Lazy teaching with apps

There's quite a lot to pull apart there. Most primary schools can't enforce homework - so I've spent ages creating and printing differentiated tasks only for them to (I assume) go straight in the bin at home. There seems to be more engagement with app type work.

Also depends on the quality of the apps - lots of them are very smart and able to personalise to the kids - so work out what they need more practice of and tailor the questions they see to that. For something like times tables that just needs going over and over again I think it's the best way of engaging the more reluctant learners.

There's still quite a lot of admin involved from the teachers - I've always checked weekly to see which children have accessed, how often, any areas of weakness etc.

Also to be blunt, most of the time written homework tells me more about what the parents can do than the kids. The app type work tends to be kids learning independently.

All that said, I also agree with concerns about screen time and always accept if parents tell me they won't be doing it or don't allow screen time - their time, their choice.

You also need to always make provision for the kids who don't have access to tech at home although I've found most kids have easier access to a parents smartphone than pens, paper, glue, scissors etc...

All that to say, I think a good quality app monitored by the teacher provides a much more consistent, individualised approach to homework over time than a load of photocopied sheets.

What does the school do if a parent says no? I would not be happy with a primary age child being compelled to have an app carrying device of their own and would be refusing this.

It’s not lazy, it’s time efficient. It gives instant feedback and teachers can tweak it for individuals that need it. It’s no more or less lazy than printing something off twinkl and pressing 30 on the photocopier.

Homework is unnecessary in primary unless your child is struggling with the curriculum and needs additional support. It is a waste of teacher time to mark ten sheets of spellings or whatever. The apps are a quick way of providing homework for those parents that expect it. If you want your child doing other things there are numerous workbooks available to buy.

How much time are they expected to spend on them? Do they have provision for those who can’t access things?

I think there is very much a time and place for the apps to help support what has been learnt in class and to encourage more independence.

when ds was in year 3 times tables rock stars was fantastic for helping him master them.