Homework timescales in Yr 3, children being independent, need guidance.

[Rollergirl1]

DD in Yr3. There is a new teacher to the school teaching this year. At the 'meet the teacher' meeting at the beginning of term teacher was very keen on pointing out that the children should be focused on being more independent. So for example it is the child's own responsibility to change their reading books each day. I get that the step from KS1 to KS2 is quite a leap and I'm fine with that. DD is very organised so I'm not concerned about her.

But 2 weeks ago the class were set some additional homework over the weekend. They had to make a roman shield. The teacher relied upon the children to inform the parents of this. There was no note from the teacher informing the parents, no message in reading books. We were lucky as DD is very conscientious so she told us but there were a number of children who obviously forgot to tell their parents and so it wasn't done. There were quite a few tears on the Monday morning of children that hadn't done it. I get that they need to start being more independent but still think 7 is quite young to rely on them relaying important things like this to the parent.

Now today DD has come back from school today with a note in her reading book (think teacher has took on board the lack of information, which is good) saying that can we send in photos and any certificate/medals they have for any clubs they belong to. They want this by Tuesday as they are doing a presentation. This doesn't give the parent very much time to get things sorted!

So I guess my question is is this, as parents, should we expect this from KS2, or is this general bad planning? Sorry, don't want to be negative about this teacher but just don't know what is the norm.

My ds has just started in year 3, 7 years (summer baby) if that was his class he'd do no homework as I'd never hear a thing about it!
We had a letter at the beginning of term (to parents and children) that laid out the week ie when homework would be set, library books, pe, reading books etc We've made that into a chart for ds so he packs his own bag in the morning but has a reminder.
The homework is always addressed to the child but their are clear instructions. If the teacher expects parent involvement (and homework is parent involvement even if its 'just' buying the resources) then I don't think its unreasonable to have something written down - we have a topic list too for the year
No idea what the norm is either but we're happy with the level of information (school is due an Ofsted this year too that might help!)

DD is in Y3. The children are expected to change their own reading books (though DD has been doing this since Y1).

They are expected to write their own homework in their diaries, including what day it has to be in. They are also expected to write down anything out of the ordinary that they have to remember e.g. please bring in a small box for DT. The teacher generally (at this stage in term) prompts them to write down what they need to, but it is up to the children.

They are also expected to put their own things away in the morning (without prompting) and to take things that they need home at night.

There have been lots of examples of children forgetting homework or not taking things home that they needed to. But the school works with these children to encourage them to be more organised.

We also support this at home by expecting DD to pack her own bag and take responsibility for her own homework. (though she also did this in Y2)

So I would say your teacher's expectation of Y3 is the norm. I would say that in Y2 (which was a different school) there was some build up towards encouraging this level of independence so DD was already used to changing her own book, putting stuff away, remembering what needed to go home, and managing different homework requirements. So maybe it's the jump (in your case) that's a lot?

It's pretty common picture. The kids who are keen get it done one way or another. The ones who are disorganised but keen learn to be organised. The ones who hate homework quietly never tell parents they had the HW in the first place.