Homework – aarrgggg or
yaaayyyyy!!!!
You have heard the whine “I
hate homework!! Why do we have to do it??” – And that’s coming from the parents!!
In Grade R and 1
its often fun but that can wear off! So why do it?
Well, it gives
parents a glimpse into what the child is learning at school. It also prepares
children for real life – having to do things that sometimes you don’t want to
do but have to. It may also consolidate what has been taught in the day – extra
practice.
No matter the age
of your child, he or she will need clear and consistent help with their
homework. Your involvement will provide them with encouragement, direction and support.
This involvement
lays the foundation in helping your child recognise and realise
responsibilities (please don’t say “I’ve been through school – this is your
problem now!!”)
Here are some general
tips to help you:
- Create a relaxed environment at home
to do homework – no TV or shrieking music is very beneficial!
- Try and keep to a routine and avoid
rushing through this time. Help your child get organised by making a
homework calendar, especially when there is a project or speech due. This
planning and prioritization will stop both you and your child from getting
overwhelmed.
- Teach your child how to study – quiz
them, show them different study methods – be involved. The importance of
your attention to them cannot be underestimated.
Some detailed tips
for different ages :
Grade 1
- Reading – start with sentences and
little words – please practise them daily – let your child ‘teach’ you how
to form the sentences – they love being in charge!!
- Spelling – starts with individual
letters in their bank bags – same procedure as above. Try making this time
into a game – write on bath tiles with bath crayons – keep individual
letters on the fridge to practise with – write with scented kokis!!
- Please sign books every day.
Grade 2
- Encourage and support your child –
don’t do their homework for them.
- Read daily – sit with your child and
do the reading. Letting your child read to you while you are busy with
other things is not really beneficial as he/she could make up some words
that aren’t there!!
- Plan ahead – a little every day. Don’t
leave everything till Thursday – you and your child will be very stressed!
- Please check and sign the homework –
it shows you are interested and you have a ‘finger on the pulse’ – you can
monitor their progress.
- Feel free to insist they work neatly!!
Grade 3
- Homework is given on a Monday and
collected in on Friday.
- It must be marked by parents in order
for you to keep abreast of the progress of your child.
- All tests are to be signed by you and
returned to school. Tests will be written neatly.
I have not put in
a time that homework should take daily as each child works at their own pace
and some put more detail in than others. However, if it is taking ages to
complete, please pop in and visit the teacher to discuss it.
Have fun!! Once
your routines are laid, your job becomes easier and your child will be well
prepared and eventually independent!
