Homework (home learning)
“Homework! Oh, homework! I hate you! You stink! I wish I could wash you away in the sink, if only a bomb would explode you to bits. Homework! Oh, homework! You're giving me fits…” (Jack Prelutsky)
While Jack Prelutsky’s portrayal would probably fit well with most children’s sentiments towards homework, the topic of homework being set for children can polarise parents. Some parents loathe it and some love it.
It may surprise many to know that research on the topic of homework has identified that it has very little value in increasing educational outcomes for primary school children.
A 2014 Victorian Parliament inquiry into the approaches to homework in Victorian schools, focused on student learning, found ‘strong evidence and general agreement that homework at the primary school level has little impact on academic performance’ (Supported by John Hattie’s research involving 96,000 studies and 250 million students presenting what works best in education).
“We are stealing childhood in the hope that we're going to have academically bright kids,” says parenting author and educator Maggie Dent. “There is also the long-term emotional and physical toll that homework can take. It can be a significant source of stress and conflict within the home”. Dent says that homework can instil a loathing of any kind of formal learning. The focus on pushing kids could be counterproductive, expecting them to do more than they are physically or mentally capable of doing. (SMH February 2020)
As children get older, homework has increased academic benefits – there’s a strong link between homework and achievement for children in secondary school. Considering this, as our boys enter Stage 3 (Year 5 and 6), homework expectations increase in preparation for the transition to secondary school.
The Benefits of Homework (home Learning) include:
- Immersion in literature through individual and shared reading experiences (It is worth noting that fathers have a significantly greater impact on instilling a positive attitude to reading by modelling and being involved with their sons in reading).
- Learning and consolidating foundational skills such as phonics activities, times tables at the correct age, and general revision of classwork.
- Developing good habits for learning such as the selection of a consistent time and location and being organised for learning.
What are we trying to avoid?
- Turning our boys off learning due to being frustrated or overwhelmed at the end of a long school day.
- Fracturing relationships with parents where positive connection is critical to supporting wellbeing.
- Hindering children from being children and enjoying play, hobbies, exercise and family.
- Restricting opportunities to contribute to family through such things as cooking, setting the table, tending to pets, and taking out the rubbish.
What can you expect at Mosman Prep?
- Home learning will be set Monday-Thursday nights for K-6 students.
- Home learning times are allocated to reflect the student’s age, approximately 15 minutes per night for Year 1, 20 minutes for Year 2, 30 minutes for Year 3 etc.
- Students will be given age and ability appropriate tasks that are purposeful and meaningful. These will be marked and followed up with feedback as required.
- Besides literacy tasks, it will be strongly encouraged but not compulsory.
How can parents help?
- Ensure the basics have been attended to, including adequate food, water, and exercise (and a time of clear separation from the school day).
- Set expectations, as many children can concentrate for only about 15 minutes at a time before they need a brief break. Assisting with breaking down tasks can be helpful. Older children might benefit from a home learning planner or planning app.
- Help to establish a routine. It’s useful to have a regular time for home learning each night. With your son, review his weekly schedule, factoring in sport and extracurricular commitments, and determine where time can be allocated to home learning.
- Consider the location, ensuring good light, air and enough space to spread out with books, pens and other resources. It may be beneficial for younger children to work in a family area such as the kitchen table, whereas older children may need their own quiet space.
- Avoid allowing technology to be used or close at hand, unless it is required for home learning.
- Don’t do it for them. Communicate or, even better, where appropriate, encourage them to communicate with the teacher if they have questions or concerns.
“Homework! Oh, homework! You're last on my list, I simply can't see why you even exist, if you just disappeared it would tickle me pink. Homework! Oh, homework! I hate you! You stink!”
We want our boys to love learning for life, to enjoy all the wonders of being a child, to be balanced, and to be fully engaged in their family and community.
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
References:
ABC - Education researcher calls for primary schools to have 'courage' to rethink home learning
Raising Children - The Australian Parenting Website
