Home Learning at St Mary’s CE Junior School
At St Mary’s, we understand that home learning can sometimes be a challenge for families. Whether your child is completing weekly homework or engaging in additional learning tasks at home, we aim to support both pupils and parents every step of the way.
We use Google Classroom to share weekly homework and other learning activities. This platform allows children to continue their learning journey beyond the classroom and gives parents a clear view of what their child is working on.
For families who may need extra support, our Emotional Well-being page offers helpful resources and guidance for both children and parents during times of change or challenge.
Creating a Positive Home Learning Environment
Here are some practical tips to help you set up a space at home where your child can focus and thrive:
- Choose the right location: Consider your child’s preferences. If they work best in quiet, a bedroom or spare room may be ideal. If they prefer a bit of background noise, a kitchen table or shared space might work better.
- Minimise distractions: Turn off unnecessary devices and experiment with soft instrumental music if it helps your child concentrate.
- Comfort is key - but not too comfy: Use a supportive chair and a flat surface like a desk or table. Avoid using beds for learning, as this can affect sleep routines and focus.
- Good lighting matters: Natural light is great but lamps can help too. Make sure the space is well-lit to reduce eye strain.
- Keep resources handy: Have pencils, paper and other materials within reach. Encourage your child to keep their space tidy.
- Personalise the space: Let your child decorate their area with artwork or motivational items to help them feel inspired.
- Use signals for learning time: If the space is shared, use visual cues like specific decorations or a tidy setup to show it’s time to focus.
- Manage shared spaces: If you have more than one child, consider creating a timetable for using the space and provide each child with a box to store their learning materials.
Balance and Well-being
When your child is learning at home, it’s important to include time for:
- Short breaks
- Healthy meals
- Physical activity
Younger children especially benefit from frequent, short breaks to help them stay focused and refreshed.
And remember - you’re doing a brilliant job. Supporting your child’s learning at home is no small task, and your efforts make a big difference. Be kind to yourself, take breaks when you need them and if it is too much, then please do not worry and speak to your child's class teacher, who would be happy to support you.