Homework

Homework is often a revision of what was covered in class. As well as regular weekly homework, your child may have assessments such as assignments or projects with due dates. A key to success is being organised.

Understanding homework

Homework provides opportunities for teachers to assign activities directly related to classroom learning. These activities may prepare students for future learning or reinforce current concepts. Homework supports the planned teaching and learning program and is intended for completion outside of school hours. Teachers should provide timely and specific feedback upon completion.

Homework for Kindergarten to Year 2

Kindergarten students are not expected to complete homework but may be given books to read at home.

In Years 1 and 2, simple homework may include:

  • reading books provided by the teacher
  • listening to and retelling stories
  • writing sentences
  • engaging in hands-on activities, such as drawing or sorting objects by category
  • practicing handwriting by tracing letters or words
  • completing mathematical activities
  • playing educational games that reinforce class concepts
  • participating in simple science observations or experiments.
Homework for Year 3 to 6

Homework for Years 3–6 may be more varied, allowing for greater independence. Tasks may include:

  • maintaining reading logs or reflections on self-selected books
  • completing book reviews
  • participating in STEM design challenges
  • writing short stories
  • solving mathematicqal problems
  • composing texts
  • practising mathematical concepts learnt at school
  • conducting research projects.
Tips for all ages

These tips are relevant for all students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

  • Ask your child about their homework, know what they are learning about and when assignments are due.
  • Write down on your family calendar/schedule when homework or special projects are due, so you can help your child prepare in advance. Make to-do lists to spread out the workload.
  • Get into a routine of doing homework at a set time, ideally a little each day.
  • Have a set place where children can do their homework, with the equipment they’ll need – pens and pencils, highlighters, scissors, glue, scrap paper, ruler, calculator, printing paper, a computer with internet access and a printer.Turn mobiles to aeroplane mode or off so there are no disruptions.
  • If there’s no set homework, encourage your child to do some reading. For younger children, it’s great for them to read aloud to you. For older kids, ask them to tell you about what they have been reading.
  • Don’t jump in and give answers. Homework is about helping kids become independent learners.
  • Encourage your child to start working on projects or special tasks as soon as they receive them – this will reduce any night-before stress.
  • Your child needs to do their own projects and assignments. There’s no point submitting work done by anyone other than the student. Teachers need to know what students can do independently – it’s the best way of planning lessons and providing additional support if required.
  • Turn off TVs, mobiles and other devices so there are no disruptions.