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Homework Policy
Rational
This policy was reviewed and updated by the staff of Loughquittane NS in
September 2023, following a review of current practice and the publication of
the Primary Curriculum Framework (2023) . The purpose of this policy is to
provide practical guidance for teachers and parents.
Why give homework?
To re-inforce what the child learns during the day
To “extend and consolidate the child’s learning at home (Curriculum
Framework, page 34)
To support the work of the School Improvement Plan
To develop a child’s concentration skills and develop a work ethic
Homework is meant to be achievable by a child, i.e. it provides an
opportunity to practise work already done. It is normally prepared by the
teacher in class. Sometimes with senior classes, some homework is
designed to challenge children’s ability and provide opportunities for
creativity
Children are expected to do their homework to the best of their
individual ability.
How often is homework given?
Homework is given on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays but
not on Fridays.
Sometimes at the discretion of the class teacher or the principal,
children are given “Homework off” as a treat or as acknowledgment of
some special occasion.
Please note extra homework may occasionally be given during the week if
a child has not done homework, made a suitable effort or presented
untidy work.
Where children are expected to be absent from school for an extended
period of time homework / project work may be set.
What is the content of homework?
Ideally homework will contain a balance between reading tasks, learning
tasks and written tasks.
This balance is not always possible and can vary considerably from day to
day. However, it should be noted that homework time devoted to reading
and learning is as important as written work.
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Homework will regularly contain reading, spellings, tables, written work,
pieces to be “learned by heart”, drawing/colouring, collecting
information/items and finishing work started in class.
Homework may include oral activities or research, or “activities that are
purposeful, diverse, engaging, supportive of child agency and choice,
considerate of the home learning environment, developmentally
appropriate, and aligned with children’s diverse needs and abilities”
(Curriculum Framework, page 34).
Children often feel that reading and “learning by heart” is not real
homework. Reading Aloud is an important part of homework which
develops reading fluency and intonation. Parents can play an important
role in listening to reading and items to be learned ensuring this work is
done well.
The content of the homework set may be adapted to suit different
abilities and learning styles of individual children.
Where children are receiving additional teaching support, some or all
homework may be set by this teacher, in consultation with the class
teacher. This will not be additional homework
How much time for homework?
The following are guidelines for time spent at homework. Different children will
complete the same homework in different lengths of time. Time spent will vary
from day to day and also from the beginning to the end of the school year. It is
important to remember that it is the quality and not the quantity of homework
that matters. The following are general guidelines only. If homework is
persistently taking longer stop the child and sign the journal, stating the time
spent.
Junior & Senior Infants up to 15 minutes
Ranganna 1 & 2 up to 40 minutes
Ranganna 3 & 4 up to 50 minutes
Ranganna 5 & 6 Up to 1 hour
Homework is given from Monday to Thursday. Normally there is no homework at
weekends or on a school day just before a public holiday. However, children in
middle and senior classes may sometimes be required to work independently on
projects at weekends.
How much help should parents give?
Parents should try to help their children with homework by developing a
good routine:
o Provide them with a suitable quiet place at a table
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o Establish a time to do homework, and where possible keep to that
time
o Prevent interruptions or distractions, like T.V. or younger children
Children should do written homework themselves and parents should only
help when the child has difficulty.
If a child has difficulty with homework, the parents should help the child
to overcome the difficulty with further explanation or examples, but not
by actually doing the homework for the child. In this case the parent
should write a note to the teacher explaining the problem
Shared reading and “child and parent reading together” is not homework
in the regular sense and it is simply meant to be an enjoyable exercise
between parent and child.
How often should parents monitor homework?
Parents should check the homework and sign a child’s homework journal
every evening.
From first to sixth classes, the pupil’s journal is an important record of
the child’s homework. It is also a valuable means of communication
between parents and teachers
Ideally, all written messages to your child’s teacher should be put in the
homework journal (additional pages available at the end of the journal).
Please check that your child records his/her homework neatly in the
correct page and ticks each item of homework when completed.
Please check your child’s journal for notes on a regular basis.
How often do teachers monitor homework?
Ideally teachers like to check homework on a daily basis. However, it is
not always possible to check each child’s homework journal every day.
As children get older and learn to work independently, some items of
homework are checked less often e.g. every second day or once per week.
Some items of homework (and classwork) may be checked by children
themselves under the direction of the teacher. This can be a useful part
of the learning process for children.
When should parents communicate with the teachers about homework?
When your child cannot do homework due to family circumstances
When your child cannot do homework because she/he cannot understand
some aspect
If the time being spent at homework is often longer than the
recommended amount of time.
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When should homework be done?
Each family situation is different – parent(s) working, child minders, etc.
Ideally, homework should be done before any television is watched, soon
after school and a snack, while your child is still fresh. However, some
children need a break before starting homework
Although some children like to “go over” tables and/or spellings in the
morning, homework should never be left until morning time before school.
Remember
If homework is a stressful experience between parent and child, something
is wrong! This leads to poor learning and defeats the whole purpose.
Should this happen on a regular basis, please contact the class teacher.
Ratification
This policy was ratified by the Board of Management of Loughquittane N.S. on
September 18th , 2023
Chairperson: Lily Cronin Principal: Alison Coffey