Home Learning Expectations
A Caring Christian Family Where We Grow Together
Let Your Light Shine ~ Matthew 5:16
It's important that we work together as a team so that you can support your child where it matters most, beyond the school gate, through learning at home. A great deal of thought has gone into our home learning expectations. We have provided a range of tasks and activities that will help children practise what they have learned in school and extend their knowledge with your support. At no point should home learning become a battle or take over family life. It is vital that children have time to be children, enjoying opportunities to play and spend time with family and friends. Every child is different. If you feel our expectations are not quite right for your child, please talk to us and we can adapt them to meet their needs. These expectations are not set in stone.
Reading ~ Five times a week
Children should record their reading in their reading records. Reading is the key to all learning and is the most important aspect of our home learning expectations. Learning to read is like learning to play a musical instrument, a little and often is best. This helps skills become embedded in children's long-term memory.
Sharing bedtime stories is also a vital part of helping your child become a confident reader and writer. Reading regularly to children helps unlock their imagination and develops a lifelong love of books.
Spelling and Phonics
You will find a list of the spellings your child needs to learn in this book. Children are usually given an activity or assessment linked to these spellings each Friday.
Maths
Firstly, we would like you to have fun playing games, baking and taking part in practical activities with your child that involve mathematics. Maths is everywhere! As children move through the school, they should also complete the following tasks:
Magma Maths
Each week, children will be set tasks to complete. This is something we encourage you to do with them, as talking through the activities is an important part of the learning process. The children will also have access to these in school as part of their Maths lesson.
TT Rock Stars
At least five times a week for five minutes. It is vital that children know their times tables fluently. By the end of Year 4, it is expected that every child will know their multiplication tables. Like reading, times tables are best practised little and often rather than in one longer session each week.
Study Theme Work
Each half term, your child will be given a list of possible tasks linked to their study theme. There will always be a wide range of activities to provide choice and encourage creativity. Children should choose one or two tasks that particularly interest them. It is important that children focus on something they are passionate about. There is no expectation that they complete every task on the list.
Please allow the work to be led by your child. The greatest benefit comes from children thinking, creating and learning for themselves. We encourage parents to support, guide and work alongside their child where needed. As children move through the school, they should gradually become more independent in preparation for high school. Completed study theme work should be brought into school on the last Monday of each half term.
We understand that families lead busy lives and that circumstances sometimes make it difficult to complete all the tasks set. If this happens, please let us know.
The key to successful home learning is developing a routine that works for your family. Some children need time to relax when they get home, while others prefer to complete their tasks straight away. Finding a routine that works for your child will help them develop positive learning habits for the future. Additional support and guidance can be found on the school website through the class pages and the Parents’ section.
Remember, every child is different. If you feel that our expectations are not quite right for your child, please speak to us and we will work together to create a home learning plan that meets their individual needs.
