The Importance of Home Learning in P-5

Home learning across P-5 is important because it is the intersection between home and school.  As children grow older, home learning and the amount of time engaged in home learning increase in importance.

Here are five constructive purposes for home learning in the context of your child’s educational journey. The first two are the most important and obvious. Through practice and participation in learning tasks, home learning can improve your child’s achievement. It would be expected that if home learning were completed accurately, not only would your child’s general knowledge and marks improve but your child would also increase mastery of basic academic skills, such as reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics.

Home learning can provide other benefits too. Your child’s ability to bring an assignment task home, gather and organise necessary materials to complete the assignment, and return the assignment and receive a grade, strengthens his or her sense of responsibility. There is also improved development of personal skills such as time management gained by completing home learning. Furthermore, when home learning proceeds smoothly it can become a positive aspect of your relationship with your child. Finally, it offers schools an opportunity to let parents know what their children are learning and so can play an important role by keeping parents informed about class activities and policies.

Home learning is a bridge that joins schools and parents. From the school’s perspective, there is the opportunity to monitor students' independent progress. For parents, there is the potential to gain a greater appreciation of education and to express positive attitudes toward their children’s achievements.

Regardless of the amount of home learning assigned, many students unsuccessful or struggling in school spend less rather than more time engaged in home learning. It is not surprising that students spending less time completing home learning may eventually not achieve as consistently as those who complete their home learning tasks.

Home learning is important as one of several influential factors in school success. Some tips:

• Schedule a regular home learning time. Allow for a relaxation break after school, but do not let children leave home learning until just before bedtime when they are likely to be tired, grouchy, and unable to concentrate.
• Help younger school students set a schedule. Older students can set their own schedules, but make sure these are workable.
• Allow time for sports or other activities, balance is important.
• Provide a home learning area that has good lighting, is comfortable, and is fairly quiet. If possible, supply a desk or worktable.
• Eliminate distractions by making the telephone, television, video games, etc. off-limits.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Teaching and Learning K-5