If we want our children to be successful in school, family involvement is important. By showing an interest in your child's homework you are communicating the fact that school work is important and needs to be taken seriously.

Children in Year 3 will often need the support of an adult to ensure they have fully understood their homework task.   Encourage your child to complete homework to the best of their ability.

Do speak to your child’s class teacher if your child is having significant difficulties with their homework. 

Reading

At Northmead we use a reading scheme called Accelerated Reader. Children are assessed to determine their reading ability, and can then choose from a range of recommended titles at their reading level. The children will be told which 'band' they are reading.  All books are kept in the library and children will find appropriate books by finding the correct numbered sticker on the books.    Once they have finished a book, they complete an online quiz to check that they have read and understood it, and then are given a further list of recommended titles to choose from.

Children can build their reading skills and stamina, and are not put off by books that are too basic or too demanding for them. They also have fun completing quizzes and earning points along the way. Struggling readers are well supported, and high achievers are encouraged to read books that really engage and challenge them. Teachers can track children’s progress book by book, and tailor recommendations to a child’s individual needs. Above all, children are highly motivated and inspired by successful reading.

Children will be able to change their reading book during their time-tabled library session, between 8.30 and 8.50 or at lunchtime. 

We ask parents to listen to their children read frequently at home, at least three times weekly.  The children must hand in their reading record every Monday.

Your child needs to read 3 times a week to an adult for 10 - 15 minutes; this should include some discussion and questioning time. The adult must sign the reading record.

Spelling

Children will bring home a weekly practise sheet which will note the words that your child needs to learn. These words will be taken from their spelling lessons, as well as keywords from elsewhere that their teacher feels they are misspelling and need to practise.

Maths

Your child is expected to learn their multiplication tables. Each week your child should work on the table they are currently learning. Each week the children will be tested. Children are encouraged to use Hit the Button and Times Tables Rock Stars. Logins will be in the 'Login and induction' letter sent in September. If you loose these, please email your class teacher.

Topic Homework

Each term we will provide an open-ended project based on an area of the curriculum that we are learning about. This project will be set two weeks before half term and be due two weeks before. 

We will then invite you to an open afternoon where children will be able to share their work with family and friends.

Catchup club

Homework is an important part of your child’s weekly learning, and we urge you to set up a clear routine with your child, so they can complete homework by the deadline. Children who fail to complete the weekly homework will be asked to attend a catchup club.  This takes place during the lunch hour. Parents of those children who are persistently attending homework club will be invited in to school to meet with the year leader to discuss how we can support you and your child with homework.

Try more, learn more, achieve more!