Student performance improves when children participate in literacy or learning activities at home with parental support and encouragement.

Homework helps students develop self reliance and good study habits. As well it helps them practise various skills learned at school. Since homework is the students' responsibility it will help them monitor their own progress, manage their time, and develop responsibility for looking after materials both at school and at home. Another feature of homework is that it enables parents to monitor their child's progress and strengthens the ties between the home and the school. Students normally have sufficient time to complete assigned work during school time. However, since students have varying abilities, interests, and work habits they may finish assignments at different times. Assignments not completed during regular class time may be assigned for homework at the discretion of the teacher. Please continue to stay in contact with your child's teacher to help your child.

Parents Can Help:

• provide a quiet distraction-free place to work
• reinforce the importance of completing homework
• act as a consultant offering support and help when the child asks
• when assisting, ask leading questions, to allow the child to reach their own conclusions and understandings
• ensure that older children record assignments, tests, and deadlines in their student agenda, integrate this with family activities
• have child explain what was covered in class or what they have for homework
• be the audience for reading practice, spelling or math drills
• keep open communication regarding expectations with the teacher

How Much Homework is Appropriate?
The amount of homework that students have varies according to many factors. The age and grade level of the child are the first considerations. The time of the year, overall achievement of the child, work habits, the courses being studied, attendance, and special projects all need to be considered.

The following guidelines are typical and may be adjusted as required by the classroom teacher. If there is no assigned homework, it is recommended that the allocated time be used for reading, studying, or if possible, school related computer time.

Grade-Suggested Time for Homework