We recognise the importance of parental involvement in children’s education. Home Learning plays a key role in consolidating what children learn in the classroom and developing independent learning skills. Here are some strategies you can use to help your child succeed with their homework:
- Create a Dedicated Workspace
Establish a quiet, well-lit area where your child can focus on their homelearning. Keep it free from distractions like the TV, and make sure they have access to all the necessary supplies (e.g., pencils, rulers, books). - Set a Routine
Consistency is key. Set a regular time each day for homelearning, ensuring your child knows when to get started. This helps them develop time management skills and reduces last-minute rushing. - Encourage Independence
While it’s tempting to step in, encourage your child to try solving problems on their own before offering help. This boosts their confidence and problem-solving skills. Offer guidance when they are genuinely stuck but avoid giving them the answers. - Be Available for Support
Let your child know you are there to help if needed. You can explain tricky concepts, offer encouragement, and praise their efforts, but allow them to do the majority of the work independently - Stay Positive and Patient
Maintaining a positive and patient attitude will reassure your child. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and remind them that mistakes are part of learning. - Communicate with the School
If your child is consistently struggling with home learning, or if they don’t seem to understand the tasks, don’t hesitate to reach out to their teacher. We’re here to help and can offer further advice or adjustments if needed.
Please note, all children also have logins for Spelling Shed and Times Table Rock Stars – please ask their teacher for their login to access from home.
Phonics Help
Read Write Inc. is a popular phonics scheme and we use this at King’s Academy Rowner. Read Write Inc. teaches children the sounds in English, the letters that represent them, and how to form the letters when writing. Read Write Inc. Phonics includes reading books written using only the letters they have learnt at each level (and a small number of separately taught tricky words). The children will quickly feel confident and successful. Here you can find lots of free resources to support your child’s learning.
Home Reading Help
1. Make books a part of family life – Always have books around at home. That way you and your children are ready to get reading, even if it’s only for ten minutes.
2. Join your local library – Get your child a library card. They’ll be able to get their hands on hundreds of fantastic books, as well as the latest video games, blu-rays and DVDs. Let them choose what they want to read to help them develop their own interests.
3. Read about something they’re interested in – Help your child find the right book for them. It doesn’t matter if it’s fiction, poetry, comic books or non-fiction.
4. All reading is good – Don’t rule out non-fiction, comics, graphic novels, magazines or leaflets. Reading is reading and it’s all worthwhile.
5. Get comfortable! – Snuggle up together somewhere warm and cosy, whether it’s in bed, on a beanbag or on the sofa. And make sure your child has somewhere comfy to read on their own too.
6. Ask questions – To keep them interested in the story, ask your child questions as you read. Start with ‘Where did we get to last time?’, ‘Can you remember what’s happened so far?’ and ‘What do you think will happen next?’.
7. Read whenever you get the chance – Have a book or magazine with you for any time your child has to wait, like at the doctor’s or the dentist.
8. Read favourites again and again – Encourage your child to re-read the books and poems they love. Re-reading helps to build fluency and confidence.
9. Enjoy bedtime stories – Read with your children at bedtime as often as you can. It’s a great way to end the day and to spend valuable time with them.
10. Make the most of rhyme and repetition – Books and poems with rhymes and repeated words or phrases are great for getting your kids to join in and remember the words.