Home Learning
Children benefit greatly from the mutual support of parents/carers and teachers in encouraging them to learn both at home and at school. We also acknowledge the important role of play and free time in a child’s growth and development. While Home Learning is important, it should not prevent children from taking part in the wide range of out of school clubs and organisations that play an important part in the lives of many children. High Down places reading fluency, spelling and times tables at the centre of its homework offer.
Research shows that when school and parents/carers work together children are more successful in their learning.
There are a number of things that you can do that will really help your child:
- Attend Parents’ Evenings
- Talk about what your child has been learning about in school
- Find out more about learning by attending curriculum sessions for parents/carers – particularly phonics sessions in the Infant school
- Help out in school – we are always after parents/carers to support with additional reading!
- Support with home learning, especially reading.
We would like parents and carers to support every High Down child:
- To read regularly with them – asking them questions about what they have read
- To practise times tables or relevant number facts
- To undertake any revision tasks recommended by the class teacher
- To keep the reading journal up to date and regularly signed by a parent
Helpful Tips for Positive Home Learning Habits
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Create a suitable learning space at home. Find a quiet area with a flat surface, good lighting and the equipment your child may need, such as pens, pencils, a ruler, scissors and glue.
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Be familiar with current teaching methods. Teaching approaches can change over time, particularly in areas such as mathematics, so it is helpful to understand the methods your child is being taught in school.
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Establish a home learning routine. Create a simple timetable and agree together when your child will complete their home learning.
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Provide a healthy snack. Encourage your child to have something nutritious to eat before they begin, particularly if they are hungry after school.
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Talk about their learning. Take an interest in home learning tasks and discuss how they link to what your child is learning in school.
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Create a distraction-free environment. Turn off the television while your child is working, although quiet music may be helpful if they find it aids concentration.
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Encourage independence. Support your child to look up unfamiliar words, research topics and find information for themselves.
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Keep learning positive and enjoyable. Make home learning a relaxed and special time that you can both look forward to.