Extra homework

[MinnieMountain]

DS’s junior school has extra homework every half term. They get a “menu” based on their learning theme and have to choose 3.

I’m wondering what the point is? And does anyone’s DC have similar?

It’s things like “Present a family member”, “make up a quiz about [learning theme].”

I admit this moan is coming from being fed up of getting a reluctant 8yo to do it.

That doesn't sound like "extra" homework to me, just homework. They've given a menu so the children can choose the activities they would prefer to do rather than prescribing them which can sometimes be difficult for some children/families. The point of it is to get the children thinking and talking about their learning theme outside school in order to support their learning in school.

I should probably view it as such then. It’s not something that friend’s DC in other schools have.

As a teacher I'm told to set this type of thing every half term. Only one or two children ever do anything and I don't chase it up. It's a waste of time even coming up with the list. I've quietly dropped it recently but am waiting to be told off!

I think the ‘menu’ idea sounds really nice. Just choose the three easiest and most convenient things. They’ve probably done this with time strapped families or children who aren’t keen on homework in mind because it helps to have a choice of activities and examples you’ve mentioned don’t sound very time consuming. Easier than building a solar system or a Stone Age model for sure!
The point I would imagine is to extend your child’s learning and make you aware as a parent of what they are learning, providing an opportunity for you to engage with them in their learning theme.
You’re child will probably pick up on your lack of enthusiasm. I know it can be a pain in the arse but try and fake some interest.

The school I work in doesn't give holiday homework .
Reception to Yr 8

The school I work in doesn't give holiday homework
Reception to Yr 8

Oh I read it as every half term as in ‘termly’, to do over the term - that’s what we have so doing this kind of thing over 6 or 7 weeks isn’t a huge inconvenience. Not holiday work. If it is holiday work then screw that 😂

Don’t do it - we ignored homework in primary. No time with getting home after 6.30 from after school club

I’m pretty sure he’s not picking up on my reluctance. It’s the sort of thing I would have happily got on with myself at his age. I’m also aware of not being one of “those” parents, which is why I’m moaning on here rather than to his teacher.

Ours have a home learning project every topic. Roughly half termly - which is often models/presentations. I"d rather a menu with a quiz etc much simpler!!!

Our school does keep kids in if they dont do weekly homework/read enough and I think have started doing this for their home learning too. I don't like this.

Parker - not possible in our school! Although completely see your point. Lots do it sunday. Especially the projects.

What other homework do they do?

Are you sure friends in other schools dont get home learning? Just in a different format? (Make a mountain/iron age relic/something from the romans/house from great fire of london etc seems pretty common. )

Thankfully coming out the other side with this - secondary isnt as bad (bar the odd art project or posters!)

He has SPAG, maths and spelling every week.

I’m sure re. the other schools. They get to odd thing but nothing regularly like this.

I suppose I should be thankful for the menu!

It has been said that the two biggest complaints about primary schools are "not enough homework" and "too much homework". The advantage of a menu like this is that those who want more homework can do it all, and those who don't can choose the least time-consuming (or most interesting) options. We had this but you didn't have to do any if you didn't want to - in practice most people made sure their child had at least something to add to the "homework celebration" display.

There's something to be said for making sure the after-school club has a copy - there's bound to be something on there they can facilitate.

Don’t do it if you don’t want to.

Schools only set this kind of thing because if they don’t, some parents moan.

We use the menu at my school but I don't really press it. I've had parents complain we send too much homework, and a day later another parent complains we send too little. I teach reception so I try to link the activities to previous or upcoming learning. I also try to include some suggested fun half-term activities that families can do together during the break. I spend most of my break resting and enjoying myself, and wouldn't want to burden anyone else with too much work.

I have to set something like this and some families go all out, while others do very little. Since I started adding a Minecraft option it has been more successful. It needs to be a balance as some kids get a lot of adult support but others get none and it's seen as an added inconvenience.
The children with a scrap of paper that they did on their own get just as much praise though.

Ours is all set by the trust the school is part of so all 3 classes get set the same.

It frustrates me when they fawn over something a parent has made. And the keeping in for not doing homework.

Pa ha ha. We have the same set up as you. Weekly English, Maths and Reading and that half termly "topic menu". The topic menu sheet comes home and goes straight into the recycling bin. Its enough work trying to get them to do the regular homework. DD is in year 5 and I've never been asked to justify why she hasn't done the activities. I asked DD and she said the odd kid bothers to do it but most don't.