Extra writing tasks to be done at home for a child in Year 3

[MorocconOil]

At parents evening DS's teacher asked me to get DS to do some extra writing at home. She suggested keeping a diary, writing shopping lists, recipes, or short stories. She also gave me a letter with this all on, and DS and I had to sign it to agree to do it.

6 other children in his class were asked to do the same. All of them are already attaining Level 3 at SATS for writing.

Her explanation was that it would help them, but if they are already achieving a relatively high standard why would she want them to do more?

Has anyone elses' DC had to do this, and if so why?

Extension work?

Oh she didn't call it that. What is it though and what's the purpose?

Well it's possible she thinks they have reached their targets and could be extended sideways. i.e. Experience a wider range of different types of writing. I wouldn't have thought you HAD to do it mind if it's outside of school. Is she assessing them for something do you think? I've never come across it btw just an idea.

Assessing for what though?

She did say it was optional.

I saw the other letters, and they were all for children in the top set except DS who is in the second set.

I'm just a bit puzzled really, not concerned.