Home Learning
The best homework is the kind that helps children become confident learners, happier human beings and well-rounded individuals.
Homework divides opinion. Some families want more structured written tasks, believing it prepares children for high school. Others want none, being tired of the arguments it causes at home. What we know as teachers is that homework needs to be structured differently to suit children today.
At Ascot Park we do not set homework for the sake of it. Children need time after school for activities, for rest, and for their families.
What we ask for
- 20 minutes of reading a day, for every student
- Finishing off work that should have been completed at school
- Possibly a weekly task set by the teacher — spelling, sight words, times tables
What we encourage
- Daily physical activity, to build a habit that lasts
- Household chores and community responsibilities, decided by each family
- Time with family — outings, board games, card games
Why reading matters most
Every student benefits from reading at home, alone or with a family member, every day. Research shows a strong link between a parent being involved and a child achieving more at school, and the link is strongest in reading.
Homework is sometimes needed for a student who has not finished set work during school hours. A teacher may occasionally set an overnight task tied to that day's learning — if your child cannot get to it, tell the teacher.
A student who enjoys homework can negotiate a task with their parents or teacher, such as researching something that interests them. There are plenty of affordable books, and plenty of sites and apps with educational games.
Websites and apps we use
We use the sites below at school. You are welcome to use them at home too.
Please read the eSafety Commissioner advice for parents on keeping children safe online. The Department for Education's Our Learning SA site has more activities and advice for learning at home.
Literacy
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Premier’s Reading Challenge – Rec to year 7 All students are expected to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge every year. An extensive list of ’good fit’ books can be found on the website. |
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Reading Eggs – Rec to year 2 Students should know their logon and password. |
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Literacy Pro – years 3 to 7 This site allows students to answer questions about books they have read. Students should know their logon and password. |
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Story Box Library Favourite stories read by some of Australia’s best storytellers! username: ascotpark password: read123 |
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Typing Club Learn touch typing |
Numeracy
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Prodigy This is a game-based maths program where students have to answer a range of maths questions to progress through a quest type game challenge. Students can complete a placement test at the beginning of the game to assess their level. |
General
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StudyLadder This is an enormous site where teachers can set activities across many curriculum areas. Only part of the site is accessible for free. As students complete lessons they earn points. The site is not as user-friendly as it used to be and some of the free home access seems a bit limited. But you can always give it a try! |
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Quizlet Quizlet makes simple learning tools that let you study anything. Start learning today with flashcards, games and learning tools — all for free! |
Auslan
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Auslan Signbank is a language resources site for Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Auslan is the language of the deaf community in Australia |
