Homework is given on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays but not on Fridays with certain exceptions:
ØIf homework has been neglected during the week.
ØIn senior classes some project work is undertaken at weekends.
Occasionally, at the discretion of the class teacher or the principal, children are given ‘homework off’ as a treat or as an acknowledgement of some special occasion.
- Parents/guardians of children from Junior Infants to Sixth class are required to check that homework is completed and sign the homework journal each night.
- Parents/guardians are requested to inform the teacher if for any reason a child cannot complete their homework.
- Approximate time to be spent on homework each night:
Group Average Time Maximum Time
Infants 15 minutes 20 minutes
First/Second 20 minutes 40 minutes
Third/Fourth 40 minutes 50 minutes
Fifth/Sixth 50 minutes 60 minutes
Rewards/Sanctions:
These should be determined by the individual class teacher.
Examples of these are:
Rewards: 1. Occasionally children may be excused homework as a reward for exceptionally high standards of work.
2. Children may be rewarded according the to the reward system each class teacher has in place.
Sanctions: 1. Homework to be completed during detention.
2. In the event of a child not being able to do homework, a note or
phone-call from a parent is acceptable.
3. Children who have failed to complete homework should complete it at the weekend.
4. Points taken off any reward system a class teacher may have in place.
Children who are not able to do their homework should ask for their teachers help at an appropriate time. It is also recommended that the Learning Support Teacher and Class Teacher co-operate in the assigning of homework.
Homework fosters independence, self-reliance, self-esteem, co-operations and responsibility and life-long learning. It is an essential part of primary education as it reinforces what children learn in school. It provides a link between teacher and parent and encourages parental involvement in their child’s education.
In general, homework is meant to be achievable by a child working on their own to the best of their ability. It is normally prepared by the teacher in class. It can be sued to practice what is done in school or can be designed to challenge children’s ability and provide opportunities for creativity.
Aims of Homework:
vTo consolidate/reinforce schoolwork
vTo encourage home/school contact
vTo develop a pattern of independent study skills
vTo prepare work
Homework Content:
Usually, homework contains 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.
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. Children often feel that reading and ‘learning by heart’ is not real homework. Parents can play an important role in listening to reading and items to be learned, ensuring this work is done well.
Pupils should:
- Enter homework accurately in homework diary.
- Ensure they take home relevant books and copies.
- Complete homework assignments to the best of their ability.
- Present written work neatly.
Parents/Guardians should:
- Encourage a positive attitude towards homework in all subjects from an early age.
- Encourage children to work independently as far as possible. Resist over-helping.
- Encourage children to organise themselves for homework. Have all books and materials to hand. The pupil should have the Homework Journal open to tick off work as it is completed.
- Agree a suitable time for doing homework, taking onto account of age, the need for playtime, relaxation and family time.
- Provide a quiet place, suitable work surface, free from distraction, interruptions and T.V.
- Encourage good presentation and neatness within a reasonable time.
- Sign the homework journal, checking that all homework is complete.
- Check that the child has all necessary books, homework journal, copies, pencils, mathematical equipment, dictionary, P.E. clothes if needed, for the next school day.
- Communicate difficulties to the teacher using the Homework Journal.
Teachers should:
- Set homework, review assignments and provide feedback to students.
- Monitor homework to help identify pupils with special difficulties.
- Teachers who come to Homework Club will supervise, help and encourage any pupils who come to Homework Club.
How often do teachers monitor homework?
Ideally, teachers check homework on a daily basis. However, it is not always possible to check each child’s homework 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 a week. Some items of homework (and class work) may be checked by children themselves, under the direction of the teacher. This can be a useful part of the learning process for children as it promotes responsibility and self-esteem.
What happens when Homework is not done?
When homework is not done regularly the teacher contacts parents with a view to resolving the situation. If the situation continues, then the matter is brought to the attention of the Principal who will contact the parent(s) and arrange a meeting to discuss how the matter can be resolved.
Effective Home-School Communication:
The Homework Journal will be uses as a means of communication between parents and school. Notes will be written by teachers for parents or by parents for teachers in the notes section of the journal.
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.