Homework
In the middle school we want homework to be fun and manageable. We understand that many children have other activities after school and that families can be busy during the week. Here are some things we suggest practising at least three times a week, or more if you wish.
Reading
Each child should read for 15-20 minutes with someone that they can talk about with. Let them ask questions and be curious about things that the text may lend itself to. Ask your child questions about what they have read. Discuss new vocabulary. Read something new or enjoy rereading a book you’ve already read a hundred times. Allow your child to read to someone younger, or let them hear you read a book aloud. Most importantly – have fun reading.
Check out the Ministry publications given out at learning conferences in Term 1 for other ideas.
Check out the Ministry publications given out at learning conferences in Term 1 for other ideas.
Spelling
The Essential Spelling Lists are the most important words to learn first as these are used most often in English written language. You can find a list of the words below. Have fun learning them - we suggest 5 - 10 words a week depending on what your child is able to take on board. There is also a list of commonly misspelled words that can be learnt after the essential list words have been mastered. Spelling skills will be covered in class.
Essential list words.pdf | |
File Size: | 52 kb |
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Writing
It would be great for each child to do a ‘quick-write’ for 5 minutes a day. They could keep a journal, write a poem, a card or a letter to someone, help write the shopping list, or just continue writing the comic or novel they have been so dedicated to for the last six months! It is important that they enjoy writing and it isn’t a challenging time. Encourage your child to get their ideas down – worry about the spelling when practising spelling words if this causes unnecessary stress during writing time. The Ministry publication has ideas in it too.
Maths
Learning the basic facts is a great help to your child’s ability to solve problems. Whilst it can be fun to see basic facts solved quickly, the importance is on accuracy. There are many websites that can assist with learning basic facts, flashcards can be bought cheaply or they can be practised as a 5-minute ‘sit down’ with your child. There will also be activities on Mathletics when this becomes available. Check out the Maths page for some links to other websites to support what we do in class.
Other Homework
There are also optional extras available, which include:
Do what you can manage and remember to have fun!
- Ilam School Homework Challenges
- Mathletics – additional activities and challenges
- Personal Goals – such as learning a new sport/hobby/skill, improving general fitness, learning a musical instrument, learning to cook/bake and so on…
Do what you can manage and remember to have fun!
Also see the Ministry of Education publications about supporting your child's learning at home. These give helpful information about what a child can be expected to be able to do if they are meeting the standards at Year 3 or Year 4 and ways you can support them at home. These were sent home at learning conferences.
Year 3 Supporting your child's learning.pdf | |
File Size: | 3724 kb |
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Year 4 Supporting your child's learning.pdf | |
File Size: | 3780 kb |
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