Homework
Finding the right balance when giving children homework help can be tricky. We want our children to succeed, and in the short term, it is tempting to help children with homework a little too much.
Children write their homework down in their school journal.
When your child says they are finished their homework check it against what is written in their journal. Once you are happy all is complete to the best of their ability sign the journal.
The class teacher will differentiate homework when necessary to ensure all children can succeed when completing homework tasks. If you feel your child is struggling please communicate this with the class teacher.
- Let Your Child Take the Lead
For instance, don’t open your child’s backpack, pull out the homework book, read off the homework and check that all the needed materials came home. Though it will be much faster if you do it, this is your child’s job.
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Create a Productive Homework Environment
Setting up a homework space for your child does not mean you need to devote a room to homework. The most important thing is that the area is free of distractions, like the TV.
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Use a Homework Contract if necessary
A little external motivation can help kids appreciate the long-term benefits of completing homework, and this is where a homework contract can help out. In this agreement between yourself and your child, what is expected of the child is clearly laid out as well as any rewards they might receive.
Reading Homework
Children learn to walk by walking, children learn to read by reading. What we do in school is not enough we need your help!
You need to listen to your child reading and most importantly discuss what has been read.
Discuss a few simple questions based on the characters in the text or setting of the book.
Use the question words who, what, when, where, why, how.
Ask your child to retell the story.
Discuss illustrations.
Encourage your child to talk about any similar experiences that are relevant to the book.
English in Practice & Maths in Practice
Two workbooks with a number of questions each night based on Math and English topics.
It is not essential for children to get all these questions correct. We do not want to correct your homework!!
These activities are a good indicator for the teacher to see where the children in the class are having difficulty.
Adopt a have a go approach and just tell your child to do their best.
Do not let your child spend longer than ten minutes on this activity.
Tables
Without knowing the addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts your child cannot complete mathematical tasks given to them on a daily basis. Encourage counting forwards and backwards. Do it while driving in the car!