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Rationale / Beliefs
Riva Primary School and our Riva Primary School Board share the belief that homework for primary school children should be minimal, so that a balance of play, rest and exercise can be achieved. In the early years homework should largely be informal and non-compulsory. As children move towards the upper primary years they should progressively be exposed to more structured homework requirements in order to facilitate a smooth transition to secondary school through the development of good study habits. Homework should always be seen as a vehicle to enhance student learning outcomes and foster positive school/home partnerships.
Policy statements
These statements are to provide for a uniform approach to homework at Riva Primary School. They articulate a clear position to parents, staff and students about expectations and our approach to homework at Riva Primary School.
Time allocations
Years 1 –2
No formal homework set but daily home reading is strongly encouraged for 10-20 minutes each day. This should involve children reading to parents, parents reading to and with children and children reading independently.
Years 3-4
No formal homework set but daily home reading is strongly encouraged for 10-20 minutes each day. This should involve children reading to parents, parents reading to and with children and children reading independently with the addition of occasional incidental homework to support classroom activities.
Years 5-6
Up to 20 minutes of independent reading is strongly encouraged. Parents are still encouraged to read to and with children. Monday – Thursday students work towards an established routine of up to 30 minutes of set homework daily.
Nature of homework
Years 1 – 2
home reading – parents, students, parents & students
voluntary searches for information and artefacts to support classroom themes and/or activities.
Years 3 – 4
home reading – shared and independent
voluntary searches for information and artefacts to support classroom themes and/or activities
voluntary practise of basic number facts.
Years 5 – 6
independent home reading
voluntary searches for information and artefacts to support classroom themes and/or activities
specific tasks to support classroom learning progress
practise of basic number facts
targeted strategies to reinforce new concepts.
Students Requiring Additional Support
Some students have particular learning needs due to a learning difficulty or developmental delay. On occasions it can be useful to support such students with targeted specific activities designed to reinforce or develop a concept. Teachers and parents can work together to negotiate such activities always based on the premise of encouraging and supporting the child – not pushing them beyond their limits.
Alternatives to homework parents can use to support student learning
board games, card games, dice games;
reading stories at bedtime;
cooking;
outdoor games and activities;
play charades and other drama -type activities;
watch TV together and talk about the issues;
do crosswords, puzzles and jigsaws;
use a computer to search for interesting educational internet sites.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy | Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice
Skills developed: Numeracy
How to use: Tutorial videos and lessons on a variety of Numeracy concepts across all year levels.
NRICH Maths
Skills developed: Numeracy
How to use: Interactive Numeracy games and questions to problem solve.
DSF Recommended Apps to support Literacy
Skills developed: Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar
How to use: follow the link and view the list of recommended apps to support Literacy in Primary School students.
Code.org
Skills developed: Numeracy, Coding
How to use: Families will need to create an account for their child. Log in and take part in different coding projects.
Book Creator
Skills developed: Writing, Creativity
How to use: Allows students to apply their Literacy and creativity skills to create their own books.
Reading together
Skills developed: Decoding, Comprehension, Vocabulary Building, Fluency
How to use: Together read a book. As you read, have discussions about:
Cooking together
Skills developed: Counting, Measuring, Vocabulary building
How to use:
Shopping together
Skills developed: Number recognition, Percentages, Decimals, Money, Addition
How to use:
