Homework

Homework is an essential part of being a successful learner in life. At Lanercost, we value its place as it helps our children to practise and perfect their skills, as well as deepen their knowledge and understanding through carefully chosen consolidation tasks.  Homework also gives parents an idea of what your child is learning in school.

Tasks sent home each week include:

• Reading most nights for at least 10 minutes from Reception, working towards 20 minutes in Year 6. It is not always necessary to read to an adult in upper Key Stage 2 (Y5 and Y6), however we would always encourage parents and carers to share in the stories their children are reading.
• An English and Maths task which usually links to the learning which has been taking place in school. These will be sent home on Friday and should be returned on Tuesday.

In addition to the above tasks, children may also be given:

• Subject specific tasks (e.g. geography or science) to finish or consolidate a task
• Spelling practice
• Age specific tasks (e.g. SATs Practice/revision)

We ask every parent/carer to:

• Sign the Reading Diary each day that your child reads - this should be at least four times per week
• Check book bags daily for letters and messages sent home

Homework and helping your child at home

Homework is a very important part of your child’s education. By encouraging and helping your child to do their homework you will be helping them to practice and extend the skills and knowledge learnt in school, whilst encouraging them to be an independent learner. Children whose parents get involved with their education will do better at school. There are many ways a parent can support their child with homework without having to know the answers themselves.

Top Tips

• Know how much homework your child should be doing at each stage of their education and make sure that they are doing this.
• Be interested: ask your child what tasks they have been set.
• Check your child’s book bag regularly and read their homework diary 
• Encourage your child to complete their homework sooner rather than leaving it to the last minute.
• Encourage your child to improve on their homework; are there any ways they could make their work better?
• Provide a quiet space for them to do their homework, where there is no television.
• It is very important to attend Parent Evenings, where the teachers will show you how you can help your child succeed. The school will advise you when Parent Evenings are happening.
• If your child needed lots of support, or more challenge, please let your class teacher know.
• Teachers are happy to support children with their homework if they have found it difficult - please let them know.