Homework

Children in Junior Infants will receive homework from the middle of September.  Homework will be given every night except for Friday.

WHY do children get homework?  Continuing school work at home is important for a number of reasons:

• Homework helps your child learn to work by himself / herself.
• Homework helps your child to reinforce knowledge and skills learned at school.  Opportunities for learning at home help children to connect what they have learned in school to real-life situations, for example, using the skills they learned in Maths to sort toys or pair socks etc.
• Homework helps you to keep in touch with your child’s learning in school and to monitor their progress.
• Homework helps you to notice any problems your child may be having.
• Research studies in Ireland and abroad show that when parents read to and with their children at home, children make better progress in reading.

WHAT homework will my child be getting?  The homework in Junior Infants will involve both written and oral work.  It should take no more than 20 minutes to complete.  Please initial or sign your son/daughters homework every night but do not do it for them.

HOW can I support my child with homework?  The most important thing you can do to support your child’s learning is to show an interest in what they are doing.  Ask questions and praise your child’s efforts.  Help your child plan their homework by choosing an appropriate space and time for homework.  If your child needs help with homework, support him/her to find ways to solve the problem rather than doing the work for your child.

The class teachers will be able to answer any questions you may have about helping your child with homework.

(Information taken from ‘The What, Why and How of Your Child’s Learning – full document available online at www.ncca.ie)