Homework

We ask parents to support their children in the learning of basic skills

• EYFS and Class 1 will bring home library books to share and will receive sounds to practise when they are ready, which consolidate their learning in phonics sessions at school. Once the children are ready, they will also begin to bring home reading books to reinforce and revisit the phonics learning which has taken place in school.
• From Class 2 – Class 4 all children are expected to read at home at least 3 times a week, this can be with their school reading book or books from home. They should also learn their weekly spellings and revise the previous year group spellings, as well as learning the multiplication tables confidently.
• In Class 5 the children will begin to receive written reading and maths homework to give them the chance to apply the knowledge and skills learnt in class.
• In Class 6 the children are given homework to complete to help them prepare for the end of year SATS and the homework expectations in Secondary school.

Reading at home should be recorded in the children’s reading records, which should then be handed in to class teachers every Friday. If children have finished their reading books, these can also be handed in and exchanged for new books each Friday.

Some tips to help with homework

Children are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their homework — it shows children that what they do is important. Of course, helping with homework shouldn’t mean spending hours hunched over a desk. Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study and organisation skills, explaining a tricky problem or just encouraging children to have a go.

1. Set up a homework-friendly area. Make sure children have a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep stationary — paper, pencils, glue, scissors — within reach.
2. Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, loud music, or phone calls. (Occasionally, though, a phone call to a classmate about a piece of homework can be helpful.)
3. Make sure children do their own work. They won’t learn if they don’t think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Parents can make suggestions and help with directions. However, it is the child’s job to do the learning.
4. Sign the children’s reading record each time they read.
5. Be a motivator and monitor. Ask about homework, quizzes, and tests. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns.
6. Set a good example. Do your children ever see you reading a book? Children are more likely to follow their parents’ examples than their advice.
7. Praise their work and efforts. Praise children when they have tried really hard and completed some work. Mention academic achievements to relatives.
8. Ask for help. We are more than happy to help with any homework dilemmas you might have or spend some time with you explaining how you can help your child with a particular piece of homework. Please come in and ask.