End of term homework

Homework – a compound word that resonates down the chalk dust swirling corridors of all our school days. Home: warmth, security, a place to relax. Work: well, fill this one in yourself, why don’t you?

Compare “If you don’t hand in homework you’ll miss break / lunch / PE / life.” With ” If you do hand it in regularly you’ll be invited to the end of half term Big Breakfast in the hall where your teacher will serve you toast, cereal, yoghurts, juice, etc.” Simple really, and a special occasion to look forward to at the end of half term.

In a contradiction of homework helping students from lower-income families, a study by researchers found that economically disadvantaged students were less likely to do homework, especially if they have no access to computers or the internet.

I found that after Christmas (and most 11+ exams), my Year Six pupils were becoming bored and disinterested in the typical English homework they had been doing for years. I wanted to find something that they would enjoy and that was also a review (since at that point I had taught my students for four terms).