Homework Choice Grid

Why do you set homework?

We believe that learning is a life-long habit that is not confined to the classroom. Our half termly homework choice grids invite parents to get involved with what is happening in the classroom. This can play an important role in developing and enriching the learning going on at school.

Have you asked parents about homework?

Homework is an aspect of school-life that is often disagreed upon. Some parents and carers think that children should be doing a lot of it; others believe that there is no place for it at all. Last year, after having discussions with parents, staff and pupils, we made changes to our homework choice grid to reflect the thoughts of our school community. 

We would appreciate your support in implementing what we hope will be a meaningful and valuable way to complement in-school learning; at home.

Homework explained.

All of the tasks on the grid are activities that directly relate to a child's learning at school in different curriculum areas. It has been designed to promote an independent love of learning whereby children choose their own weekly activity. We encourage children to share and document their home learning via ClassDojo. Many activities on the homework choice grid are not designed to be tracked or marked by class teachers but they will always be recognised and celebrated when ClassDojo is checked each Wednesday. We will celebrate the homework heroes of each class during our weekly awards ceremony on a Friday. 

In each class, the current homework choice grid will be clearly on display and will be referred to during class lessons. In this way, children that have completed tasks in these areas will have their work recognised and be able to share their learning with the class.

Completion of 'Bring Back Tasks' is recognised in class and at the end of topic celebration. Each grid has one Bring Back Task that should be completed and brought back to school by the due date stipulated.

Children can do the tasks themselves, or with help from parents or others. The aim is to encourage independent learning but this sometimes requires support at different ages.

Depending on the year group, your child's class teacher may provide additional homework each week, such as spellings, times tables, or phonics. Please do discuss this with your class teacher if you have any questions.

Dos and Don’ts

• Do find a quiet place at home to use as a homework area. It needs a flat surface, a good light source and the right equipment e.g. pens, pencils, ruler, scissors, glue.
• Do plan a homework timetable and agree on when your child will do their homework.
• Do allow your child to have something nutritional to eat before starting on homework.
• Do discuss any homework tasks with your child and how it connects with what they are studying at school.
• Do turn off the TV - but you could have music on if they find it helpful.
• Don't give your child the answer in order to get a task finished. Instead, explain how to look up information or find a word in a dictionary.
• Don't teach your child methods you used at school. It could confuse them.
• Don't let homework become a chore. Keep it fun and make it a special time that you both look forward to.