Monthly Homework

Last year I decided to simplify my homework program. Rather than giving weekly homework packets (mostly worksheets), I decided to try giving monthly assignments. I had tried this in the past (using the monthly calendars from the book Kindergarten Homework) but many of the activities were "unstructured" and my parents just weren't following through with them. I needed something more structured that I could actually see was done. I used the concept of a monthly homework calendar but paired it with a packet for recording the work. I did include some "unstructured" assignments (like counting or singing) but there is one paper/pencil activity for each day. Each day has a specific page in the packet to complete. The skills reflected in the homework are based on the scope/sequence of Open Court phonics and our shared reading program. I send the complete packet home at the beginning of the month and have children return it each Friday so I can check that the work is being completed. This system worked wonderfully! I had much better participation and it was far less time consuming for me.

I've included both Word and pdf files for these calendars. The Word files can be altered to make them more specific to your class/school. However if you choose to use the Word version, you will need to have the Primer Print font installed. You can download it free here (it makes the letters in correct manuscript)! If you need help installing the font, Jessica Meacham has a great font tutorial on her site. If you don't have this font installed, the text is going to move all over the place! If you don't want to or can't install the font, you can use the pdf version of the files but that version can't be altered as easily.

Updated for 2008-2009

Homework Folders:

I use the two-pocket folders with the fasteners in the middle. I copy the homework calendar and the accompanying work packet for the month and hole-punch it. I place these in the middle of the folder. The monthly book record and sight word cards go in the pockets of the folders.

Parent Letter (explaining the monthly homework calendars)

September Calendar

Word version (.doc)

pdf version