At St John Vianney’s Homework takes into account the need for students to have a balanced lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, recreation, sporting and cultural pursuits. The responsibility for overseeing homework lies essentially with the parents. Homework should not be a cause of stress or upset for children or parents. The emphasis should always be placed on the learning value.
Research does indicate that ALL children should read each night. Reading is shown to increase academic achievement and aid in learning and opens a child’s mind to new worlds, experiences, knowledge and understandings.
it is an expectation that all children read at home each night and that parents/carers sign and complete their child's reading log each night.
We desire that our students
- cultivate a passion for reading, becoming highly effective readers and seeing reading as a foundational skill to powerful learning
- acquire a love of Mathematics and becoming numerate learners by developing the knowledge and skills to use mathematics confidently across all areas of their lives;
develop the skills of curiosity, creativity and innovation by extending and consolidating their learning beyond the classroom
- become self-motivated learners to encourage lifelong learning
- involve all family members in their learning
- develop learning based on personal interests and enjoyment;
acquire independence
Through the home and school partnership, students have the opportunity to:
- improve comprehension; (students who read extensively learn reading strategies and increase their reading rates)
- make gains in overall language proficiency; (take the time to talk with your child about different topics/ experiences)
- increase vocabulary knowledge; (play word games - ‘I Spy’, Word associations, match rhyming words, identify opposites (What is the antonym for?), identify words that have the same meaning (What is the Synonym for?)
- improve understanding of Mathematical concepts and problem-solving
- develop research and critical thinking skills
- develop time management skills (i.e. students learning to balance afternoon activities, use of Technology, Sport, TV time and reading)
Homework in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2
In Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2, homework involves reading a variety of home readers and quality literature as well as the quick identification of sight words. In these foundational years children become better readers by practising reading. Parents MUST complete the class Reading log each night.
In addition to reading, it is OPTIONAL for parents to provide opportunities for their children to build fluency through number activities and using Mathematics in real-life situations around the home. Children may also pursue other learning activities that spark their curiosity with their families.
Homework in Years 3 to 6
In Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6, homework involves reading a variety of texts including quality novels, picture books, magazines, visual information, maps, tables, charts, diagrams, animations and digital texts, covering all areas of the curriculum. Teachers will provide guidance and assistance to students in choosing suitable reading material. Parents MUST complete the class Reading log each night.
Parents are encouraged to provide opportunities for their children to build fluency through the quick recall of number and table facts each day. Children may be given incomplete work from the day to complete for homework. Children may also choose to pursue other learning activities that spark their curiosity with their families.
Teachers MAY send home spelling words that students have spelled incorrectly in their writing and provide suggested activities parents can do, to help their child learn these words.
Throughout the year, teachers MAY prescribe other home tasks from Key Learning Areas that supports the learning occurring in the classroom. Tasks will be relevant to class learning and teaching activities and no task will be given for homework that the students do not have some prior experience of.
What can you do as parents/carers to assist
- Take into account the need for your child to have a balanced lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, recreation and cultural pursuits.
- Take an active interest in your child's reading.
- Be a good role model and read with and to your child.
- Support your child by setting aside time each day to have a conversation with your child about his/her day and/or interests.
- Communicate with teachers any concerns about your child's learning.