Home Learning Support

At Over Hall, we recognise the importance of setting home learning tasks. It can be an opportunity to extend learning and develop creative ways of sharing what we know. It also can be used to share and consolidate what has been covered or even what will be covered in class. We also recognise that this can be a challenge in itself after a day at school, hence, we offer some top tips for parents and carers to support home learning.

In many class areas, we display outstanding homework, celebrating children's hard work at home. These are ongoing displays where pieces of outstanding work are added as they are completed. Children can be inspired by these examples of work. The work displayed shows the high standards we expect from our children in terms of presentation, content and extending their own learning.

By completing a weekly home learning task children can

  • improve their thinking and memory skills;
  • develop positive study skills and habits;
  • take more responsibility for and leadership of their learning;
  • review and practice what has been covered in class;
  • get ready for future learning in class;
  • use libraries, reference materials, and web sites to find information;
  • explore subjects more fully than classroom time permits;
  • extend learning by applying skills to new situations;
  • show parents more about what they are learning in school;
  • and above all, be able to communicate about what they are learning.

As a school we explore every opportunity to encourage a positive approach to learning at home and school. Thus it is important we celebrate the success and achievement.

Top tips

After many years of not having to think about homework, suddenly your child is in school and bringing home what feels like piles of it every night. No matter class your child is in, the 'H' word can bring shudders—and challenges for you as parents / carers.

With these six home learning help tips, you can learn how to support and encourage your child, whilst also giving him or her the needed space to complete the task on their own. 

1. Ask About It

When your child gets home from school, ask what the home learning is and when it’s due. If your child has difficulty remembering tasks, consider using a checklist or notebook to help him or her keep track of what needs to get done and when.  You can always check the website and see if there are any clues there. If your child often 'forgets' their tasks, make contact with school and find a way that works best.

2. Create A Homework Space

Let your child choose a space where he or she feels most comfortable doing their home learning. It might be at the kitchen table or a bedroom desk. Just be sure it’s in an area that’s quiet and has minimal distractions, so your child can focus. Stock the space with supplies so he or she doesn’t have to hunt for them eg pencil, rulers, eraser etc

3. Help, But Don’t Do It

Here’s a little secret: It’s okay if you don’t know how to do your child’s home learning. That’s not your job! Instead, think about your role in terms of helping your child help him or herself. 

For example, you can ask your child to work through a problem out loud or explain his or her thought process. In doing so, your child may end up answering the question on his or her own. Taking this approach is much more effective than swooping in with the correct answer or saying that you don’t know how to do it.

4. Make Time For Homework

Be sure to factor home learning into your child’s daily routine. Remember to consider needed home learning time when helping him or her make decisions about participating in after-school activities.

5. Partner With Your Child’s Teacher

Stay up to speed on what’s going on in the classroom. If the teacher has specific instructions for homework, be sure you and your child follow them.

6. Minimise Distractions 

Scientists recommend establishing a “No TV During Home Learning Time” rule. Your child may need to use the computer for assignments but try to keep all other devices off until home learning is completed.