Your child learns every day and every where, at home, at school and in the community.
How you support your child’s learning matters. You have a key role in shaping their values, attitudes and approaches to learning at home and at school.
Homework
Homework helps to reinforce learning and develop skills and abilities.
The school approach to homework
The principal, together with staff, school councils and student representatives, develops the school policy on homework. For more information parents can speak to the principal.
When homework is set the school ensures that:
- the homework is appropriate to the age and ability of the students
- it recognises students have other commitments such as sport and home responsibilities
- the homework does not disadvantage students who do not have access to technology such as email and the internet.
The value of homework
Homework reinforces learning and helps students develop skills by:- reinforcing work studied during class
- developing research skills
- developing time management skills
- helping to develop good study habits
- developing concentration
- developing self-discipline
- providing opportunities for children who may be struggling with a topic by reinforcing learning
- providing challenges and stimulus for children
- enabling parents to see how their child is progressing at school
- bridging the gap between learning at school and home.
Types of homework
Practical exercises help students remember newly acquired skills such as memorising mathematical tables, practising spelling words, writing essays and reading for pleasure.
Preparatory homework requires students to source and read background information to prepare them for future lessons - eg reading an article on the gold rush in preparation for a lesson in Australian history.
Extension assignments encourage students to pursue knowledge individually and imaginatively. Assignments may include writing a book review, researching local news or retrieving items from a library or the internet.
Supporting students with their homework
Encouragement and support from parents helps students have a positive and productive approach to homework. To assist students:
- take an active interest in their homework
- be aware of the amount of homework set and support them to set aside time to do it
- provide a dedicated space for homework and study if possible
- talk to teachers about any concerns you have about the homework
- talk to the teachers if you have concerns about the student's approach to homework
- encourage students to read and take an interest in current events
- alert the school of any circumstances at home or any extra activities that may need to be taken into account when homework is set or marked
- sign completed work, if appropriate, to help teachers monitor homework.
Helping your child learn in primary school
Parents and carers play a vital role in children's learning throughout the primary years. This is a time when children begin to develop skills and attitudes to influence their own learning.
There are many online resources to help parents and carers support their child's learning.
Reading, writing and maths
Helping your child learn - guides to help your child with reading, writing and maths (WA Department of Education)
Literacy and numeracy parent support - resources for parents with children from preschool to year 8 (NSW Government )
Directory of family resources - resources and specific programs including books, on-line guides and research findings about literacy (Australian Council of State School Organisations)
Speech pathology - information and resources on speech and literacy development (Speech Pathology Australia)
Handwriting in the South Australian curriculum (PDF 163KB) - information for parents
Handwriting program (PDF 1627KB) - information to help students improve handwriting skills
Help your teenager to be a successful reader (612.1 KB PDF) - for parents of primary and high school children (Seaford 6 to 12 School).
Study resources for high school students
SACE - information on SACE assessment and exams, plus study tips, some general advice and help with managing stress
Exam stress - help for students and parents on study and learning techniques, and ways to manage stress during exams (Kids Helpline)
Channel 4 Learning - online education resources, games and activities plus interactive learning material for students covering numerous subjects
Help for parents
Raising children network - an extensive resource for parents that covers all areas of raising children including schooling (sponsored by the Australian Government)
Parent channel.tv - a collection of videos for parents and young people on all aspects of growing up, including learning and studying (sponsored by the UK Government)
