Home Learning
At Green Square Public School, we are intentional with our practice and use of language, reflecting our commitment to innovative, research-based practices. As part of this, we are replacing the term homework with home learning. This reflects a shift in focus from the concept of "work" to the broader and more engaging idea of "learning," emphasising our belief that meaningful learning extends beyond traditional assignments and is lifelong.
Research into the effectiveness of traditional homework highlights several compelling reasons for this shift:
Limited Impact on Achievement: Studies, including those by Professor John Hattie from the University of Auckland, show that traditional homework, apart from regular reading, has minimal long-term impact on student achievement in primary school.
Stress on Families: Research indicates that 88% of families find homework to be a significant source of stress, often turning learning into a chore rather than an enjoyable activity.
Flexibility for Families: Recognising the diverse needs of families, home activities should accommodate varied schedules and dynamics.
The Importance of Play: Unstructured play is essential for a child's development, offering opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and social growth. In our fast-paced world, it is vital to protect children’s time outside school.
Brain Recovery Time: After a full day of learning, children’s brains need downtime. Diffuse thinking—rest periods for the brain—helps solidify neural connections and enhances learning retention.
Fostering a Love for Learning: Long-term engagement and success in any learning area are influenced by a student’s attitude and disposition. Encouraging a love for reading and exploration fosters positive associations with learning.
Our Home Learning Approach
At Green Square Public School, our home learning approach is designed to:
Support a mindset lifelong learning
Address individual learning needs.
Promote positive family dynamics.
Acknowledge and celebrate learning that happens beyond the classroom.
Align with the NSW Curriculum, our school's vision, values, and beliefs.
Reflect best practices and contemporary research.
Reinforce foundational Literacy and Numeracy skills.
What Does Home Learning Look Like at Green Square Public School?
We aim to nurture balanced, curious, and confident learners who thrive both within and beyond the classroom.
Our home learning model is built on three areas:
Daily Reading: Encouraging students to read for enjoyment and develop a sustained habit of independent reading.
Numeracy Activities and Games: Using engaging activities such as games to reinforce mathematical understanding and critical thinking. Games can be engagement tool for family interactions.
“Being of Benefit” Challenges – The BoB challenge: Activities designed to foster independence, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills. These challenges encourage students to reflect on how they can contribute positively to themselves, their families, and the wider communities.
Home Learning: Being of Benefit
