Homework at Greenleaf
Why do we set homework?
Homework plays an important role in supporting your child’s learning. It helps to:
- Encourage a “little and often” approach to learning (practice really does make progress!)
- Reinforce and consolidate what has been taught in class
- Develop independent learning skills
- Strengthen the link between school and home
We also recognise that children learn in many different ways outside of school—through activities like baking, playing games, sports, clubs, visiting places, and spending time with family. Our homework expectations are designed to allow time for these valuable experiences too.
At the heart of our approach is a focus on building strong foundations in English and mathematics.
Our Expectations
We aim to set homework that has a clear purpose and supports learning effectively, while still allowing time for family life and other activities.
We expect all children to:
- Complete homework regularly
- Take care and produce work to a high standard
If there are concerns about homework, we will contact you to discuss how we can best support your child.
Thank you for your continued support in your child’s learning.
Reading
Regular reading is essential for all children.
- Younger children will focus on phonics, blending sounds, and sharing books
- Children will also read books matched to their ability
- Reading can include books from school, home, the library, or online
Recommended: At least 20 minutes of reading every day
Number Bonds and Times Tables
Early Maths (Reception and Year 1)
Children will:
- Count reliably from 1 to 20
- Recognise numbers and order them
- Understand “one more” and “one less”
Number bonds (pairs of numbers that make a total) are introduced early, for example:
- 5 = 2 + 3
- 10 = 6 + 4
Times Tables (Years 2–4)
- Children work towards knowing all times tables up to 12 × 12
- They should recall facts quickly and accurately
We support this using online tools such as:
- Numbots (younger children)
- Times Tables Rockstars (older children)
Times Table Rock Stars
Children from Year 3 upwards will receive a username and passwords for Timetable Rock stars. This allows them to practise and prepare for the multiplication check at the end of Year 4.
How do children log in?
Logging in to Times Table Rockstars is very simple. It is accessed by logging in to https://play.ttrockstars.com/ on any device. Children in Year 3 to Year 6 have been given their username and password.
Phonics and Spelling
- Spelling is taught alongside reading and writing in school
- Children will bring home word lists based on sounds or spelling patterns
- Some children may also learn high-frequency (common) words
Older children may complete tasks linked to:
- Prefixes and suffixes
- Root words
- Spelling rules
Spelling Shed
Children from Year 2 to Year 6 get weekly spelling lists. Class teacher's will provide each child with a paper copy of the spelling list and in addition, they will set a host of games or activities to help your child learn their weekly spellings on Spelling Shed. You can find your child's login details in the front of their reading diary.
You can log onto Spelling Shed using the link below:
https://www.edshed.com/en-za/login
Pick and Mix Homework
During the holidays these fun homework tasks can be completed by your child and with the family.
They are designed to apply skills your child has been learning in school the previous term,, to extend their cultural capital, to get them involved with heir local environment, to practice strategies for well-being and to provide opportunities for everyone to take part in some much needed family time.
