However, teachers also give stupid homework. Kids do not need to do coloring at home.
I personally think homework should only be stuff that isn't finished in class, and then time spent on areas of weakness. If a kid is not good at math, then the kid should spend time reviewing math facts. If a kid is not good at spelling, then the kid should spend time studying for the spelling test. If the kid is up to par, then he doesn't have as much homework.
I have both a special ed child and two gifted children. My special ed child needs lots of time to work on her spelling, writing, reading, and most importantly her speech. She doesn't need to spend time on math. She's one of the top students in her class in math. She doesn't need time to spend on coloring. The teacher send home stupid homework, and I don't have time to work with my daughter on her speech.
Then they send home some homework, and it's too much for her at the end of the day. She is very weak at writing, and she is worse when she is tired. She has an individualized education plan, but it's not specific enough. I need to call another meeting and force the issue. I don't need my 2nd grade daughter with brain damage having meltdowns over homework.
Understandably, the speech problem makes it difficult for them to translate letters into sounds (esp. if it is phonological). Sight words are probably easier for her to learn at first so have her read the same book over and over; maybe a math book. Also, use Bob Books to reinforce vowel sounds. There is a book called Spelling Power which is great. They take a test and then only study (using an easy 10 part study system)the words they misspell. Play the Phonics Game. Read the same index cards over and over while doing speech exercises, she will learn the words. Label everything so she will see the words. Let her color in letters (and spelling words), she may be a visual learner. They are not going to do any of this at the public school. Ultimately, it is your responsibility. Be creative, let her make up stories using her spelling words and spelling them out when you ask. Make it fun. She is probably very frustrated at school. You can do it ;-)