EQUIP

Tips for Teachers

Consideration should be given to the following points:

1. Build the homework activities into your curriculum planning.

Ensure that the tasks are an integral element of your course work and build the feedback from the homework into a following lesson.

2. Explain to parents/carers why you need their assistance.

Families need to understand why their involvement is helpful, as some believe schools expect pupils to complete homework entirely independently. A range of approaches may be required to explain to as many parents/carers as possible, what you are proposing to do. This might include, contact by telephone, personalised letters, specific meetings (consider venues other than the school), using the support of other agencies and community contacts etc.

3. Stress that education is a 'shared responsibility' between home and school.

Homework can provide an ideal vehicle for establishing such a working partnership. Explain to parents that what happens out of school has a significant impact on children's performance at school - the assistance of parents/carers is essential to ensure that pupils perform to the best of their ability.

4. Reassure parents that no specialist knowledge is required.

Assure them that it is simply the time that they give to their children, and the discussion involved that's important - pupils take the role of the teacher and explain what's expected. This is an important learning exercise for the pupil.

5. It need not be the parents who help.

Any trusted person (brother, sister, grandparent, neighbour etc.) may be the source of support. It can also be a different person each time.

6. Place equal value on the contribution of all parents.

It has often been found that very positive support has been forthcoming from homes where contact in the past may have been somewhat limited. Don't underestimate the contribution of any family.

7. Encourage the use of the language of the home.

Homework tasks can be discussed or undertaken through any language. This should be encouraged.

8. Be realistic about how frequently you can call on the support of parents/carers.
It is essential not to place too many demands on the goodwill of the home - it can easily be lost. Give consideration to how frequently these homework tasks should be set. Consult colleagues about the demands they place upon parents.

9. Value the responses from the home.

It is important to ensure that the completion of these tasks is valued. If practicable, display the homework in a prominent place, in or out of school.

10. Evaluate the homework activities with the pupils and their families.

This can be undertaken through the use of questionnaires, homework diaries, record sheet or even the pupils' exercise books. Problems and successes need to be reviewed. A meeting can also be arranged to listen to the views of the parents and consolidate the working practices.

11. Sustain the commitment of families.

End of term 'thank you' letters to families can give the homework activities a high profile. Also acknowledging the homework responses through assemblies, school newsletter and displays can also help etc.

12. Share the outcome of your practice with all colleagues.

It is important that all colleagues are fully aware of the homework activities and the benefits that ensue.

13. Consider a training day focusing on homework.

This may provide a valuable opportunity to broaden the base of support for your homework links with parents.

posted by AcrosticGuy @ 4:16 PM