HOMEWORK POLICY RATIONALE St. John s Primary School recognises that learning is an on-going process which takes place in a variety of situations including the home and hence encourages students to complete homework. Homework is purposeful out of class learning that seeks to enhance the extent to which each child benefits from their education. It provides an opportunity for students to share their learning with their families, to consolidate work learnt in the classroom and to prepare for lifelong learning beyond the classroom experience. We believe homework supports student learning by: a. developing independent learning, self discipline, time management and organisational skills; b. allowing students to practise the skills introduced to the class; c. extending students knowledge; d. providing opportunities for individual research; and e. encouraging good study habits in preparation for further education. PRINCIPLES 1. Learning is an on-going process. Homework helps students to develop organisational and time-management skills, self discipline, skills in using out-of-school resources and personal responsibility for learning. 2. Homework is an opportunity for parents to participate in their child s education. Parents, in partnership with the school, should encourage their children to establish good homework patterns from early primary school. 3. Homework is an opportunity for getting kids to do something at home and participate in family life. This will enable parents to get children to do their share of work in the home including housework, shipping,, physical activity such as sport training and engaging in family outings such as walking, fishing and exploring their world activities which enhance family life. 4. Homework takes into account the diversity of extra-curricular activities students engage in after hours. 5. Parents should be advised of homework expectations at the beginning of the school year and be provided with a copy of the school s homework policy. 6. As students move through the primary school years there is a gradual shift in responsibility for completing homework. Initially in the early years parents will support
their child with homework requirements and by senior primary years students should take on this responsibility by themselves. 7. Failure by students to complete homework on a regular basis should be followed up with parents. The Homework Grid IMPLEMENTATION The development of the homework grid is based on Ian Lillico s book Homework and the Homework Grid as a result of extensive research into boys education. Homework has always been a major issue for boys, girls, parents and teachers. The grid broadens the definition of homework to include work done at home and also broadens the definition to include less sedentary activities. The grid recognises the wide range of after school activities encourages positive family interactions and allows time for students to pursue their own learning. The grid can link academic learning to real-life situations for example the compiling of a shopping list to a given budget. The homework grid aims to encourage children to do their share of work in the home including housework and shopping as well as participate in physical activity such as sports training and family outings. It covers areas such as reading, spelling, number facts, research, teaching others, computers music practice and many others. The emphasis is on diversity, family life and active pursuits. The Homework Grid comprises the following 12 sections. Environment/Nature e.g. go for a walk in the park, help recycle water, paper, garbage, etc. Read e.g. read for pleasure- choose a book that looks interesting and engaging. Teach parents something you were taught e.g. teach parents a game, an activity or a new skill you have learnt. Religious Education e.g. family prayer, meditation, community service, relaxation techniques. Physical activity e.g. run, walk, climb, explore or play a physical game or sport Spelling/Number Facts e.g. learn list words or times tables, practice automatic response. Housework e.g. organizing and cleaning their bedroom, organising their own homework area, or helping with other household tasks Real Life Maths e.g. choose the cheapest product, add up purchases, calculate the change. Art e.g. use paints of craft materials to create a piece of art for display at home Research e.g. use home text resources, the library or the computer to research a topic. Use computer for work e.g. use the computer for work processing or to publish a piece of work. Cultural Arts/Music e.g. practice using a musical instrument or sing a favourite song.
Time Spent on Homework Level Prep Junior Primary (Years 1 & 2) Middle Primary (Years 3 & 4) Senior Primary (Years 5 & 6) Reading 10 minutes daily 10 minutes daily 15 minutes daily 20 minutes daily Other Homework MIOOW Words(5 in per night Monday to Friday) 5 min per grid per 60 min per 10 min per grid per 120 min per 15 min per grid per 180 min per These suggested times are MINIMUM. There is absolutely no problem with students spending more time in some sections if they are interested in it. Details 1. The grid is issued on a ly basis. 2. Each sector has an explanation attached, as well as some suggested activities. 3. Some sectors have to be done every night, others once per. 4. It is recommended that up to four (4) nights per week to be allocated for homework completion, leaving Friday night, thus ensuring time is available for students to be physically active, socialise and participate in other pursuits that develop them as a well rounded individual. This does not preclude teachers setting a Monday deadline for contract work, nor does it preclude students completing work on a weekend if they have been unable to do so on week days due to other important commitments such as sport. 5. Some sectors may be specific, others may be more open-ended to allow choice. 6. Some sectors will be controlled by teachers assignments etc and some will be controlled by parents. YES! You can stipulate what housework you want them to do! 7. The completed homework will be checked each and students could be asked to share their experiences. 8. The grid sectors may vary slightly for each level and may be changed ly, depending on what is coming up in class.
Homework Guidelines: Teachers can help their students by: 1. Planning the homework grid with varied, challenging and meaningful tasks related to class work and appropriate to the students learning needs. 2. Using the grid and other activities in class to develop information and study skills in students. 3. Checking the completed grid every. 4. Checking regularly on what has been completed the night before, just to ensure that students are using good time-management skills. 5. Assessing homework and providing timely and practical feedback and support. 6. Promoting effective use of homework diaries. 7. Ensuring that parents and caregivers are aware of the school s homework policy. 8. Issuing warnings and administering consequences to students who have not completed homework. Students can help themselves by: 1. Completing the homework grid within the. 2. Reading for the prescribed amount of time each night. 3. Completing written homework tasks to the best of their ability in the assigned time. 4. Recording the specific times, work completed etc on the grid in a neat and legible form. 5. Getting parents to sign their homework grid/reading diary. 6. Handing in completed homework on time. 7. Giving some feedback to the class on some of the sectors. 8. Accepting consequences for not completing or handing in homework on time. Parents and caregivers can help their children by: 1. Scheduling a daily or weekly homework timetable your child should have a specific time to do homework. 2. Setting up a homework area your child needs a quiet place to study, away from distractions. 3. Creating a homework survival kit does you child have all he/she need to complete his/her assignments? Or do they waste time searching for pens etc? 4. Supporting your child in completing homework, but don t do the work for them. 5. Talking to your child about the importance of homework. When homework has been an ongoing battle, it is easy for everyone to feel negative about it. Your child needs to understand the value of homework. Your words and actions will communicate this message. 6. Praising your child. It is easy to criticise your child when homework isn t done. It is a lot harder to give praise when work is completed. It is important to remember that your words of encouragement, more than anything else, will motivate your child to do his/her best. 7. Encouraging your child to take increasing responsibility for their learning and organisation. 8. Signing the homework grid sector to verify that the work has been done. 9. Setting extension work if they feel that this is appropriate.
10. Contacting the relevant teacher to discuss and problems their children are having with homework. EVALUATION This policy will be reviewed in accordance with the School Improvement Plan and policy timeline.