This year we seem to be hitting a groove with homework. Through trial and error, we are finding what works for our family and also meets the expectations of school. In my children’s previous families, homework was never done. Because of their cognitive delays, extreme neglect in their birth family and learning difficulties, they need so much supplementary support in addition to school, that not doing homework was dangerous. And yet, I also believe firmly the best learning isn’t done by sitting in a classroom, or staring at a textbook. Instead I look for ways we can supplement – practicing writing spelling words with scrabble tiles, or on the sand at the beach, playing word games at the dinner table, making up stories where everyone fills in the blanks (using the correct tense), doing math while cooking, walking and driving. In addition, I’ve been using their loves (puzzles, stories and art) to supplement geography, history and art history. I once read that the average child takes reading a new word 30x for it to go to the part of the brain that is “forever”, for my son it takes about 130x, so quite simply, what is done at school is simply not enough, though they attend a very language-rich school which is working hard to help fill in his gaps. And I’m thankful, very very thankful for that.
Homework this year is
Mondays
- 4 english language sheets related to spelling words. These consist of unscrambling the words, placing them in alphabetical order, rearranging the words from backwards to the correct direction and a word search. In addition, my daughter in Grade 3 has to list how many syllables each spelling word has in it. We complete this Monday evenings and it takes approximately 75 – 90 minutes.
Everyday
- 5-7 french words (Grade 1), 10 french words and 5 sentences (Grade 3) to be written out at least 10 x each
- A french reader which must be read daily
- An english reader which must be read daily (my son needs to read his about 3x)
Weekly Tests
- French test on Thursdays (10 french words)
- Spelling test on Fridays (10 english words for my Grade 1 child and 20 words for my Grade 3 child)
Weekend Homework
- Additional french homework (words to be written out) plus 10 words for penmanship practice (both my children need OT and struggle with writing) and 1 topical piece of homework. This weekend my son had about 30 questions related to liquids and solids, my daughter normally has writing or geography homework.
Basically we need to spend about 90 minutes a day doing homework, and 4 hours on Sunday mornings. A more “typical” child with less delays would probably take about 1/2 the time, but it is what it is and I make it as fun as possible and I have to say, no longer get too many complaints!
What has worked for us is getting the bulk of the work (the sheets) done on Mondays, when they do not yet have the Wed/Thurs/Fri tiredness that begins to set in. We also do no homework on Friday evenings or Saturdays, I’m still “teaching”, or facilitating their learning through games, stories, conversation, planting etc., but they get a full mental break. Friday night is chess night and usually a bike ride, or trip to the park. Saturdays we garden, have their extra-curricular activities and usually make some art, as well as do all the laundry, grocery shop and run errands. On Sunday mornings they have had the mental break they need and are ready for a bit of home school. They love “mummy’s school”, feel pleased they got all their homework done and are excited about our Sunday afternoon hike and swimming lessons, followed by an evening of games – telling time games, french bingo, spoons and scrabble, as well as reading.
Homework sometimes feels a chore, but mostly this year I see that we just need to a way to make it successful and simply the start of all the other things we do as a family which learns together, each at our own pace.
And the good news? My son who was about 5 years behind educationally (didn’t even know a letter or number), this week, the week he has been home 1 year, got 10/10 on a Grade 1 spelling test with no accommodations! He has gained about 4 years academically in 12 months. He even got the bonus word right, bringing him to 11/10! His words “Mummy I never knew I was smart before I had a family”. Be still my beating heart!
Oh FT, that is truly amazing…brought tears to my eyes…I am too shy to comment very often. You are truly inspirational. your family and life is truly beautiful.
Sumaiya (lovely name by the way) please don’t be shy, I don’t bite, I promise : )
Thank you for the kind comment!
Oh FT! the progress your son has made is wonderful, and it is a credit to your hard-working yet loving approach. I am very glad for all of you that you are seeing the reward for your work and persistence.
I also very much like your structured approach with Friday nights and Saturdays off – children definitely need a break from work, the same way adults do!
So proud of the accomplishments of all three of you! I think your son’s statement has to be the most validating kind of treasure a mother could hold in her heart!
Wow !! That is fantastic progress. Well done for keeping up that demanding schedule. Big hugs to you all, but I think that statement just says it all… Just finished my own homework – if your children can cope with that schedule, I have no excuse to moan about mine
Your son must be so proud
For me, the trick to learning anything is making it relevant – it sounds like you are doing that!
Your son’s comment brought me to tears. Congratulations to the whole family! You have worked out a wonderful way to cope with a heavy homework load while still providing fun, relaxation, and enrichment–not an easy task! Pat yourself on the back!
It is Monday morning here in New Zealand and that was simply the best way to start the working way.
hmmm, working week. Clearly I need to practice my spelling and proof-reading too.
Fiona, I pretty much say that to myself every day! lol I’m glad the post is a nice start to your week!
You are amazing. Really amazing. Your children are so lucky to have you.
You are super disciplined in this aspect of life as in all aspects of your life, but what a payback to hear that beautiful comment from your son! I’m with Fiona, what a lovely way to start my working week. Love to you all Judy xx
Oh Judy, I feel *so* undisciplined! lol
Love to you!
I simply cannot express how much I admire you. You are truly one of my heroes.
Wow, thank you for all the lovely comments. Karen, I’m not sure what kind of hero I make, I’m quite certain if you met me in real life you’d be dissapointed! But thank you nonetheless! I appreciate everyone’s comments so much, it is like our family has its very own cheering squad!
This news is so wonderful! I’m full of joy for you and your family…..I think much comes from your organized and consistent approach to doing things, and I’m trying to do something like this in my life, too…..Totally different sorts of goals for me, but it’s about building a life, isn’t it….How blessed you each are to have one another, FT! I pray for you all.
What a beautiful thing for your son to say, and how wonderful that YOU been the family he needs to make him feel loved, special, and smart! It’s those little heartfelt things that children tell us from time to time that we never forget, and that make all of the challenges of parenting so worthwhile.
Your son’s words brought tears to my eyes. On the subject of homework, I hated the amount the children used to bring home, I felt they needed some down time to let it simmer in their brains, and time for family and just being a kid. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t try to find educational opportunities when I could. One of our family’s favorites were Mad Libs. Educational and lots of fun.
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I’m tearing up reading your sons comments!! Great job, mama!!