At KCIS, we have a homework policy that supports our in school learning programme. When students are in school, their day is intensive and there are high expectations on the students during that time. Any homework given at KCIS is therefore meaningful, carefully planned and used to further learning – it is not given merely for routine or for the sake of giving homework. Too much homework can inhibit students from becoming active learners and diminish a student’s interest in learning. It can also place stress on family and individual relationships within the home as well as limit a child’s time to follow their own passions. Homework at KCIS consists of the following:
Daily Reading
All students are encouraged to read a book (suitable to their level of reading) every day at home. Students have a Reading Log Book to encourage them to read and record their own reading. KCIS lends students in KS1 Levelled Readers (based on their reading level) to read to a parent or guardian at home. This should be encouraged on a daily basis. All books should come to school every day with the student in their book bag.
Spellings
Students also receive weekly spellings based on their topics or literacy learning that week. A weekly differentiated spelling test is held each week.
Online Tasks
Students may also be regularly set online tasks for both Literacy and Maths using Edshed. Students are encouraged to complete these activities as set by the teacher. They also are able to independently extend their learning at home using website or if you’d prefer on the Edshed app which can be downloaded for a small fee from the App/Play Store. Edshed is great for both maths and English foundational skills. All students have been issued with an Edshed log in through their class teachers.
At Home Tasks
Students may be given ‘At Home Tasks’ to take home to further enrich their learning experience. This may be further questions to secure their learning or research based on their topic.
Listening to Stories
In addition, we would encourage all parents to read aloud to their children. Being read aloud to is greatly beneficial to children in increasing their vocabulary, comprehension, and understanding of sophisticated language patterns. It is also proven to develop their communication skills, build empathy and can help facilitate difficult conversations. Students may borrow books through the school library which they either read independently, or depending on the age of the student, we encourage parents and guardians to read to or with their child. Each class has a weekly library lesson where students are able to exchange their library books.
While it is important to encourage your child to complete the daily reading, spellings and ‘At Home Tasks’, students should never be forced. We believe it is important to maintain and support children’s love for learning at an early age. In order to do so, we must cater to the needs of every child. Some children are motivated to do “school work” at home and some are not. Both ways are acceptable and will not hinder their learning experiences.