By Aminah Boyd (Microsoft Corporation. (2011). Assorted clipart images)

The purpose of homework is to: complement classroom learning allows for practising, extending and consolidating work done in class strengthens home-school links establish good work habits to help children manage their time provides parents and caregivers with insights into what is being taught in the classroom and the progress of their children challenges and extends gifted and talented children. (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2007) (New South Wales Department of Education and Training) The meaning of homework is 1. work to be done at home, esp. by a school pupil 2. Preparatory work or study (The Australian Concise Oxford Dictionary, 1992) (Microsoft Corporation. (2011). Assorted clipart images)

Homework helps students develop organisational and time-management skills, self discipline, skills in using out-of-school resources, and personal responsibility for learning. Provides the opportunity for parents to participate in their child’s education. (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2007) Three types of homework 1. Practice Exercises help students to remember and practise newly acquired skills - such as memorising mathematical tables, practising spelling words, writing essays and reading for pleasure. 2. Preparatory Homework requires students to source and read background information to prepare them for future lessons on a specific subject - such as reading an article on the Gold Rush in preparation for a lesson in Australian history. 3. Extension Assignments encourage students to pursue knowledge individually and imaginatively. Assignments may include writing a book review, researching local news or retrieving items from the Internet. (New South Wales Department of Education and Training) (Microsoft Corporation. (2011). Assorted clipart images)

Proposed homework graph for Al Emaan Primary School Early Years (Prep to Year 4): not to exceed 30 minutes a day and not on weekends or vacation Middle Years (Years 5–9): range from 30–45 minutes a day. (Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development,2007)

(Microsoft Corporation. (2011). Assorted clipart images) Teachers are expected to: mark promptly and accurately so students have regular feedback take into account technology such as computers, and the Internet without disadvantaging those students who do not have access to this technology (New South Wales Department of Education and Training) Parents can help their children by : Creating appropriate conditions for learning and encouraging their children to complete homework tasks. (The State of Queensland Education and the Arts, 2004) Positive parental involvement in homework has been found to be a strong predictor of student achievement (Cooper et al., 2001c). Share any concerns you may have regarding the amount or type homework assigned with your child's teacher or principal. (Kidsource online, 2000) Younger children need more parental assistance with homework than older children. Go over homework assignments with your child. Do several problems or questions together, then observe your child doing the next one or two. (Kidsource online, 2000)

(Microsoft Corporation. (2011). Assorted clipart images) Prep to Year 4 homework should not be seen as a chore. Homework will: enable the extension of class work by practising skills or gathering extra information or materials and mainly consist of daily reading to, with, and by parents/caregivers or older siblings. (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2007) For Years 1 and 2, some formal homework is usually set. For example, students may be asked to complete some simple computations, to copy letters or words, or to complete an activity sheet. (New South Wales Department of Education and Training) Assigning homework serves various educational needs. It serves as an intellectual discipline, establishes study habits, eases time constraints on the amount of curricular material that can be covered in class, and supplements and reinforces work done in school. In addition, it fosters student initiative, independence, and responsibility and brings home and school closer together (Kidsource online, 2000) It also promotes positive attitudes toward school because homework allows students to understand that learning can also take place outside of the classroom. (Teda International School)

References Kidsource Online, Queensland government department of education and the arts – Homework literature review State of New South Wales through the Department of Education and Training, Teda International School Primary Department Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development,2007