Homework

[finsophmum]

My son has just turned 6 and is in P2. Lately I feel he has just got so much homework to do. He gets it every night (reading or spelling) then he gets activity sheets and a blooming worksheet which has 9 different activities to be done throughout the week. The work is really tough as well, he is in a composite class from P1 to P4 and is doing times tables ( don't think we done that til we were about 7/8)

All that seems to be happening lately is that I am finding it difficult to fit everything in and he seems to be getting tired. I am a single parent working part time 4 days during the week. By the time i have picked him up got him home, started to do his homework, shouted at his little sister who interupts his homework (finding this quite hard, she misses him during the day and wants to play with him, she is 2), got tea, washed up ......etc etc.... i feel done in and am feeling short changed because there isn't much fun in our house during after school hours.

Any ideas!!??? :)

Dd1 is in yr2(nearly 7) and has some numeracy or literacy homework each week, and a question which gets them thinking given on a thursday, due in mon. She is expected to know 2,5 and 10 times tables. Could you talk to teacher, explain issues, ask whether homework for worksheet could extend over weekend to buy a bit more time. Point out that as a single working parent time in the evening is limited, and your other option - to keep him up after your daughter to do the homework might make him more tired for school. Having said that my dd likes doing extra maths after the younger ones are in bed as it gives her quality time!

Yr2 is equivalent to P3 so not really comparable. My dd is P4 and gets less homework than that. Could you split the homework up and do a little before tea and then some after?

Any ideas? Yes - talk to his teacher!

HW shouldn't be really hard, even if he is in a composite class.

Tell the teacher how hard it is and how much time you spend doing it, and see if you can come to a compromise......

Have you chatted to the other parents? I would see if you have any support and if you do bring it up with the Head. I really don't think that a DC of that age needs to work at school and then have more at home-especially when it is boring worksheets and he could do more interesting things if he had the time.

However homework in primary schools started because parents wanted it so if you have no support there isn't much you can do except let him unwind and play first.

Thanks guys, last week i sent a note in with him saying it was pointless us doing it because he was so tired, he wouldn't learn anything and we would do it at the weekend when we had time! I know other parents feel it is too much, its a great little school with really approachable staff and i think now is the time to tell them it is just too much.... just glad I only have 1 child there! I know one of the other parents with 2 children (one needing additional help) has spoken to the headteacher about the subject...yeah i know it isn't even fun stuff that we can go out and discover!!

Sounds as if you could get the school to rethink. Parents who feel the same and an approachable staff are a huge advantage.Good luck.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17250653