Homework

At Hokowhitu School we have an expectation that each child will complete homework.  We believe that homework is an important part of your child’s learning as it teaches time management and helps to build on the skills that are taught in the classroom. Children will continue to encounter homework requirements throughout their schooling from Intermediate through to University. 

Reading

Ideally, every night your child is expected to read a book for at least 15-20 minutes.  These books are selected and read  for personal enjoyment and personal fulfilment. They can choose books from the school library or the Palmerston North City Library. Some children may receive books from school to read that supports what they have been doing within the workshops at school.

Maths

Instant recall of addition and subtraction basic facts along with multiplication and division basic facts are what would benefit your children the most. Below are some websites for your perusal. 

• www.timestables.co.nz

• www.matific.co.nz

We also have a basic facts ladder for the children to work through.

Word Study

You will be provided with some word study skills or words for your child to practice at home that follow on from workshops. This will change on a regular basis. They are:

• Mr Sloan's Literacy Group:

• Miss Tayler's Literacy Group: "ou" as a short 'u' e.g double, tough, flourish. Come up with 7 more and learn how to spell these 10 words (including the examples).  

• Miss Salter's Literacy Group: identifying and recording the 'long' and 'short' vowel sounds. eg: ape, act, heel, bet, ice, it, only, pot, use, up

Additional Activities - optional
We would love for the children to share any of the following activities they do with the class. Here are a list of ideas but feel free to be creative yourself. 

- Design a new game that you can play outside.
- Draw a blueprint for your dream playground.
- Make a musical instrument.
- Try a new sport this year.
- Make your own recipe.
- Make a map of your school.
- Make a bookmark.
- Make a scrapbook about you.
- Make a family tree.
- Make a board game.
- Make a menu for your family and prepare the meal.
- Make something to wear.
- Write a secret code.
- Make a bug catcher.
- Make a raft that floats.
- Do something kind for a family member and/or neighbour.

We do appreciate that your lives and the lives of your children are often busy, which is why it is important to make homework a regular part of your child’s after school routine. If you have any concerns please feel free to come in and see us.

Thank you for your support. It is greatly appreciated.