Dr Ian Lillico is the author of ‘Homework and Homework Grid’ (2014) and has undertaken action research into gender education and homework. “There is no doubt that children need to practice concepts learnt at school, within time constraints, but we need to broaden the definition of Home Learning. Any work that children do at home needs to be counted and parents and teachers should work together to ensure that children do some work at home, but not a lot of sedentary work. The Home Learning Grid is a solution to this old question of getting kids to do something at home and not opt out of family life. It will enable parents to get children to do their share of work in the home including housework, shopping, physical activity such as sport training and family outings such as walking, fishing and exploring the world – activities which enhance family life. It also covers areas such as reading, being read to, playing a game with parents, researching on the computer, music practice and many others.”

Takapuna Normal Intermediate School recognises that parents and the school community are partners in each learner’s education. We want our learners to be happy, confident and successful.

Home learning is an important part of the process for developing lifelong learning skills.

Homework Grids

Homework Grids are used to provide consistency across the school and flexibility for learners. Home learning will be presented in a grid form based on the research of Ian Lillico, a worldwide leader in the field of education. His research advocates a balance of:

• Igniting creativity and curiosity
• Reviewing and completing school learning
• Physical activity
• Cultural pursuits
• Household tasks.

Benefits

Home learning promotes lifelong learning by;

• incorporating a diverse range of activities
• encouraging all learners to be active
• developing learners’ study habits e.g. organisation, persistence, time management, responsibility and independence
• inspire creativity
• support classroom learning
• be inquiry based
• provide opportunities for families to interact in the learning process
• include learner reflection
• include three non-negotiable elements of reading, physical activity and household chores.

Home Learning Expectations at TNIS

It is expected that learners will have home learning the equivalent of four nights per week for 30-40 minutes to reinforce and enhance classroom learning. The following are guidelines:

• Home learning is to be recorded on each class’ google site or Home learning doc.
• It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher to set and acknowledge home learning.
• It is the responsibility of the child and the parent/caregiver to ensure home learning is completed within the timeframe set by their teacher.
• Home learning will be based on Ian Lillico’s Homework Grid