework. They bring it back for a ticket at the end of the week. Also, for my more motivated readers/students, I do a "book bingo" and sometimes an extra math problem. Homework is definitely a two-headed beast!! Good luck! PS - Thanks for such a great blog! I love all your free resources and great ideas!
ReplyDeleteI have struggled with the same things and I LOVE this idea!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!!
I also nominated you for a Versatile Blogger award!
Third Grade Bookworm
I just found your blog! I have awarded you with the Versatile Blogger Award. Drop by when you get a chance and pick it up.
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy Week!
Yay! Thanks so much! Wish I was more versatile lately!
ReplyDeleteAre you in Hickory? If so, I feel the need to tell you that I had the opportunity to teach at one of the elementary schools down there during my student teaching. :) I saw the catawbaschools part of your email address, and I was just curious! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this letter. Do you still offer the editable version? :)
ReplyDelete