KOPUTAROA SCHOOL

Established 1891

Home Learning Guidelines

At Koputaroa School we believe that Home Learning should be designed to support the classroom learning. Thus, it is meaningful, relevant and connecting to what the child is learning in class. Research shows that home learning that reinforces the class learning has the strongest effect. Research also shows that home learning that is clear, easily understood and supported by parents also produces the best outcome. Home Learning also serves the purpose of teaching time and self-management skills - key aspects of the Key Competencies of the New Zealand Curriculum. At Koputaroa School we encourage children to complete home learning tasks that compliment the classroom learning and encourage dialogue and discussion with their parents. We also aim to have an environment where parents are welcomed and encouraged to talk with the teacher about how best to support their childs home learning if unsure. Throughout our school, there will be different requirements of home learning, depending on the age and year level of the children. Year 1- 4: - Home Reading. At this emergent level, children in Years 1-2 may have a home reader up to 4 times a week. Typically the home reader will be a book the child has read and is fluent with. In Years 3-4, children are encouraged to read every night, whether it be a school book, library book or other book from home. At these levels, reading to your child is also still important as they follow along and listen to a fluent reader. - Spelling. Children may have a list of at least 5 words to learn. Words will either be from: their errors from the Essential Spelling Lists, rhymes and patterns from Joy Alcock Spelling or Word Cards. - Maths. Children may bring home some basic facts to learn and practice. Year 5 - 8: - Spelling. Children may bring home a list of words that they are learning and practicing. Words may be made up from errors from the Essential Spelling Lists or errors from their writing. - Home Reading. At this age and level, children are encouraged to read every night for at least 10 minutes. At this level, if you are listening to your child read, the emphasis is on both fluency and comprehension - how well have they understood what they have read? - Maths. Children may have a list of basic facts to learn and practice. - HOT Based Learning. At varying times of the year, children may be asked to research topics that relate to the HOT Learning concept being taught in class.

Research: Robinson, V., Hohepa M., Lloyd C. School Leadership and Student Outcomes: Identifying What Works Best and Why. University of Auckland, Ministry of Education 2009