Homework Guidance for Early Years and KS1

The children at Dry Drayton are encouraged to work very hard at school and make the most of the time that they spend here. Whilst their school day ends at 3.20, their education does not. Many children will have after school activities to attend that are important to their all round development. In addition to this, we strongly feel that pupils need some time at the end of the school day to relax and play – vital ingredients for good child development!

Therefore we promote a homework policy that seeks to strike a balance. This means a policy of regular meaningful homework that supports and reinforces the work in the classroom yet which still allows for plenty of “free time” which is so necessary for other areas of good child development. We believe school homework should enrich a child’s education.

We value your support in helping your child with their work at home and we would ask that you help your child by encouraging him/her to work in a quiet area away from the TV and by monitoring the quality of their work.

Years 1 and 2

Reading

We would like the children to read at home as much as possible – at least 10 minutes a day. Many children will enjoy reading aloud and being read to. Some will simply like to “lose themselves” in a book. Encourage your child in all their reading, whatever the reading matter – fiction, non-fiction, magazines, comics.

Your child will have a school reading book which will be suitable for their reading level. The books they bring home will cover a wide range of genres as it is important they learn to read a breadth of styles. It is important to read each book a few times to consolidate any tricky words and to have plenty of opportunities to discuss the text. Discussing what has happened in a story, the different characters and your child’s likes and dislikes will help your child develop their comprehension skills. With non-fiction texts, discuss the content, layout and usefulness of the information given.

Spellings

Each week we will send home a list of words for your child to practice. These are designed to help your child become more confident at spelling new words in their independent writing. Practising writing these words in context will support your child with their understanding of new vocabulary.

Early Years

Phonics

During the year the children will begin to learn different phonemes.. They will be taught up to 4 sounds each week in a specific order to enable them to word build as soon as possible. Occasionally we will send home practise words to reinforce the learning that we have been doing in class.

Reading

Children enjoy sharing a book, discussing the story and offering their opinion – skills vital for later on. As they start to read more independently they will bring home books suitable for their level. The books will cover a wide range of genres as it is important they learn to read a breadth of styles. The children can change their book every day, however it is important that they read the text a few times to ensure that tricky words are re-visited and that there is plenty of opportunity to discuss the story. Please practice reading with your child every night as consistent practice is vital in aiding the development of reading.

Each child is sent home with a reading record book. When your child has read their book we would appreciate it if you make a comment about how they got on. It is important in these early days of reading that the children have regular practise, daily if possible. Reading record books are checked frequently to enable us to respond to any comments and talk to the children about what they have read. If you have any questions about your child’s reading, please discuss these with us. Please remember every child learns at their own pace.

Exploration

There are many other ways that you can support your child’s all round education. Playing games, visiting places of interest, encouraging individual interests such as sport, music, ICT, will all help your child develop into a rounded individual.

Communicating between home and school

Our children will only achieve their potential when we all work together towards this goal. This means that with homework it is important that you know about the work your child is receiving and can feedback to school about how they are doing with it.