Bulk term homework - is this right?

[momtothree]

Any teachers on here? DC in Y5 have been sen HW task sheet - this lists 9 tasks and include - persuasive letter - diary - poster- reading- times tables - maths (make your own based on running circuit) research of a topic - and geography - there is no completion date other than end of term. Weekly spellings and reading still needs completing. What benefit if any is this to the children supporting them in class? How do u motivate a reluctant child? But mostly is this right?

Each school has a different way of approaching homework so it's difficult to say whether something is right or wrong.
I certainly wouldn't set it. But then I'm not really a fan of homework I only give it because it's school policy.
If you're not happy go and ask the teacher otherwise just break it down into smaller chunks over the rest of the term.

We have weekly home work and done weeks it can be a real pain fitting it in. I would much prefer it presented like this as it would be easier to work around. If it is daunting for your child can you not break it up into weekly tasks together?

Well the benefit of homework is another subject :)

TBH that sounds similar (actually possibly a little less) than my DC got in Y5. I think you need to break it down to completing the simpler things in a week and the more complicated things in 1 week (or 2). Sounds like it's aiming to get the children thinking about managing their time (which definitely is more of a "thing" in Y6 to prepare for secondary school).

I just think that if they are doing say multiplication in class then homework would back this up, or if they are researching x for a story in class this would help, im not a fan of homework either.

Year 7 have set handing in days, and is a reflection of stuff done in class - they dont set times tables if they are doing measurements IYSWIM

Is it new topics though? Or just consolidation of things they have already covered this year anyway? To use your example, I would expect times tables to be something that is done "little and often" regardless of what happens to be being covered in class.

Our Y2 DS has got this this term.
They have to do at least 4 items on the sheet, they get put in for a prize if they do 6 or more things.
DS is aiming for all of them - which is great as usually he hates doing anything that requires writing or drawing but will whizz through maths.
It works well for us as we have a few chockablock periods coming up and it means we can work round them.

DD is in year 1. She gets a sheet with the same number of homework tasks as weeks in the half term. Children are expected to hand in one task per week. This term we have:

1. Writing sentences (or a story for more able)
2. Testing materials and making an object
3. Researching something famous
4. Researching facts about something and printing, typing or writing them
5. Weather diary
6. Collage

All of these are more detailed than I have recorded them here but am intentionally making it vague. They are all linked to their topic.

We have some busy weekends coming up, so she did number 3 last weekend, she's done 1 and started 5 this weekend. Next weekend she'll do 2 and 4 (and probably 6 as DD loves that sort of thing). Then we're away for 2 weekends so will hand in something she's already completed earlier in the term...

So glad we can plan our time, rather than trying to fit it all in when we're busy.

Primary homework rarely works to increase the child's understanding - some children won't do it, some parents will do it for the child, some parents support well, etc, but parents complain if no homework is provided. Therefore, primary homework tends to be a broadening of the topic, rather than anything vital to learning.

Isn't it about trying to get him used to being more organised in time for secondary school? Our school do it, so half termly they get a little booklet and they have to pick one piece of work from each and hand it in at the end of the half term. It's usually creative and fun things like making something practical or art based to illustrate something they've learnt. They get weekly spellings and either maths or english weekly too.

We get this termly homework sheet from Y1. The children should complete at least 2 tasks (on top of maths card, spelling tests, reading etc)

I'm not a fan of homework, but would prefer a scheme like this. It would allow us to fit it all in with OUR schedule instead of having to dance to school's beat even when we're not there. Less stress on a particularly busy weekend and a good lesson in planning for DC.

Hes the kind if child who will wait til last min and then panic. Other DC will want to do them all and nag endlessly for lined paper/glue/laptop etc so both ends of the spectrum. I dont agree it gets them ready for high school, where homework is used to reinforce class learning. I dobt like the idea that school are passing the buck to parents to organise homework that isnt reinforcing class work and is given to appease the parents who want it. Homework is voluntary at junior school.

Well then, leave him to it and don't worry if he doesn't do it. As you say, it's voluntary.

Homework is voluntary? Non negotiable since reception here

Some schools do set "bulk" homework - sometimes calling it Learning Logs, for example this school. I've never presented homework that way, but I can see some benefits.

Some parents love it as they can see everything that needs doing and can spread it around other family commitments. Plus the children don't have to do every task, they can pick the ones that appeal to them (or their parents).

As a teacher I can do no right with homework. Some parents complain about having any, others want far more. We have a school expectation to give it, we have to follow the policy and OFSTED expect it, but it is one more straw on this camel's back!

As a teacher do you think other than reading - homework has any real benefit? My DC have had projects to build pyramid say - and some year 2 have exceptional talent (:-p) Maths yes if relevant - prefer if they are struggling as something to help. Just wonder if the rest is lip service?

Yup reading is essential as is learning times tables (imo needs far too much repetition and learning to be done in school time only)

I agree with Wombat.

We set weekly homework (including spellings) and reading is expected to be done on a daily basis. That's throughout the school.

Personally I think the main advantage of homework (particularly in KS1) is consolidating knowledge and involving the parents slightly. I don't mean full blown construction/craft/research project type homework, but more along the lines of asking the child to retell the story we have been working on in English (they know that they can use a different language if that is what's spoken at home) and then a simple written task, like describing a character or their favourite moment in the book. It gives the child a structured way to tell someone at home what they do during the week (other than the usual "I had an apple for lunch and I played skipping games...").