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Home Learning at Muritai School

 

After much deliberation our Senior Leadership Team & teachers  have decided to scale back our homework programme across the school in 2024. 

Much of the current research has shown that for primary school aged students most homework tasks do not improve academic outcomes (Kohn, 2006; Cooper, 2006; Blazer, 2009; Farrow, Tymms & Henderson, 2013) and do not help young children develop study or time management skills (Hattie, 2009). The only homework activity that has consistently been shown to improve outcomes across a range of measures for primary students is reading (Allyn & Bacon, 2005). 
 

Below sets out our expectations of what home learning activities may look like in each syndicate across the school, with the focus on encouraging reading daily, dipping into basic facts maintenance and as children get older, completing project based learning that has been set in class on set due dates. Of course there is always the option of doing more if you believe that is important for your child and family so we have also provided some optional activities that might link to your child’s passions or interests.

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If sustaining independent reading is a struggle for your child then reading with or to them each evening is also hugely beneficial. Reading to your child at their intellectual level is very beneficial. Not only does it expose them to new vocabulary but it also helps them to decode the word when they come across it in their own reading because they have heard it, know how to pronounce it, and know what it means.

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We encourage families to use the time that would otherwise be spent on doing homework to do activities that research has shown improves student outcomes: spending time outdoors, preparing and eating dinner as a family, playing board games, reading together, reducing screen time and getting to bed early! 

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A reminder all homework is optional and should not be a battle at home - do what works best for your whānau.

Below is how home learning may look in your child’s syndicate:

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Kororā.

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The idea of home learning for early learners is that it is a positive experience where children share and practise their skills. We wish to ignite excitement and confidence in learners. Our teachers will provide regular opportunities for home learning in literacy as well as encouraging children to make home / school connections with our inquiry focus by bringing in artefacts to share. 

  • Literacy - Decodable books and maintenance activities will be sent home weekly to enable students to revise the skills that are being taught in class.  

  • Reading Eggs & Mathseeds will be available. Your child’s login will be in their Mahi Tahi book.

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Tūī.

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In Tūī, we believe nothing beats playing games with your children, snuggling up in bed reading a book together, talking about the maths you see in the world around you and just having fun learning about our world, learning how to be kind and love each other! The children get enough learning at school and come home to be with you, learn from you and learn to the best that they can be! Children will have the opportunity to continue class learning through weekly reading books from class books, books from our school library and the Eastbourne Library and access to digital apps to practise some basic literacy and numeracy skills. There will be many opportunities to connect class inquiry learning with learning at home throughout this year. 

  • Literacy - Decodable or Authentic texts will be sent home at the end of each week to enable students to revise skills that have been taught that week in class. Children will have access to school and Eastbourne Library books throughout each term. 

  • Digital Apps - Reading Eggs and Mathletics will be available to practise basic skills at home. Your logins will be sent home on a Password Page. 

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Kererū.

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In Kererū, we believe in fostering a well-rounded approach to learning, and we're happy to share our perspective on homework. No formal homework will be set. Instead of traditional homework assignments, we're encouraging your child to embrace independent reading and shared storytelling moments with you. Strengthening foundational skills, such as typing/keyboard skills, basic facts and revising Structured Literacy Spelling words, remains a priority in our educational journey. Spelling words will be sent home in a notebook. It is your child’s responsibility to bring their notebook to school on a Monday.

Each child will have access to Mathletics at home. Work will be set to reinforce what is being learned in the classroom.  Prototec, Hit the Button and Polymath are also great to reinforce learning.

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Occasionally, we may seek your support for specific activities, e.g. exploring Pepeha, preparing or practising speeches, or engaging in inquiry-based projects. Your involvement is invaluable in enriching your child's learning experience.

 

Kāhu.

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 In Kāhu we strongly believe in school and homework being intertwined. Home based work is usually work that is concurrently being done at school. We allow students agency in how they approach their school work. They enjoy working to deadlines, be it at school or home. When students are working on big pieces of work, they will need to do more at home. This includes Personal Passion Project time, Science Fairs and/or Inquiry outcomes. We encourage regular personal reading. For those who want to support their school learning in other ways they can spend time on the below digital supports. 

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Other inspiration for across the school…

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If you would like your child to complete additional learning tasks at home, there are some handy links below that we would recommend. Below are some ideas you could encourage your child to do at home, based around their passions and interests.

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Maths

  • Maths posters

  • Basic Facts

  • Multiplication and Division Facts

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NZ Maths site

This section provides some ideas for how you can raise awareness and share mathematics using everyday experiences and resources found around your home. It includes ideas for supporting your children’s learning in all areas of mathematics: geometry, measurement, statistics, algebra and number.

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Literacy

  • Poster about books or authors

  • Research Posters about a topic that interests them

  • Book Reviews

  • Pamphlets

  • Spelling Activities

  • Power points/slides or movies about interesting topics

  • Epic – A digital reading platform for kids 12 and under. It has 40,000 books, audiobooks, learning videos, quizzes and more. Both English and Spanish books are available. 

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P.E.

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  • Create a fitness circuit

  • Invent a game for others to play

  • Create a healthy menu for your family

  • Help someone at home to cook a meal

  • Research a new sport

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Other Curriculum Areas

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If you are interested in purchasing workbooks to support your child’s learning at home, we would recommend:

Dragon Maths Books 

Start Right Workbooks       

 

Thank you for your continued support. 

 

Ngā mihi nui,



 

Muritai teaching staff.

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