Homework is not compulsory at Murwillumbah East PS. However, it is set for students and families to choose which components they wish to complete, if any.
In K-2 classes we encourage all students to be ready at home every night. We provide decodable home readers that children are able to easily read. They are often easier than the book read in class because we want reading at home to be enjoyable and for these students to feel successful.
As reading becomes more automatic and fluent, we encourage all students to read a novel or non-fiction book of their choice at home.
Our library is well stocked with beautiful, new books. Each class has the opportunity to borrow from our library each week, so you do not need to purchase any books.
Formal homework such as spelling, writing and maths tasks are also set for older grades.
Homework is often a revision of what is 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. To avoid Thursday night meltdowns about incomplete homework, read our homework tips.
In addition to set tasks and reading, we recommend students join a sporting team or club. Students who stay healthy, active and social are more likely to succeed at school and finding a sport or club that they connect with at a young age promotes an active lifestyle in later years.
Tips for all ages
These tips are relevant for all students Kindergarten to Year 12.
- Ask your child about their homework, know what they are learning about and when assignments are due.
- Use our term assessment planner (DOCX 53.57KB) to record when assessments and exams are scheduled 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 the kids can do their homework, with the equipment they’ll need:
- pens and pencils
- highlighters
- scissors
- glue
- scrap paper
- ruler
- calculator
- printing paper
- computer and internet access
- 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 assignments 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.
- If your child is having difficulty with their homework, contact their class teacher for help.