Homework is often a revision of what is covered in class. As well as regular weekly homework, your child may have assessments such as assignments or projects with due dates.
A key to success is being organised. To avoid Thursday night meltdowns about incomplete homework, read our homework tips.
Homework
Kindergarten
In general, children are not expected to complete formal homework in Kindergarten. Children may be given books to read at home, as appropriate.
Years 1 and 2
In Years 1 and 2 some formal homework may be set. For example, children might be asked to read and write, learn words for spelling and complete some mathematical activities.
Years 3-6
Homework in Years 3-6 may be varied and children may be expected to work more independently. Children could be encouraged to read and practise mathematical concepts learnt at school. Other homework may also be set across areas of the curriculum.
How Parents Can Help
• Encourage, express approval and generally relate positively to your child and any homework tasks set by the school.
• Make homework as pleasant as you can. Provide an attractive quiet work area where there is a desk or table and adequate lighting.
• Try to establish a predictable routine. If homework is completed at the same time each evening, no great decisions about starting have to be made.
• Encourage your child to be organised and to work reasonably quickly and efficiently. Stick to a set time limit. There is little point in forcing children to reluctantly continue if they are frustrated and tired. If you find yourself or your child becoming upset and the atmosphere getting tense, stop.
Tips for all ages
These tips are relevant for all students Kindergarten to Year 12.
- Ask your child about their homework, know what they are learning about and when assignments are due.
- Use our term assessment planner (DOCX 53.57KB) to record when assessments and exams are scheduled so you can help your child prepare in advance. Make to-do lists to spread out the workload.
- Get into a routine of doing homework at a set time, ideally a little each day.
- Have a set place where the kids can do their homework, with the equipment they’ll need:
- pens and pencils
- highlighters
- scissors
- glue
- scrap paper
- ruler
- calculator
- printing paper
- computer and internet access
- a printer.
- Turn mobiles to aeroplane mode or off so there are no disruptions.
- If there’s no set homework, encourage your child to do some reading. For younger children, it’s great for them to read aloud to you. For older kids, ask them to tell you about what they have been reading.
- Don’t jump in and give answers. Homework is about helping kids become independent learners.
- Encourage your child to start assignments as soon as they receive them – this will reduce any night-before stress.
- Your child needs to do their own projects and assignments. There’s no point submitting work done by anyone other than the student. Teachers need to know what students can do independently.
- If your child is having difficulty with their homework, contact their class teacher for help.
- For help understanding terms used in English, visit English A to Z.
- For help understanding terms used in mathematics, visit Maths A to Z.