Here are some questions relating to homework that you might want to think about and talk through with your child.
The school and homework
- Does your child have a homework diary or home-school diary?
- Do they use it?
- Do you look at it and chat about what your child is expected to do?
- Are you satisfied with the amount of homework your child gets?
- Are you satisfied with the kind of homework your child gets?
- Does the school have a homework policy?
- Has the school given you a copy of it? Do you agree with it?
If you are unsure of any of the above points then contact the school and tell someone what it is you want to speak about. The school or the teacher will be able to help you.
What helps at home?
Children might have their own preferences about where and when they work. Here are some questions you can discuss with your child to help you both find their best way of working.
- Where do they feel most comfortable? In the bedroom, at a desk, on the floor, on a beanbag?
- Where are they least likely to be disturbed? In the bedroom, in the kitchen, in the living room?
- Can they work better on their own or do they like company? Is it helpful to work together with friends who have the same homework? Can they work in the same place as an older or younger brother or sister and encourage each other?
- When are they most likely to concentrate? Straight after school? After the evening meal? Before going to bed? Early in the morning?
- Do they like to listen to music as they work?
If working in the home is difficult find out if the school has an after-school club for doing homework. This would offer somewhere for your child to do their homework, get help from teachers and get access to books, materials, computers and printers.
Find us on