"Home learning not home work."

At St Dunstan’s we believe that learning is fundamental, fulfilling and fun. Home learning (not work) has an important role to play in children's primary education.  Educational research tells us that home leaning is most effective at primary school if it involves practice and rehearsal. We also know that time is precious, and we want children to make every moment of their childhood count: our home learning allows children the time and space to rehearse ideas whilst still providing the time to enjoy the freedom of being children.  Home learning also provides the opportunity to develop skills of life-long learning (self-discipline, time-management, independence and organisation). It is also a great opportunity to connect with your child about their learning in school.

Home learning is a joint responsibility: teacher, pupil and parent.  We expect pupils to engage in the learning and give their best effort.

Teachers will:

• Provide a home learning timetable and expectations on Google Classroom.
• Set tasks that reflect the age of children.
• Focus learning on basic skills rehearsal to develop increasing independence and confidence.
• Include tasks that are required for use in school to extend learning opportunities e.g. pre-reading of texts, priming (preparing) activities for new topics or retrieval quizzes.
• Use a blended approach of books and Google Classroom.

How can you help?

Parents should support with home learning, but direct assistance should be avoided – be a monitor not an enforcer. Work alongside and help them evaluate their learning, valuing their effort and avoiding criticism and correction of every mistake.

Other ways to support with home learning:

• Parents can support by encouraging children to set goals.
• Motivation is important: praise the effort and allow children to complete the work, so they have a sense of accomplishment.
• Keep it calm: help them plan a timetable for their home learning and develop routines that support them to manage their time, effort, and emotions.
• This type of support can help children to regulate their own learning.