Classroom activity 1a – Making the time and place – Current practice

If possible, have this session after you have either had a guest (e.g., students) visit from a secondary school.

Current practice (works best with Year 6 but could be for other year levels)
Students will identify what their current homework environment looks like. Record their most recent week. Show clearly the time, place and subject(s) done for homework. (Students might need to access their diaries or similar to remember what they have done.)

Time

Mon 30-40 mins
Tues 30mins
Wed 30mins
Thurs 40mins
Fri 0mins
Sat/Sun 30mins

Place

Mon – Kitchen
Tues – Bedroom
Wed – Lounge room
Thurs – Grandparents’ house
Sat/Sun – Outside 

Subject

Mon – Maths, Read
Tues – Spelling/HASS project
Wed – Writing
Thurs – Spelling & Maths
Sat/Sun – HASS project

    Discuss

    1. Does the time spent on homework align with what the school says students should do?
    2. Do the subjects done for homework align with what the school says students should do?
    3. Do you have one or multiple places where you do your homework? Why is that? Compare homework locations with other students in your class.
    4. How do you imagine these times/places/subjects might change when you are in secondary school?
    5. Is there anything you could do to make homework more efficient?
    6. Are there any resources you are lacking? How could this be solved or made easier?

    Extension activity

    Search for the homework policy on the website of your intended secondary school. If you don’t know where you are going yet, use a ‘maybe’ or a local school website.