homework rules - tips for parents

Tips for P3 & P4

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How much homework should they get at this age?
In P3 and P4, they’ll probably be doing one and a half hours of homework a week. If they’re spending much more time than this on homework, talk to their teacher – maybe they’re spending too long on it? Talk to the teacher about how long homework should be taking.

How much time should I spend helping?
It depends on the time you have. Do what you can – they should be working a bit more by themselves, but you can help them out if they get stuck on something. Even ten minutes is better than nothing!

What sort of work will they be getting?
They’ll still be doing reading, writing and sums, but their teacher might start to bring in other subjects, like science. They might get projects home where they have to find out information, or they could be asked to make something, do a simple experiment, or some written work.

What can I do to help them in school?
The Government recommends that you spend 20 minutes a day reading with your child. But maybe you don’t always have twenty minutes! Just read together when you can – five or ten minutes is better than nothing. You could listen to them reading a story or a bit from one of their books, or even get them to read to you.

My child won’t settle to homework…
If you have a set time for homework every night – say from 6 to 6.30 – then they’ll get into a routine and this will help you. Don’t insist they start as soon as they’re back from school – give them some time to relax and play a bit first. Maybe let them have a snack before they start so they’re not hungry and thirsty when they start.

My child can’t concentrate…
Having something to eat and drink can help here. If your child’s eaten a good breakfast, they’ll do better in class. Giving them their five portions of fruit and veg a day can help as well. Eating a pile of sweets can make them hyper – so try to keep them as an after-homework treat if you can. Fish oil extract – OMEGA–3 - might help too.

I’m always shouting at them about getting homework done…
Well we have all been there and we know the theory. If you get angry, they’ll feel stressed. It really is better to walk away and leave it until another time rather than losing it completely.

What’s the best way to prepare for homework?
Make sure the room they’re working in is fairly quiet – no telly or stereo blaring! Have everything to hand they might need for homework, like pencils, ruler and pens. Make sure they aren’t doing homework last thing at night, when they’re tired - or first thing in the morning before they leave the house.