St Joseph's N.S.

Why have homework?
In accordance with our Mission Statement homework is given:

• To provide parents with the opportunity to become involved with and supportive to their child's learning.
• To reinforce what has been learned in class.

How can parents help?
It is very important that parents:

• Set aside a regular time for homework.
• Make sure your child is seated comfortably and in a well ventilated room without distractions e.g. TV, radio etc.
• Make sure that your child has all copies, pens, rulers etc. before homework starts.
• Ensure that all copies, books etc are returned to the bag immediately after homework is completed.

How do I know what homework my child has?
Junior/Senior Infants
Check the bag - if the book is in the bag then there is homework in it. The page will be marked with a 'h'. There will be a note inside the reading book to indicate the reading homework for that particular evening.

1st. to 6th. Class
Check your child's diary. It is the responsibility of each child to write their homework down correctly from the board. Children have to make sure that they bring home everything they need in order to do their homework e.g. correct books and copies etc. Chaildren are given ample time in class to take down their homework and organise their books.
Parents please ensure that your child brings their diary to school every day. It greatly helps your child if you supervise them doing their homework and are available to help and encourage them if necessary. It is the responsibility of you the parent to ensure that your child has completed their homework to the best of their ability. If your child is unable to complete their homework a written note of explanation should be provided in the homework diary or phone contact made with thrural co-ordinator or secretary.

How much homework should my child have?
All Classes
Children will be given reading homework every night varying from word lists to class books (e.g. class reader, history, geography book etc.) to library reading. It is essential that your child reads on a daily basis. Parents could encourage their children to develop a love of books by reading to them when they are younger and by providing them with books that they are interested in and by encouraging them to read.

Junior/Senior Infants
Homework may include work in the Letterland copy, reading activities, colouring, writing or maths activities or prayers or rhymes to learn.

1st. & 2nd. Class
Homework may include Tables and Spellings in English and Irish. Children are also expected to do reading and written Maths every night. They may also get written English exercises.

3rd to 6th. Class
Activities may include Irish reading, spelling and written activities, English reading, spelling and written activities, Maths tables and written activities. Children may also have History, Geography, Science and Religion activities to complete.



*Teachers are available at PT Meetings and at other times by appointment to discuss homework issues