Teachers often get asked by parents, “how can I help my child at home?” Experience shows that a strong home – school partnership helps children in their learning so BVIS teachers are always pleased to hear our parents asking how they can maintain a positive, supportive relationship with school for their child.
Forms of communication
Firstly, please use the many forms of communication that we have at BVIS to provide you with information about your child’s learning and activities at school. Directly from the classroom, your child’s teachers send the home/school communication diaries and class newsletters. In addition there are the blogs for each year group. Further information about your child’s learning comes in the form of written reports and Parents’ Evenings, plus our Coffee Mornings which explain the curriculum.
Primary students attend Math Coffee Morning
Events and special activities also form an important part of school life here at BVIS. Along with academic learning, we aim to develop the children’s personal, social and health education through sport, music, outdoor learning and much, much more. You can encourage your child to fully participate in these opportunities and can read about our events in the weekly newsletters.
Reading is essential
Reading is an essential part of homework in the Primary School. At the front of your child’s home/school communication book from Y1 – Y6 there is a section dedicated to reading. There you will find tips for hearing your child read and for encouraging your child to read regularly in both languages. At school regular, reflective reading homework is rewarded with certificates and stickers.
Homework
Homework is issued every week from Y1 onwards. You can support your child by:
Setting up a homework-friendly area. Make sure your child has a well-lit place to complete homework. Keep supplies such as paper, pencils, ruler, glue, scissors within reach.
Planning a homework timetable and agreeing on when your child will do their homework. This may be following a snack and play period, for example.
Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no TV, but some children find quiet, background music helpful.
Make sure your child does their own work. Do discuss any homework tasks with your child and how it connects with what they are learning at school. Please give encouragement and help by explaining how to look up information or find a word in a dictionary. But it is very important that your child thinks for him/herself and learns from his/her own mistakes.
Praise your child’s work and effort. You could also display their project on the refrigerator or mention achievements to your other family members.
