Making homework interesting for 4yr old

[tillyfernackerpants]

Ds1's school is quite hot on homework, to the point that the nursery class has been given homework to do. They have to practise writing their name, number recognition, read a book a week, draw a picture from the book & write a word or sentence under the picture.

He will read the book & draw the picture but doesn't like the writing practise. He says its boring or that he's too tired to do it. So any bright ideas on how I can make it a bit more interesting without resorting to bribery?! I've tried doing shopping lists with him, birthday cards etc but he just doesn't seem to have much interest in it.

I do think they're asking a lot of 3 & 4 yr olds and part of me wants to say to ds1 that it doesn't matter. But then I don't want him to get the idea that homework is voluntary, or that he can just do the bits that he likes!

Anyway, that's ended up a longer post than I'd planned! Any suggestions gratefully received

He is very, very young for formal writing sessions. Is it an independent school?

We pay for school. It's academically selective at 4. However, in Reception it's all about ensuring they all recognise and can write numbers to 20, write their name and recognise their letters. Most are reading in Reception but not all of the younger ones.

If it must be done, I'd suggest taking him shopping and letting him chose a notebook and pen which he really likes. Take some photos together and write a sentence about them. You go first; say out loud then write a simple sentence. Then his turn. Mount them on the wall and give him lots of praise. No more than one a day though!

When is his birthday? Is he 4 yet? Very, very young for formal writing as I said.

IME, even the most highly selective indie schools appreciate that some bright children, especially boys are just not quite ready at 4. The school has given them a place as they see the potential and by 7 would expect an equal performance but they recognise that it's often about maturity at 4. If your school doesn't recognise this, it's not a good sign.

It's not an independent school. He is 4 but he is one of the eldest in the class, many children are still 3.

I guess I should've made it clearer with the writing, it is just starting to form the letters of their first name & then one other word about their drawing. Since giving this out they haven't said anything so don't know if there is any pressure on the children or not.

I'm not sure if this is usual in other schools though or if they're just trying to get ahead of the game a little. But I do agree that they are very young for this, surely they'll probably all catch up at some point?

So should I make him do it or let him do as much or as little as he wants?

He is still v young for this. Don't push it for the sake of the school, at this age learning should be about enjoyment and discovery and experience, not formal 'homework'.
You could try other techniques to get him writing though, practise his name in giant air letters with him, lie on the livingroom floor and 'write' his name together on the ceiling with your fingers, or in a tray of sand so he gets used to forming the letters.

Count objects when out and about then pretend to write the number on the object with your fingers etc.

Once he's more confident he can do it and it isn't boring, then iontroduce formal writing with a pen and paper.

I do think official homework at this age is wrong though

In our reception class to help with the writing its all about fine motor skills therefore, they've done sewing cards and beading, following maze paths and making their own mazes.

The kids like to play hangman - forming letters and drawing the hangman especially.

We used to make bread with our children shaped in their initials as well as writing words in the flour on the kneading board.

How about writing in sand or on a whiteboard?

Sand - get a shallow tray and cver with a layer of sand, use finger to write. If school need evidence of work - take a photo; smae as with a whiteboard or chalk board.

If no evidence needed you could also do water painting outside. On a dry day get a paintbrush and jug of water. He can then write with the paintbrush on the pavement or patio.

Finger painting - the same.

When he can form letters ok, you can take it in turns to "write" on each others back or hand with fingers. The other person than has to guess what the letter being drawn is.

It is too early for any kind of formal homework
DD is in academic independent and 'homework' in reception consisted of occasional tasks ( usually at the weekend) like going into the garden with a torch and ticking off anything you see on a list/print out sheet or going for a walk and ticking if you see a bird/ladybird/cat/insects etc etc

They also had the letters game that Hulababy mentioned. And making a frozen iceberg using water in a ballooon and them putting it in the bath with you at bathtime to see how long it takes to melt

I would be explaining that he is too tired and formel practice as they are suggesting is not appropriate for him yet.

Thanks for the replies & suggestions.

As of yet, there hasn't been any follow up with the school but I know they do things in class (and there's a writer of the month certificate ).

I think I'll just keep it informal, if he wants to do it then we will but otherwise not push it! I'll definitely try the suggestions on here as well, thanks

big ticks and stickers are the answer for me. or 10/10 marking.
and big drawn smiley faces when they get everything right.
that's usually incentive enough. it's amazing how far praise gets you with a very young child.

Message withdrawn

Move schools. Immediately.