West End Primary has taken a different approach to homework.  The term ‘homework’ can be a turn off; not for just students but for parents as well.

Alfie Kohn, author of The Homework Myth, is an outspoken critic of at-home assignments. “Homework is frequently the source of frustration, exhaustion, family conflicts, a lack of time for kids to pursue other interests and, perhaps most disturbingly, less excitement about learning,” he insists. “It may be the greatest single extinguisher of children's curiosity.”

Does this mean that ‘West End Primary’ is against homework? Absolutely not.  We believe that homework does not have to be only in the form of worksheets or homework packets. If your child does not bring home homework, the following activities can be done at home:

• Reading nightly with your child (a minimum of 20 minutes)
• Reviewing number or multiplication facts. (1 through 12 for P4)
• Allowing your child to assist with cooking (measurement)
• Teaching your child to set the table
• Going for a walk and talking about what you see. (conversation builds vocabulary)
• Review classwork that has been sent home. (check the week at a glance)
• Allowing your child to share what they did during the school day.
• Explore various websites or suggested websites that will assist with the curriculum.
• Occasionally; the P6 students may be given a few practice questions that will assist them with the Cambridge Examination administered in April.

We believe that family time is important and we trust that time at home will be used to enrich your child’s learning experience.  Each teacher will tailor the homework for the specific needs of the students. It may be two nights out of the week or more.   In the event you find ‘homework time’ frustrating for you and/your child; be sure to notify your child’s teacher who will be more than happy to customize suggested homework activities.  Although; students will not be punished for incomplete homework, we encourage students to make every effort to complete homework assignments.